Serving the customers? lifestyles

“When they initially start out, they generally buy performance boats,” she said. “Then when they get married or have families, they want [more family-friendly] models. We are selling a lifestyle.”

Although Noone?s father, Bill Proctor, opened the business in April 2001 because of his love for performance boats, he quickly expanded the line to include fishing boats, cruiser boats and others so the dealership would continue to serve the customers? changing needs.

The formula works, as evidenced by the word of mouth Noone credits with bringing more and more customers into the 30,000-square-foot showroom. Many of those customers turn into repeat buyers, she said.

“Customers are very well educated,” said Noone. “They do a lot of research and a lot of feature comparisons. They generally have a good idea what they want to buy and want to speak to knowledgeable staff.”

That?s one reason Noone always seeks to hire enthusiasts.

“This isn?t necessity buying,” Noone said of the differences between car and boat dealerships. “We are selling something fun and want people who can pass that enthusiasm along.”

The customers also are very particular about service, which is why Noone has hired some of the most specialized mechanics in the industry.

Service manager B.K. Millaway worked for 14 years at a boat manufacturer before becoming involved in dealerships. As service manager at Performance since February 2004, Millaway is proud of the work his staff delivers.

“We are one of the dealers in Maryland that works on everything from high-performance boats to small fishing boats,” Millaway said. “We have the expertise to please our customers. We want all of our customers to leave happy.”

At a glance

Offshore Performance

225 Hess Road, Grasonville

» Phone: 866-547-3905; 410-827-0200

» Web site: www.yachtworld.com/offshoreperformance