Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom G. Whowell.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Gordy’s was founded by Gordon “Gordy” Whowell and family in 1955 as a seasonal Boat Ride and Rental operation. The tradition of providing fun in the sun on Geneva Lake, started by Gordy over 62 years ago, continues today in earnest under the leadership of now the 3rd generation, Gordy’s grandsons Tom G. (T) & Steele Whowell.
Gordy’s Lakefront Marine has grown from a small, upstart business in 1955 to a diversified company consisting of a Marina, Cobalt, Marker One & MasterCraft Boat Sales, Service and Storage, Boat Rental, Ski, Wakeboard & Surf School, a Pro Shop specialty retail store (Home of the world famous Gordy Gear), The Boat House Bar & Restaurant and Cobalt Lounge…one of the lake’s most popular gathering spots featuring a lake view as incredible as it’s food and service! And, the seasonal Shore Shack & Surf Shack…a seasonal deli and ice-cream snack shop on the shoreline at the foot of Gordy’s lighthouse pier.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With any growing family business comes challenges. And over the course of 63 years and three generations we have seen many. Some of our biggest challenges revolve around keeping the same family feel with both employees and customers while, at the same time, continuing to grow the business. Both our great long term loyal employees and customers really feel a sense of connection with the family owners and operators of the business and look forward to seeing them working at Gordy’s regularly. The owner presence gives them all a feeling of being a part of “the Gordy’s family” and reinforces how much the family cares. However, as we’ve grown the business the family members cannot be present all the time and cover all areas. The key solution to this challenge is making sure we’ve got a great team of leaders in all areas to ensure that same family culture continues with every employee and customer every day. We have a lot of history, tradition and legacy here at Gordy’s that we want to preserve forever as it’s a key part of our successful brand.
Gordy’s Lakefront Marine – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Gordy’s Marine today is a full service marina, including boat sales, rentals, pro shop, restaurant, slips, service & storage. Our first days in business were at one location on a dirt road, and now we are spread out over several miles with 3 locations. We specialize in customer service & making sure everyone is having a good time, whether in the restaurant or out on the water enjoying their boat. We strive to go the extra mile to make sure everyone is taken care of no matter how tall the order. We are most proud of our team, none of this success would ever have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all the great men and women that have worked at Gordy’s over the years. Our teams’ dedication, hard work and attention to customer service and detail set us apart from others.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Our Proudest moments so far would be achieving #1 Dealer in North America by Boating Industry, 2 years in a row & now having been inducted into the Boating Industry Hall of Fame.
Pricing:
- Cobalt Boat Rentals for as low as $139/hr
- Ski /Board/Surf School for as low as $199/hr
- Paddle Board Rentals for as low as$40/hr
Contact Info:
- Address: 320 Lake Street
Fontana, WI 53125 - Website: www.gordysboats.com
- Phone: 262-275-2163
- Email: kelley@gordysboats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordysmarine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gordys.marine
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/gordysmarine
Image Credit:
Kelley Lynne
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