A Tale of 2 Boating Countries

Over the past 2 weeks, I have had the opportunity to experience the incredible difference between the American boating industry and the Canadian boating industry.
Before I left the hotel on Oct 30 for Day 1 at the Ft Lauderdale Boat Show (the largest boat show in the world), I checked my email. An industry publication had broken the story that Genmar's Chapter 11 reorganization (link - http://www.boating-industry.com/output.cfm?id=2345977) had officially moved toward asset liquidation. That made for an interesting dynamic for the Lauderdale Show to say the least. Sales representatives for the Genmar Brands (Four Winns, Larson, Glastron, Hydrosport, Carver, Wellcraft, Seaswirl, Ranger,etc) were reeling while their competitors were too concerned trying to keep their own houses in order to even mention it. Financial forclosures, bank reposessions, "No Warranty Sales", and dealers walking away from inventory issues or customer issues was the theme for 5 days in Florida. The remaining minority of quality, well run manufacturers were struggling to find customers to engage in a normal purchase conversation centred around products, customer needs and value.
Two days after arriving back in to Canada from the Lauderdale Show, I was at the Cottage Life Fall Show in Toronto. What a difference of attitude north of the border. The three day Fall Show has always been a great place for us to reaquaint with customers and build toward the Toronto Boat Show in January. Amazingly this year, twice as many customers decided to purchase boats during the Show than we had ever experienced at the Cottage Life Fall Show before. Not once was the economy discussed in three days. Conversations of customer needs, new products and relationship value were occuring. Customers asked about boat availability and our ability to take care of their long term needs. The show was populated with people smiling and families passionate about cottaging and boating were trying to mentally fast forward through the next 6 months to Victoria Day Weekend 2010.
Our world in Canada is almost back to normal and a steady economic recovery is gaining traction. More than ever, I am very happy to live and work in Canada.