All posts by Ben H. Sherwood

About Ben H. Sherwood

Ben H. Sherwood is a marine industry veteran and a marketing consultant who operates Sherwood Marine Marketing in Pleasant Prairie, Wis. For more info, click About on the main menu.

Remembering an Industry Icon

Charlie Strang
1922-2018

Last fall, after 25 years as a columnist in boating trade magazines, I decided it was time to work on some other projects, so I told the Editor of Soundings Trade Only, Bill Sisson, that I wouldn’t be writing any more columns.

However, when Charlie Strang passed away on March 11, 2018, Bill sent me an email asking if I would do a special article regarding Charlie. How could I say no to that? In fact, I felt very honored to be asked to do this and told Bill I would be happy to write the article. And it was an honor. Charlie was President and later Chairman of the Board for many of the 30 years that I worked for Outboard Marine Corporation, starting as a District Sales Manager shortly after being released from active duty in the Air Force.

Everyone who knew Charlie and those who worked at OMC considered him a brilliant man and also very friendly. It was a pleasure to know him. So here is “Remembering an Industry Icon” that was published in the May 2018 issue of Soundings Trade Only. And many thanks to Skip Hegel, Tad Whitten, Earl Bentz, and Edgar Rose for sharing their comments regarding Charlie.

Marine and RV Parts & Accessories Distributor – Four Generations

I have had the privilege to work with and get to know several marine parts and accessories distributors over the 58 years I have been in the marine business. Several of the distributors have made a positive impression with me, but Mike Keller, President of Keller Marine and RV Distributors, Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania probably made the biggest impression with me. Mike is a perfect description of an entrepreneur who grew up in a family of marine industry entrepreneurs. Continue reading Marine and RV Parts & Accessories Distributor – Four Generations

Amazing Five Generations in the Boat Business

PDB family photo-crFisher’s Marina on Buckeye Lake, Ohio is a family business started in 1912 by the first of five generations of the Fisher family. And interviewing Ed and Josh Fisher, generations 4 and 5, for an article in Soundings Trade Only was really pleasant. Having been in the marine industry for over 50 years and dealing with hundreds of dealers over those years, it didn’t take long for me to recognize that Ed and Josh know the boating business well. They both have grown up in the marina and are very knowledgeable and focused on how to sell boats and motors, accessories and parts, provide excellent service, and keep their customers happy. Continue reading Amazing Five Generations in the Boat Business