Sept 18, 2018

Recently, Cruisers Yachts recognized SkipperBud’s as its Top Worldwide Dealer of 2018. Though this isn’t the first accolade SkipperBud’s has received (they’ve been named a top dealer several years now), CYOnboard got to speak with both parties for the inside scoop. Both touted their strong relationship as the foundation of such success.

When we got on the phone with Dan Zenz, Vice President of Sales at KCS International, Inc., who works closely with SkipperBud’s, we wanted to know how he got started with Cruisers Yachts. After college Dan worked for a Cruiser Yachts dealer in Wisconsin for eleven years before taking a position with KCS International, Inc., builders of Cruisers Yachts. Dan came in as Regional Sales Manager taking care of the East Coast, and has been promoted up to his current position. Originally Cruisers Yachts signed up SkipperBud’s as a KCS dealer in Ohio and gradually moved in to Chicago, Wisconsin and Illinois in 2010, and the partnership has evolved from there. Dan tells us that many demos are done out of SkipperBud’s marina facilities.

Chatting with SkipperBud’s President Mike J Pretasky JR, the partnership seems organic in its roots. Mike also started as a young age at SkipperBud’s and by 16 was delivering boats all over Lake Michigan. A long-time power boater, Mike spent the past twenty-five years living lakeside. It was his passion for power boating that drove him in his career. Cruisers Yachts and SkipperBud’s have long been connected. They’re both based in the same area, and even knew Dan Zenz prior to officially entering a partnership. Ultimately, SkipperBud’s wanted to represent their hometown boat. Both are privately held companies and Mike can’t say enough about how it’s the strength of the relationship that has led SkipperBud’s to be continually named a top Cruisers Yachts dealer. As for the future? SkipperBud’s will always be looking for an opportunity to expand in the Mid-West and they will always want to include Cruisers Yachts with them in the Great Lakes.

It’s worth noting that Silver Seas Yachts, a sister company is the second place dealer this year, further evidence of the strength of the relationship between the two companies.