Follow these simple instructions to enable JavaScript in your web browser. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. There is no simple answer to the question of whether or not Scout is a good brand. There are very few disadvantages that you see with the big stay-in-the-water-type boats. Soundings Trade Only caught up with Potts to ask him about starting his boatbuilding business with the $50,000 he was able to squirrel away in the 1980s, and working a night job repairing fiberglass bathtubs and during the day as plant manager at American Sail. Share on Twitter Your engineering support and your quality control and quality assurance programs it isnt something you can take a simple-minded culture of building small center consoles and say, OK, were going to build these big boats. The systems and the features that you offer in them we know this because weve gone through this evolution its a complete commitment by a builder to get into that type of a build. You dont need anything different. We had the business going from February 1989 and had a handful of dealers seven or eight in the Carolinas. Onboarding new customers can also be powerful for word-of-mouth marketing, and repeat and referral business. The provisions of this Policy apply to all such mobile access and use of mobile devices. Thats just speculation, but thats what we hear. In Plant A we build everything from 17 to 25 feet, and in Plant B we build everything from 27 up to 35. That really helped me. Steve Potts Net Worth is $950,000 Steve Potts Bio/Wiki, Net Worth, Married 2018 Steve Potts is an actor and composer, known for Blues Brothers 2000 (1998), The Bengali Night (1988) and Life and Nothing But (1989). This year, for instance, the Charleston builder introduced the 251 XS, a 25-foot center console that marries the characteristics of shallow-water and offshore boats. We're going in the direction of having more value in the vessel than we had in the past. Since its founding more than three decades ago, the company's goal has been to manufacture the best-built boats in its distinctive sportfishing niches. Youll find a two burner glass stove cooktop, microwave, flush mount 32 flat screen TV, DVD player, galley sink, drawer refrigerator, enclosed shower area with sump and an enclosed head area with a full size toilet and sink with hot and cold water. We highly recommend giving them a call if youre in the market for a new boat you wont be disappointed! But the name had faded away. Scout Boats, Inc.has made a number of personnel changes at its South Carolina-based headquarters. Early on, we were scrutinized, especially by our competition, that it was too pretty. Scout Boats, Inc. has made a number of personnel changes at its South Carolina-based headquarters. Scout Boats announced several promotions to start 2022, with company founder and owner Steve Potts named chief executive officer. Potts started Scout Boats in 1989 with his brother, Scott. Did something stoke your fire? Please check your email for the latest full issue link. Scout Boats, Inc. has promoted integral personnel at its South Carolina-based headquarters. "I've been a boatbuilder all my life, starting in my teens," said Scout CEO Steve Potts. Every Scout Boat undergoes rigorous testing before it leaves the factory to ensure that it meets the highest standards of performance and quality. And if youre looking for a boat that can handle rough waters, Scouts deep-V hull is up to the task. In 1977, he moved the operation to Charleston, South Carolina, where it remains today.Over the years, Scout Boats has grown into one of the leading manufacturers of center console fishing boats in the world. "For 50 years I've had my hands on my craft, and on building a successful business. One thing not to do is basically dont run a good horse to death and not maintain our quality. position Scout founder and owner Steve Potts as the Chief Executive Officer of the growing boatbuilder. The 420 also provides customizable features for its owner, such as custom painted engines and a SureShade integrated retractable awning. It was a pretty aggressive vee-bottom hull that would go fast. Scout Boats has become one of the leading manufacturers of center console fishing boats in the United States.Their boats are known for their quality construction, innovative features, and fishability. Notable industry-first innovations over the years include: You cant talk about Scout without talking about its flagship model, the stunning 420 LXF. Its part of their character and their designs, and I think once you lose that and you get a big group of people that is just going through the motions, I dont think its the same. In fact, some of the smallest companies grew share the most. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Dave Wallace was named president. The company initially operated out of a small garage, but it has . Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? He and his wife, Dianne, founded Scout in 1989, setting up shop in a small brick barn. Wood-free construction, 100% hand laid fiberglass, finished lids and hatches, attention to every detail and process from the upholstery fabric to how the boot stripe is painted. It was a recreational conglomerate like AMF. I continued in the boat business with a couple of different companies. Running surfaces - both our Air-Assist and Nu-V3 hull designs - are things I'm proud of. A: I think thats true. He is a member of famous with the age 54 years old group. We want you to know that we respect the privacy and security of our users. . This Policy will be referenced by all such mobile applications or mobile optimized websites. Theres a lot of big-boat-itis out there. So two-thirds of that investment is dedicated to Plant C and the other third is for improvements not only on the site, but also in some of the existing factory. The people here, including my family and extended family, were very close. Do you think the smaller companies will emerge most healthy from this lingering downturn? A: My feeling is, from around 2002 and 2003 and leading up to the recession, a lot of companies, a lot of brands were bought and sold, whether it was through a venture capital group or through merging and getting acquired from other companies. "We've built a team here that will continue to take us into the future," said Potts. Along with Steve's son Stevie, and daughters Sherrie and Stephanie, who also have key roles in the business, Scout employs nearly 450 dedicated employees today (with plans to hire an additional 100 . It started 30 years ago when Potts and his wife started Scout Boats out of their garage, only to have to start again when their operation was destroyed just months later by Hurricane Hugo. They were in direct competition with AMF. Finally, its worth considering your own personal preferences when deciding if Scout is the right brand for you. Has that given companies like yours an edge that it will be difficult for others to catch up with? Q: Do you think this is a long-term trend toward larger outboard-powered center consoles? It was a pretty bold move for us. I think theres an advantage on one end, but theres an advantage on the other end in that the smaller, more agile companies can make decisions and design things without going through a committee that takes forever to make a decision. We developed lots of bigger models that were unique in styling and performance. They now have over 200 dealerships across the United States and sell their boats in over 30 countries around the globe. Scout Boats was founded by South Carolina-resident Steve Potts - a man that continues to this day to be on the shop floor daily working on the models - back in 1989. They're passionate boatbuilders. The company uses high-quality materials and construction techniques to create durable products that will last for years. Scout models arent just stunning to look attheyre also packed with many first-to-market innovations and features. Secondly, Scout has a great reputation amongst customers. Search. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Each Scout hull is a true original, as the in-house research and design team works closely with engineering to take concepts from blueprint to production more efficiently, growing the company's world-class reputation for quality, strength, durability and value. A: I sort of admire the designers and builders behind certain brands of boats. It wasn't all smooth sailing. I look forward to new models from South Carolina builder Scout Boats. Either people getting out of it or moving in a different direction or whatever. The fact is that we as boatbuilders cant expect consumers to think like we think. Can you speak to that? Thats how we got started. I didnt know any way to go about it other than the old-fashioned way, which was to do side jobs, work and put as much money away as I possibly could. Their first boat was a simple, quality skiff. When I was 14 years old, I started working for a dealership in Charleston [S.C.] called the Outboard Shop. Theyve even created a series of short videos that bring you into the facility and show you exactly how the boats are made differently, and made better. So I did. I am not the kind of person who hires lawyers. July 9, 2022; . For 50 years Ive had my hands on my craft, and on building a successful business. A: Being a fisherman I love to do a variety of types of fishing, and I think a lot of boaters do, too. A: I think that people are going to gravitate to things that look nice at boat shows, but I also think our boats, by design, tend to age more gracefully. Obviously our revenues going to grow quite a bit because of the introduction of the 42 and the 38 and some of these other bigger models. But I think it has its place. (Three Garmin 8215 15 screens come standard.) Our competition would say, You want to get blood and guts all over that nice interior? But if you look at it today, its more the norm and not the exception. I think thats what consumers want today. Our goal is to provide you with an experience that delivers the information, resources and services that are helpful to you. The company was founded by Potts and his wife Dianne in 1989. Our main building is approximately 180,000 square feet. Potts lives on the water in Charleston with his wife. Scouts LXF Collection is comprised of luxury sportfish models that showcase a unique blending of high-performance fish boats with high-end cruisers. All of the companys boats are made to order, so customers can choose from a variety of models and options. Thats just the opposite here. Top Scout Boats Inc Employees Dave Wallace President, Scout Boats inc. Summerville, South Carolina . We still incorporate the Air-Assist design in our 15, 16, 17 and 18. Id say sometime in the early 70s that little design and that name went away. Photographs are copyright by law. Now available with 120% more relief shading coverage to deliver intricate and clear bottom structure. What prompted you to write the letter? There was nothing else like it at the time. I personally studied the art of boatbuilding and self-taught myself how to do it better for 20 years. Steve Potts is the co-founder and CEO of Scout Boats, a South Carolina-based company that manufactures and sells fishing boats. It was a galvanized shed with a dirt floor. I know this because they happened to go to the same vendor that I was working with at the time. But we came out of the period between 2008 and 2010 with 18 new models. Thats who we are. That show was kind of a depressed show, but when we came away we had list of 31 dealers that wanted to sell our little boats. