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Whether it's on the worldwide web, statewide
print publications, billboards or many of the Bay Area's
most recognizable magazines, the Lauderdale Yacht Sales
name is prominent. After all, promotion is everything.
"We manage the best advertising program
in the business out here," says Tipton. "There's
nobody even close. Whether you are trying to sell your boat
or are looking to buy, advertising is the key. People have
to able to see you-to know you exist. The sales staff at
Lauderdale Yacht Sales is talented and well known in the
industry. We work hard for our clients. One of the best
ways we do that is by making sure their boats are visible.
When these boats get seen, they get sold.
Tipton learned the value of advertising
decades ago while in the automobile business. When he jumped
into the yacht sales business, Tipton was able to learn
from a local legend-Louis Delhomme. He may own the biggest
name in yacht sales today, but Tipton says he owes it all
to Delhomme.
"I got to know Louis from having bought several boats from him," says Tipton. "He was an icon in the business before selling his stores. Louis told me that yacht sales were a tough business, but that it was rewarding. He was right. To this day, I always think back to some of the things Louis taught me and how I have evolved with those lessons."
During his ownership of Louis Delhomme Marine, Delhomme also advertised abundantly. He made sure his name was seen, heard and felt in the boating community. Tipton, in many ways, simply has continued the trend. |
Today, the Lauderdale name can be found
on four different websites. Two in particular-www.gulfcoastyachtbroker.com
and www.lauderdaleyachtsales.com--feature the boats of local
Lauderdale Yacht Sales clients.
"We have carved ourselves a niche in the boat brokerage
market. We don't own any boats, so no particular boat gets
preferential treatment," says Tipton.
"Obviously we go into an agreement with clients with
the intent of selling their boat. Conversely, we cater to
the other side-the boat buyers. We'll do everything we can
to come up with a fair deal for everyone.
"I am proud to say that much of our business comes
from referrals and repeat business-that is buyers and sellers
who have dealt with us before. They know how our program
works from point A to Z, and they believe in our ability
to make things happen. That says a lot bout the work we
do. It's always said that if one person is happy, not much
is said. But, if one person is unhappy, he'll tell all of
his friends and you'll lose potential business because of
it. That said, our professionalism and experience speak
for itself.
"I have integrated a saying into our program. That
is that 'reputation plus rapport equals results.' Thankfully
we have a trusted reputation. We follow that up with a sales
plan that keeps the buyer or seller informed of what is
happening in the process. And, we produce results."
Those successful results should only multiply as the spring
and summer of 2003 unfolds in the Bay Area. Lauderdale Yacht
Sales currently has two locations including the Seabrook
Shipyard and South Shore Harbour Marina. Scheduled plans
call for Lauderdale Yacht Sales to occupy all of Pier 14
in South Shore Harbour Marina-some 60 slips of all sizes.
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"I started this operation several years
ago selling boats off the end of a dock on Saturdays and
Sundays near Sundance Grill," recalls Tipton. "Now,
we broker more than 80 boats, which includes $16 million
worth of inventory. Whether you're looking to sell large
or small boats, or are looking to buy large or small, we
have the answers."
Tipton has now been in the boat
brokerage business for decades. The continued growth of
Lauderdale Yacht Sales says he isn't going anywhere soon.
After all, boating is his life. "I love this business--all
aspects of it. I love the water, the people, and business,
everything about boats. It's a great life.
People get excited when they think about possibly selling
a boat to upgrade to a bigger one. If they're looking to
buy, they're excited to see some of the options available.
We have always strived to build personal relationships with
everyone we work with. It builds trust, but the bottom line
is providing a quality and fair service. At Lauderdale Yacht
Sales we do just that.
"I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work
with all of the wonderful boat lovers in the past. With
the business growth we are undertaking, the future holds
more great relationships for everyone. I couldn't be any
more excited about the future."
Lauderdale Yacht Sales is the most recognizable name in
the local boat brokerage arena today. Whether you're looking
to buy or sell, look no further.
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