Hello all again. What a year! I'm so blessed personally and professionally. Thanks to all of my customers this year for making it the best ever!
So what's new. Well, I've added a couple of very neat options that are getting more and more popular. The LED lights seem to be very popular and the water tight storage is attractive to many people who want to get their "stuff" out of the boat.
The LED lights are nice because the technology is growing so fast. They are making underwater lights now that are easy to install and getting less and less expensive. If I was not making custom extended Safe Step Swim Platforms, I'd be in the LED lighting business.
The water tight storage compartments are fun to make and are working out well according to the customers who take the time to give me feedback. Another indicator to me that it is a good option is that my competition has copied the idea. My webmaster told me to not worry about it....that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"..... OK then.
On a personal note- I took a three week vacation this summer to go on a boat up the Inside passage from Prince Rupert, B.C. to Skagway and back to Juneau. It was an incredible experience as you can imagine. The highlight was when I was hiking and came within 30 feet of a brown bear (Alaskan Grizzley). Luckily, she was apparently full up on Salmon as she could have cared less that I was there.
When I got back from the trip, I was able to enjoy the pool that we had installed. It is just a small pool that I use for excersize. I have found it very enjoyable as I come home from work and it allows me to de-stress and hopefully lose some weight while I'm at it.
I'm looking forward to this winter. That does not mean anything to those of you who don't know me, but for those who do, this is significant. It used to be when I first started this business that because the business was so cyclical and the winter was the most quiet, that I would stress over the financials. Now that the business has a solid foundation, I actually look forward to the slow down. In fact, I am planning on going to the Bahamas in December to spend time with my sister and her husband aboard their 46' sailboat. They made the trip south through the ICW al the way to the Bahamas last year and their story and pictures inspired my trip to Alaska. They've invited me to spend some time with them this year.....how can I pass that up?
So if the business doubles in volume again this year, I will have to hire some help. I anticipate that this will occur as I'm getting more local, national AND international orders. If you are thinking about ordering a platform, Now is the time. I can make it now and get it to you before the spring rush. If you have any questions or concerns, write to me and I'll assist you the best I can.
I'll be back in touch when it slows down this winter. Until then, cheers and remember, it's Five O'Clock somewhere!
Scott
