St Petersburg 

•    Why do you love selling Aquila’s? 
Growing up and spending countless hours on catamarans in South Africa was second nature for me. I’ve completed a few ocean crossings delivering new power cats, fished competitively and commercially in the most treacherous sea conditions which are really unexplainable and I’m confident only cats could endure such. The majority of South African boating, especially offshore, is done on a catamaran of some sort. Weather it is a 15ft or 60ft boat, Cats can been seen daily off the coast concurring the rough seas that the country is so known for.  Being so far from home,  I’d probably say selling Aquila’s makes me feel most at home!
 
 
•    Why are you so successful at it?
It must be because I love what I do. I am able to meet new people, explore new places and change people’s lives.
When I’m not in the office, I’m on the boat every moment I can.  Getting to know your product is obviously most important. I was fortunate enough to visit the factory two years ago and firsthand was able to see the construction process, and the Aquila heritage. I have visited so many boat factories over the years, and Aquila Is certainly amongst the best in the world. When you believe in the product and what you do, the success follows.  I’m so excited to say my wife and I just ordered the new Aquila MC28, we are thrilled! Stay tuned for some epic fishing stories.

 
•    Why do you believe they buy from  you?  
If you can share the experience and let buyers visualize how they will enjoy their new Aquila, the sale becomes second nature.  Being passionate and familiar with Aquila I believe certainly helps. 
MarineMax enables this part of the entire process streamline for sure. Having the resources we offer is truly invaluable; Getaway trips, Rendezvous, Captains training, Seminars, Boat shows, Women on Water classes,  our enormous service network, BVI and Bahamas vacation company with an amazing nationwide hand selected team. Our events and infrastructure set us apart from our competitors. Truly believing in the brand and loving the boat is innately portrayed when introducing an Aquila to anyone!

 
 
•    How long have you been with MarineMax? Always in sales? 
I joined MarineMax in 2013, just after living in the Cayman Islands for three years while running a charter catamaran company. The Caribbean is where a met my wonderful wife Tiffany. She finished her Veterinary degree and we moved to FL where I joined MarineMax. We explored the state the first couple years just trying to figure out where we wanted to establish our roots. We spent a year in Ft Myers, a year in Sarasota and the most recent five years in the Clearwater/St Petersburg area, whilst part of the spectacular MarineMax St Pete Team (The Aquila Hub).
 
 
•    How did you get into boat sales to begin with? 
 
I was born and raised in East London, South Africa aka “The Wild Coast”. I spent every moment I could in my father’s boat shop, whether I was working on boats and engines or fishing and powerboat racing. I was basically on or near a boat every waking moment. My father Tony started his boat dealership in 1972 and still today he continues to sell boats and change lives. I’m proud to say, I have learned from the best, witnessing what I have growing up. My father’s passion and enthusiasm for putting families out on the water has obviously been hereditary.  I started selling boats when I was 18 and has been my passion for life over the past 25 years. I wouldn’t change it for anything! The boating world has taught me so much,  allowed me to travel the world,  meet so many wonderful people and has offered the most incredible experiences. I don’t believe there are many industries in this world that you can actually sell something and have so much fun doing it. Boat sales has accommodated a unique profession gifting me with many wonderful relationships, witnessing families growing hand in hand with their new boating chapters. This truly reflects the MarineMax slogan ‘United by Water’  - Justin Lindhorst/MarineMax St Petersburg.