MRAA Launches ‘Dealership of the Future’ Task Force to Accelerate Marine Retail Transformation

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) recently announced the formation of a “Dealership of the Future” Task Force, a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to confront the rapidly intensifying forces reshaping the marine retail business model and to provide dealers with a clear roadmap for long-term success.

The Dealership of the Future Task Force unites respected voices from across the industry — innovative dealers, leading manufacturers, influential partners and MRAA staff — all committed to shaping a more modern and sustainable retail model. 

Dealer Members

  • Jeremy Anderson, President, Walstrom Marine
  • Bob Bense, President & CEO, Superior Boat Repair & Sales
  • Bryce Brown, Principal, MasterCraft Colorado
  • Jani Gyllenberg, Innovation & Business Development Manager, Marine Connection
  • J Hurless, Owner, Reeder-Trausch Marine
  • Joe Lewis, General Manager, Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina
  • Joe Martin, President, BoatJunkie Sales & Service
  • Eric Smith, General Manager & Co-Owner, Colorado Boat Center
  • Kim Sweers, Managing Partner, FB Marine Group

Manufacturer & Partner Members

  • Thomas Bates, Chief Revenue Officer, Correct Craft
  • Ellen Bradley, Chief Marketing Officer, Discover Boating
  • Jeff Haradine, President, Barletta Boat Co.
  • Ryan Kloppe, Associate Director, Lightspeed
  • Jason Nierman, Chief Revenue Officer, Rollick

MRAA Staff Participants

  • Ridgeway Addison, Senior Director of Education
  • Stevie Cook, Certification Manager
  • Matt Gruhn, President
  • Jerrod Kelley, Content Manager
  • Steven Netsch, Director of Research & Strategic Insights
  • Liz Walz, Director of Learning Vision & Impact

Over the coming year, the Dealership of the Future Task Force will develop and release a structured series of insights, frameworks, and recommendations for dealers and manufacturers.

View the full press release here