Happy Retirement, Paul Kammerer and Tim Clark!
After decades in business together, Longshore Boats is saying goodbye to two of our partners, Paul Kammerer and Tim Clark, as they head off into retirement at the end of this year.
Paul was one of the original partners who created Longshore Boats in 1991 and he assumed the role of Service Manager. Later in 1995, Tim Clark signed on as a partner taking on the role of Sales Manager. These positions are where Paul and Tim flourished and have helped the dealership evolve into what it is today.
"Our team would like to say how grateful we are to have had leaders as wonderful as Paul and Tim. We will miss them dearly and hope they enjoy their newest adventure!"
Chris Meredith, the third partner who assumed the role of General Manager when signing on in 1995 with Paul and Tim, will now be the sole owner of Longshore Boats! We are lucky to have him and are looking forward to the future of Longshore!
We would also like to congratulate Rudy Quarterman for becoming Longshore's newest Service Manager! He's been in the marine industry for over 12 years and we are excited for his role in progressing our dealership and service department forward!
Click here for more info about how Longshore got it's start and click here to learn more about our current staff! Read below for Paul and Tim's farewell interview with me!
Paul's Farewell
Q. What inspired you to open up your own boat dealership?
A. "Drew and I co-owned our Matthew's boat and when we took it to get any work done, we weren't happy with it so we saw an opportunity to do it ourselves the way we wanted."
Q. What has been one of your happiest experiences at Longshore?
A. "I came in on a Sunday to fix some bow lights on a boat. The only way to get into the boat was through a small hatch so I jimmied my way in, then got completely stuck. I was there for awhile and luckily, a random customer saw my truck and came in to talk to me, realizing I was stuck after having a conversation with my legs for awhile. He eventually helped get me out."
Q. What has changed about the industry since your time creating the business?
A. "Well, the internet is the biggest thing. There was no easy access to inventory or parts and the productivity of our business is so much higher now."
Q. What is the most valuable lesson you've learned owning and working at Longshore?
A. "Nothing is ever as bad as you fear it's going to be."
Q. What will you miss the most about your team?
A. "Seeing how everyone comes together to get something done. It can be so chaotic with deadlines and it's nice to see how service to parts to techs to yard guys get the task complete. It's fun to watch when they're doing exactly what they're supposed to be doing! Everyone pulls through and they really care about what they are doing here."
Q. What message would you give Rudy Quarterman, since he is taking over your position at the dealership?
A. "Do what you think is right."
Q. What is your plan for retirement?
A. "My plan is that I have no plan. I'm going to do nothing for awhile, and like it, until I know what I want to do!"
Tim's Farewell
Q. What initially drew you to Longshore Boats?
A. "I needed a part time job and I liked boats. Saw an ad in the paper so I walked in, applied and got the job immediately. HA - that's exactly how it went!"
Q. What has been one of your happiest experiences at Longshore?
A. "When we took the kids out from Jenkins Orphanage on the boats. It was really fun to see their reactions and how thrilled they were to be out on the water."
Q. What has changed about the industry since your time getting into the business?
A. "Technology, certainly. How people research and buy boats has changed tremendously."
Q. What is the most valuable lesson you've learned owning and working at Longshore?
A. "An organization is only as good as the people who work there."
Q. What will you miss the most about your team?
A. "The comradery, watching everyone grow and watching their kids grow up!"
Q. What message would you give an aspiring, young boating advisor?
A. "Listen carefully to what customers are telling you. Put their interests first and always tell the truth."
Q. What is your plan for retirement?
A. "Travel for the first few years and cruise the Eastern seaboard in the Bahamas with Julie, friends and family!"