Yeargin's leadership

[OKWAKEBDR]

I do not know anything about the inner workings at CC, but from someone with pretty decent knowledge regarding the management and leadership of a decently large company, I must say that Yeargin is doing a TERRIFIC job. I'm sure there are others within CC who deserve credit also, but the buck ultimately stops with the CEO. Yes, I'm bias to CC (although I have owned a MC before), but he has made some terrific moves. CC now has the #1 performing slalom boat and wakeboard boat on the market - which appears to have led to a large increase in sales (and probably margins). Evidence of that can be seen in the number of people switching from other brands to the 200 or G23. They're obviously selling more than they can build because now they're adding to their workforce. They also timed the move very well, with a moderately improving economy - especially for those who can afford a CC. The moves into the cable park world (BSR being the latest deal) are genius also in my opinion. Although that segment of the sport is starting from a smaller base (at least in the U.S.), its rate of growth is tremendous, and CC appears to be an early mover on this.

Lack of innovation is the death of a Company, and CC has appeared to stay at the absolute forefront.

I wish I could buy some stock in CC - although I believe a publicly traded CC would be a VERY bad idea.

[TxJole]

I agree, met the man I'd say twice. He doesn't know me from Adam but yet you leave feeling he's your best friend. In fact the last time he made it a point to come back around and say bye to my wife and I in a room of over 100. He's a people person thats what a leader needs to be, a people person to be a great leader. I don't own the latest and greatest and he knew that yet still no sales pitch and talked to me about my 08.

[F725]

I had the honor of being able to demo some boats at his house this past winter. He is the real deal and also has a great sense of humor!

[crobi2]

I'm so happy that Nautiques has teamed up with BSR. Good thinking on both their parts.

Mr. Yeargin really found a diamond at BSR. Stuart and family have been lifelong water sports enthusiasts. Stuart is a world class barefooter and Royal Wiseman is a world champion. Anthony Ruch, the wakepark manager, is incredible and they have Cam Talbert, Bryce Dunks, Keegan Biggs, Mason Skinner running the cable. Ashley Parsons is managing the pro shop. Jade Whirley and Lana Merkely have joined the crew, and I have seen Derry Malloy spending a lot of time around there now. J.B. Oneil made it his home last winter. It is a really thriving place and I feel blessed that it is in Waco.

Big thumbs up to Mr. Yeargin.

[NautiqueJeff]

I agree completely. I have watched as he has transformed Correct Craft over the past few years, and the work he has done is truly amazing. I don't know of very many people who could have done what he has done, especially during the rough economic times that we have been in up until now.

I am planning another interview with him within the next few weeks, once the 2014 product is released. If you have questions that you would like to see answered, please let me know!

[196 die hard]

I would like to see him make the 196 available again. The industry needs a small CB slalom boat.

[SkiTower]

I agree, met him twice and he was aware I was not trading anytime soon but still had a good discussion. And yes, he is backed by a great team. You don't get products like this without good teamwork.

As for innovations, don't forget the work on the electric 196. Interested to see where that has gone.

[ES]

Haven't met the guy personally, but the product innovation and quality speaks for itself.

Jeff, for your next interview, can you please ask him about his plans to get dealers to the same level of quality Nautique is known for?
I know some dealers are phenomenal, but some are just plain awful. My experience has been so poor that it nearly turned me away from Nautique - and I love the brand!
Anyway, would be interesting if Yeargin had plans to step up in that area and gathered more customer feedback to determine whether each dealer is cutting it (and not just based on product sales). Thank you.

[DanielC]

To be honest, I do not know f this is my perceived perception, or not. I also realize the last few years have been hard for boat companies to get through, and come out on this end successful. Bill Yeargin has done an excellent job in that area

Having said that, in my perception, right or wrong, it seemed to me that when Correct Craft was still mainly controlled by one family there seems to be more availability on parts, upholstery, and many of the other things needed to keep an older boat running, and looking good. Now I know it is obviously more profitable for a boat company to sell a new boat rather than maintain an inventory of parts for 10 to 20 year or more old models.

You will also notice I said Correct Craft. It seems that the company is trying to move away from that name. Why?
Correct Craft since 1925. Do they realize how powerful of a heritage is in that simple slogan?

I too think Correct Craft should reintroduce the closed bow 196. I fully believe that Correct Craft could take the knowledge gained in designing the Ski 200, and apply that to a new hull on a 196 closed bow platform, and make a even better slalom boat that the 200 currently is.

[AirTool]

To be honest, I do not know f this is my perceived perception, or not..... .

Excellent points DC to temper the discussion. That reminds me....I need to call and check on a part for my 2006 before the "sell out." There are already some parts they've told me aren't available....(and that would apply to even newer models w/similar designs).

I was going to chime in on the thread but I'm going enjoy the responses first...then add.

[Pjoachim]

I had have nothing but great experiences with the company for the past 15 years. I think the dealers are the people that should be thanked as well, they are the ones we deal with the most. Hopefully the leadership realizes that and rewards the best ones.

[Bimmerboyz]

Go back 6+ years, Nautuque wasn't as flashy as they are now. Now it's basically a giant advertisement, the same thing MC and Malibu do. I dislike that.

I agree about the name Correct Craft. It needs to be placed somewhere on the boat.

The "Crest" is getting a little out of hand. I am afraid it's turning into the Trendy boat.

[s_kelley2000]

I too would like to see the Correct Craft name be used a little more prominently. They seemed to be heading that direction a few years back when they had Correct Craft on the transom. It's a great 88 year heritage that deserves to be honored. I would be interested to hear Bill's take on this when you interview him.

Overall I do think he has done an excellent job sustaining and growing through a down economy.

[scarbs]

[QUOTE=s_kelley2000;209530]I too would like to see the Correct Craft name be used a little more prominently.

+1

[obd666]

I need to call and check on a part for my 2006 before the "sell out." There are already some parts they've told me aren't available

am curious what is no longer available? is scary to think that some parts are already not available on an 06