South Shore Marine
Something to See
For the last 25+ years, South Shore Marine has enjoyed doing business in a great place by one of the greatest natural resources in the country. Last year, they decided their products, business, and team deserved the same tribute and began work to update and create a great space – Now 80,000 sqft of modernized facility, showroom, and storage. 

South Shore Marine is a full-service “one-stop” marine shop offering sales, storage, and a host of boating related services like mechanical work, reconditioning, winterizing etc., and is based in Huron’s Industrial Park. The company has been continually reinvesting and expanding its business in north central Ohio since 1989, but their most recent project was a major overhaul to corporate headquarters. The $1.8 MM expansion, built by Janotta & Herner Inc, has a host of features:

  • 14,000 sqft of expanded heated showroom – Making room to display 100 boats (up to 300 in the winter time) and to add a new line to their existing portfolio (now showcasing Back Cove Yachts, Chris-Craft, Grady-White, Pursuit Boats, Regal Boats and Sabre Yachts).
  • Polished offices for their sales, marketing and business office – Top talent with a good team culture has been a priority of South Shore since its beginning. They make a commitment to providing a stable, predictable year-round working environment that includes professional development and a career ladder.   
  • An inviting welcome center and lounge area for customers – Comfort is king at South Shore Marine. Their sales team hopes a stop at their shop is the start of a relationship and has created a place comfortable to visit, fitting for Ohio’s vacationland. 
  • A large community meeting space – With a growing team, customers and vendors who love to entertain, South Shore thought it appropriate to include a gathering space in its redesign. The meeting room can host between 40-50 people and has already been used by a host of community partners, internal educational events, and even preschool birthday parties.  
Renovated Areas of the South Shore Marine Headquarters
A Destination
President, Tom Mack, says he wanted the place to be part of a “destination”. And the vibe seems to be working – 700 people visited the facility last month during South Shore’s holiday appreciation event. While maintaining a “homey” feel, the facility is also meant to catch an eye as drivers go by the facility on St. Rt. 2. Their addition was well timed with the public updates to the adjacent water tower. Befitting the destination, the tower was painted to resemble a fishing float or “bobber” and adds to the visual appeal for visitors to South Shore Marine and the Lake Erie Shores & Islands. 
A destination has positive economic impact on the region – South Shore estimates less than 1% of customers live in Erie County, which means sales can be thought of as imported to the region, “new money” injected to the economy. The expanded facility has also meant the addition of 5 new people to the staff, bringing their team up to 50. 

Although beautiful, the improved facility is just one of many ways South Shore hopes to make an impression with their business. The team was also a proud recipient of a 2017 Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Dealer Award and has consistently set the benchmark for excellence in sales and service teams. 

South Shore credits a loyal customer base and the motivation brought by providing families an opportunity to get away together and relax at the heart of Lake Erie as reasons they’ll be contributing to Erie County’s economy for years to come.
Busy Holiday Gathering at South Shore Marine
Did You Know?
In certain retail industries that require a large investment from customers, such as cars, homes, and in the case of South Shore Marine, boats, showrooms are a critical component of the sales cycle. Showrooms provide a meaningful experience, allow the customer to interact with the product, reducing returns, and build customer trust. South Shore has invested in showroom marketing and is reaping the benefits. ECEDC helps new and existing businesses critically examine their sales cycle and find and utilize areas for improvement. Contact us to learn more.
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The 12 Days of Development email series recognizes and celebrates another year of progress in Erie County, Ohio. Throughout the weeks of December, you will receive email spotlights on a company investing, improving and innovating in our community. We can't capture it all, so let us know a neighbor we missed or what activities you've got planned to make the 2019 list! #ErieCounty12Days