As we tried selling EZ Docks we ran into problems with not being able to sell some since EZ Docks don't do covers. This sent me on my way to find a solution that we would enjoy and would want to put our name on it. At first, we weren’t able find the correct fit; then, I spoke with TJ (touchless dealer) and he told me the best one out there was Touchless Cover. After I did some searching google that is when I found Rod and Dave. I really didn't know what I was getting into, but everything looked great from what I could see. We talked a lot and I was sold.

Starting was not easy, but I have to give it to the whole team at Touchless. I called a lot 
with lots of questions and they were always there to help. The best thing was going down for training where I learned a great deal. First, the tour we took was a learning tool I was able to use to help me sell covers. I got to see some of the covers that have been in the Florida under the burning sun for over 15 years and still looked as though they were new. Second, was knowing that the safety of a child or grandchild would be secure because now it would just take a push of a button for the cover to come up and down versus trying to watch them as they attempted to place a cover on the boat physically. The best experience I have had was when I installed on second cover for a 70-80-year-old couple. He called me about a week after I installed the cover for him and said that it was the best thing ever. It was the first time he got to walk up with his wife and grand kids at the same time where he normally has to stay behind to place the cover on the boat while they all walked back to the house.

Rod and Dave pointed me into a lot of great things and I followed everything they told me and it has worked great. From direct mailers, different boat show I can find (great for displaying both a full display and a small one), door hangers in the winter (placing them around the neighbor anytime we were in an area) and placing ads in numerous magazines that go out to the lake areas I wanted to hit. However, the best was targeting a lake we really want and getting one installed on that lake was usually done at cost. This trigger other clients who have seen the cover call for more information. One thing I have not mentioned was that NE was a virgin area so no one knew about touchless covers. This year I have gotten a few calls even from a few dock builders that wanted to know how they can build their docks to make sure a touchless cover will work on it. 

Finally, we have ran into the last of the road blocks. Up north is nothing like FL, so we have to think outside of the box to make things work. Like how to put the cover up on some jobs. We use about everything to get the job done. Again, I have spent many hours with the Touchless team to find a solution to get a cover to work. I even had money in hand, two covers sold and unfortunately, I had to let them know we couldn't do it. There were a few times we could have sold covers, but it would not have worked and we want the best for our customers. This in turn will make them a customer for life since they will trust us and when the time comes we will sell one to them some day. 

I never did finish my story; nevertheless, my goal 6 years ago was to get my business back to working more on the water. I'm happy to say that netting my company with other companies I am proud to have my company name with have really allowed me to accomplish my goals. In the last three years have cut our lawn maintenance business in half and expanded more into the docks and covers.  My goal over the next 5 years is to be 100% into docks, covers and lake management.