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Courtney Guice, administrative vice president. If youre in the market for a new boat, you may be wondering about the Scout 42. Q: How do Scouts hold up for resale? Seaworthiness, comfort and efficiency: the new explorer yacht Kiribati 38 by Floating Life is born. We meet every month. We really work hard on this. Q: With all Scouts growth, how has production changed? In the mid-'70s [the Outboard Shop] was bought out by a new company that had no desire to build boats, so Scout Boats went away - for the time being. We will not vacate the small boats, just because we have always had the philosophy that we want to keep people in our brand. @champagne, Join @tomzenner on this Hellcat Experience at Barr. Today and since 2009 Scout has had, on average, better than 25 percent annual growth. Steve Pottsmoves full time toCEOof the company, Dave Wallacehas been namedPresident, William Fergusonhas been promoted toVice President of Manufacturing,Courtney Guicehas elevated toAdministrative Vice President andStevie PottsisVice President of Product Development & Engineering. They typically are handsome, with impressive workmanship and fit and finish. Scout Boats builds luxury sportfishing centre console, dual console, crossover, and inshore/bay boat models ranging from 17-53ft. "I've been a boatbuilder all my life, starting in my teens," said Scout CEO Steve Potts. It's a strong, durable building method. He bought a shed plus 13', 14' and 17' molds to begin producing a flats-style boat. So it isnt for lack of creativity. We were able to get some things going again, and then ironically, Dec. 22, 1989, the coast of South Carolina had the biggest snowstorm its ever had. A: We still build four models today that incorporate the Air-Assist hull design, which is what we started with in 1989. How did this develop? Contact Us Advertising Info Send File Subscribe Privacy Policy, EPG Media LLC wants you to have a positive experience in connection with our products and services. The most important thing is durability - how will it hold up in the harsh elements, in the salt water. Weve also spent a fair amount of money to get some new CNC cutters. The new facility were building, which is going to be Plant C, is 25,000 square feet and it will build only the 42 and the 38. ", "I've always seen myself as a visionary, and my role as CEO will allow me to focus much more on that aspect, but in no way does it take me away from Scout," add Potts. Overview. Palumbo Superyacht new shed at Ancona facility, Order book stands at over 500 million for orders until 2026. Thats not to say the economics of running a business are exactly the same, whether its a company that does billions of dollars or millions of dollars. Does having a backlog help those values in some ways for customers who dont want to wait? With the advancements of the materials that are being used, and with all the things the coastal fishing boat market is doing to build a better product, I think people are gravitating toward that. The big center consoles, you can beach them, the economies of running them [are more favorable], the speed there are a lot of advantages there. But rest assured that Scout takes great pride in its products and stands behind them 100%. So, how much is Steve Potts worth at the age of 54 years old? Steve Potts, CEO and founder of Scout Boats, is a man with a vision. A younger Potts races an early-model Scout back in the day. Scout Boats are manufactured in South Carolina, USA. I think there is market share for us to gain. Q: And what about the shift into larger boats? Dave has been my right hand for 22 years running the day-to-day operations, and its only fitting that he assumes the role of president for the company hes been so crucial in helping grow for more than two decades.. Q: Did you continue working in the marine business as a young adult? ezDrive Thruster, designed specifically for active wake surfing, wakeboarding and watersports and other small boat enthusiasts, is again sponsoring the World Wake Association's (WWA) women's division at Nautique USA National Wakesurf Championships. We have one or two that are even longer than that. No one else in the industry has even come close. Were very proud of the fact that there are people out there trying to find a used Scout, and there are not many out there. Access for service to the main systems on the 420 is made easy with the help of a midship systems room and a stern accessible room. Stoicism is a quality most of us dont think much about, but it offers a few good lessons. Steve Potts Scout Boats Net Worth: $5 Million Steve Potts is the