After 15 years working at MarineMax before joining West Marine and serving on several marine-industry boards, Paulee Day is now West Marine’s CEO—and perfectly suited for the role. “My years in the industry, as well as my experience as a boater and long-term customer of West Marine, have given me invaluable insights regarding the needs of boaters, both in terms of product and the need for reliable guidance from a trusted retail partner,” Day says. “As boaters serving boaters, we have an abundance of know-how to share with our customers, along with the right products—fairly priced and available when and where needed—to fulfill our mission every day.”
You’ve said West Marine is “uniquely positioned” in marine retail. Can you elaborate on that?
West Marine is the only omnichannel aftermarket marine retailer with an extensive retail footprint across the U.S. and online sales platforms serving both retail customers and marine professionals. We are uniquely positioned to provide all the products and services wanted and needed by our boaters and anglers and marine professionals, where and when they want it, through our extensive inventory and drop-ship capabilities for marine products, and provide them with the solutions they need to enjoy the water.
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You’ve been deeply involved in industry standards through the American Boat & Yacht Council. How does that influence how West Marine selects and curates products?
ABYC is widely regarded as the premier authority that sets the standards for safety in recreational boating. Similarly, at West Marine, we value safety above all else and focus on providing reliable products and the know-how needed to enable safe, reliable, and enjoyable time on the water. With our recent affiliation with ABYC, West Marine is now the only retailer that sells marine products that are certified to ABYC safety standards. By buying a West Marine ABYC-certified product, a customer can be comfortable and assured that they have purchased the safest product available in the industry.
How does being a lifelong boater inform the way you lead?
I understand the passion of our customers for boating and fishing. My best memories in life have been made on the water; these moments with family and friends in our busy lives are precious. West Marine is eminently qualified to help customers enjoy these cherished moments on the water by helping them get what they need, efficiently and effectively. Because of our personal boating experience, so we are always focused on putting the customer first and doing what it takes to help customers get out on the water and make cherished memories.
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