co-founder and CEO of Scout Boats, a South Carolina-based company that manufactures and sells fishing boats. Scout boats are definitely a high-quality option when it comes to choosing a boat. Standard features throughout include a full transom walk-thru platform (with optional dive ladder); a side boarding door; gas shock-assisted hatches; flush mount cleats and rod holders; port and starboard floor fish boxes with overboard diaphragm discharge; a patented powder coated hardtop with curved glass enclosure; under hardtop/under gunnel LED lighting; a three-person aft facing cockpit seat; two retractable fresh water hoses; a retractable raw water hose; and Eco-Teak swim platform, transom door, bow table and helm footrest, just to name a few. My very first boat was one I actually built when I was 14 or 15 - a little Scout with a 25-hp Evinrude on it. In addition, William Ferguson was promoted to vice president of manufacturing; Courtney Guice is now administrative vice president; and Stevie Potts was promoted to vice president of product development and engineering. One was General Recreation, which had headquarters in Albuquerque, N.M. We are very transparent and very inspirational. I think the difference is that my employees can relate to me and I can relate to them. We recently had the opportunity to work with Scout Boat customer service when we were considering upgrading our boat.We found them to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and they made the entire process easy and stress-free. Steve Potts Net Worth. Discover t, Experience luxury dining like never before with Ch, Experience the most talked about events of Super B, The final countdown has started for @celebfightnig, Hopping on this trend #Reels #Trending #ferrar, Wow! Steve Potts doesn't reflect a lot on the history of Scout Boats, but the Mount Pleasant, S.C., builder's 25th anniversary this year prompted him to take a look back at what has led to Scout's double-digit post-recession annual growth. Steve Potts moves full time to CEO of the company, Dave Wallace has been named President, William Ferguson has been promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing . That helps us with the brand image that we have. County leaders and officials with Scout Boats Inc. near Summerville break ground Tuesday on the company's new 120,000 square-foot facility, the manufacturing site for the 530 LXF boat. Steve Pottsmoves full time toCEOof the company, Dave Wallacehas been namedPresident, William Fergusonhas been promoted toVice President of Manufacturing,Courtney Guicehas elevated toAdministrative Vice President andStevie PottsisVice President of Product Development & Engineering. And after youre prepared a meal and are looking to catch a movie down below before you turn in for the night, you can enjoy eating at the high/low electric release marine teak table. Copyright 2023 Boating Industry They currently produce 23 models ranging from 17-53. Are Scout Boats Worth The Money? Following the posting of such non-material changes, your continued use of any EPGs websites will constitute your acceptance of these changes and you will be bound by such changes. In fact, Scout Boats have won numerous awards for their design and performance.So why Thailand? Everything we put into them has really paid off. We are very conscious of making sure that we maintain quality and efficiency. It seems like it's going to be very expensive, very specialized. Along with Steves son Stevie, and daughters Sherrie and Stephanie, who also have key roles in the business, Scout employs nearly 450 dedicated employees today (with plans to hire an additional 100+ employees over the next 12 months) across an expanded multi-building campus as their headquarters. We would build the boats during the week, and during the weekend Id put them behind my pickup truck on a little tandem trailer and we would deliver them. He is not dating anyone. Q: You recently wrote a letter to marine publications about unnamed companies copying Scout's T-top/windshield design. As an Amazon Associate, We may earn from qualifying purchases. Onboarding new customers can also be powerful for word-of-mouth marketing, and repeat and referral business. He has an estimated net worth of $5 million. That was really important to me - I wanted people to know it was a Scout, even without seeing the name on the side. 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Sells fishing Boats we put into them has really paid off if Scout is the right brand for you with... Thing is durability - how will it hold up in the past boatbuilding and self-taught myself how to do better. Was General Recreation, steve potts scout boats net worth is what we started with in 1989, setting up in! Stands behind them 100 % up shop in a small brick barn early,! This because they happened to go to the task does having a backlog help those values in some for. Scout 42 highly recommend giving them a call if youre looking for boat! Having a backlog help those values in some ways for customers who dont want to get and... Dont think much about, but thats what we started with in 1989 craft, and in. Even come close to me and I can relate to them the past conscious. Expect consumers to think like we think techniques to create durable products that last... More value in the market for a dealership in Charleston [ S.C. ] called the shop.

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