Channel Marine

[eye spy]

Hey just found out that Sales man Big Jim was let go today from Channel Marine. Last Sept. made 20 years working there for him. Use to know all the people working there but only two now from just four years ago.

What is going on over there.

[Phantom]

Wow -- I'm truely shocked!!

If Linda goes ............... so do I !!

[bobio]

Jim is one of the nicest people you could meet. I bought my boat from him 5 years ago. It was a great experience. Wish I could of bought a new boat from him every year. I wish him the best of luck.

[Paugus Bay Resident]

Jim P's a great guy. Sorry to hear this. I bought 3 boats from him (in the Littlefield days), and it was a great place. Just wasn't the same when it changed hands.

[Winnipesaukee]

Big, big mistake....

[robmac]

Does anybody know where Jim landed? He was always a great guy and friend to all that knew him.

[LIforrelaxin]

Hey just found out that Sales man Big Jim was let go today from Channel Marine. Last Sept. made 20 years working there for him. Use to know all the people working there but only two now from just four years ago.

What is going on over there.

Was he "let go" or maybe did he decide to go?

[Wolfeboro_Baja]

I just talked with Jim on the 12th when we were dropping our boat off for winterizing. If he quit them, he didn't say anything while we were talking with him!! Hope everything works out OK for him; we bought both of our Baja's from Jim, the first one at the New England Boat Show back in 1999. He's a nice guy; I'll miss him. :(

It will be interesting to see if any other changes are made at Channel!

[cowisl]

Jim is a great guy. Unfortunately he was let go. Channels loss. I am sure he will land on his feet.

[Orion]

Sadly, I'm sure it's just the beginning of stories such as this from this industry. I don't think many people are plunking down a big chunk of change on boats, RVs, cars, etc. in this current economy.

On the flip side, there may be some good deals out there.

[pbear56]

Jim P is probably one of the nicest and most well respected business person on this lake. He has always treated people with respect and dignity, no matter if you were that rich guy from New York or Mass, or a family first time boater that has saved for 10 years to buy the 18 ft boat of your dreams. You could be assured that as you were signing that big check, that you had a smile on your face, and you got a genuinely warm handshake each and every time he saw you. That is GOOD business my friends. Letting this guy go for economic reasons is probably the most stupid thing I have heard to date. Jim WAS Channel Marine for many years. He brought a well respected business owned by the Littlefields and earlier, to a new level by having a following that NO boat dealer on this lake has even now.
It just goes to show you that some business owners do not know, nor do they care about their future customers and what really draws them to their business. It's maybe 20% the product, 30% the after sale service factor, and 50% the way you are TREATED from start to finish and beyond. Jim knows how to, naturally and the way it should be, make you want to come back for MORE AND MORE! You lost Channel! Big time! How stupid a decision you made bacause the market will not always be down and when it comes back you'll realize how big a mistake you made. Those kids and grandkids of the people he "respected", will go somewhere else.
And for all you business people out there....Jim could show your staff how to win and win....and how it's suppose to be done. Thanks Jim, for everything you did all those years. Good luck in the future.

[sa meredith]

I don't get this.....
Noone has confirmed Jim was "let go".
Is it possible, as with any sales job, the payplan is mostly commission based? And the commissions simply are not there any more? So Jim left in pursuit of other opportunities?
While I'm sure such a valuable, long time employee must have drawn some type of base salary, my guess would be a large portion of his income was commission based. This is just a guess...I have no knowledge of the situation.
What confuses me is a stir in this thread about a salesperson (even a highly skilled successful one) leaving his current position. I don't know how anyone could find this strange, in light of current economic conditions. I'm sure this is the norm right now, with many retail salespeople, not the exception.
People that sell high ticket items simply need qualified buyers, that are willing to buy, to be "in the market". That is not what is happening right now.

[brk-lnt]

I don't get this.....
Noone has confirmed Jim was "let go".
Is it possible, as with any sales job, the payplan is mostly commission based? And the commissions simply are not there any more? So Jim left in pursuit of other opportunities?
While I'm sure such a valuable, long time employee must have drawn some type of base salary, my guess would be a large portion of his income was commission based. This is just a guess...I have no knowledge of the situation.
What confuses me is a stir in this thread about a salesperson (even a highly skilled successful one) leaving his current position. I don't know how anyone could find this strange, in light of current economic conditions. I'm sure this is the norm right now, with many retail salespeople, not the exception.
People that sell high ticket items simply need qualified buyers, that are willing to buy, to be "in the market". That is not what is happening right now.

I have to say that I agree with you overall. There is a lot of ranting going on here based on a lot of speculation.

While we have all met "stupid" business owners, most actually know what they are doing. If Jim was in fact let go, I would expect it would have been after careful consideration, and not just some random act.

I also wonder how many people truly bring a lot of repeat business there. I've never bought a boat from Channel, so I've never met Jim, so this event really has no bearing on my decision to do future business there. My guess is that as far as future business is concerned, there is more new/untapped buyer potential than repeat buyer potential. Meaning that while this RIF might get a few people worked up, those folks are in the minority.

By and large, it seems that a lot of people here get really worked up about how local business operate. A business is there to make money first, and serve other community interests second. Despite what people might prefer, no one is owed a job or anything else, every day is a new contract.

[TiltonBB]

I have stopped at Channel Marine many times each season over the past 30 years. Although I was aware of the change in ownership a few years ago, I wouldn't know the "new" owners if I tripped over them. It may take some time for them to realize it, but by letting Jim go they may have shot themselves in the foot.

Jim P. is a great guy. He was always out front to greet customers and friends and that was a tremendous good will builder for the business. The time he spent as an ambassador for Channel Marine came back to them in dollars many times over. I know I stopped there often for boat gas or to buy something in their store just because Jim was there. He will be sorely missed.

To me, Jim P. was Channel Marine

[sa meredith]

I have stopped at Channel Marine many times each season over the past 30 years. Although I was aware of the change in ownership a few years ago, I wouldn't know the "new" owners if I tripped over them. It may take some time for them to realize it, but by letting Jim go they may have shot themselves in the foot.

Jim P. is a great guy. He was always out front to greet customers and friends and that was a tremendous good will builder for the business. The time he spent as an ambassador for Channel Marine came back to them in dollars many times over. I know I stopped there often for boat gas or to buy something in their store just because Jim was there. He will be sorely missed.

To me, Jim P. was Channel Marine

When did you confirm he was "let go"?
As opposed to leaving by his own choice.

[TiltonBB]

I'm glad you asked. I forgot to mention it.

I did confirm today that it was not his choice. (And not handled very well, or professionally by the owners either)

[Phantom]

TiltonBB -- I have to agree with you !!

I am a "repeat customer" of Channel, and have tried my damnest through the years to support them by utilizing the gas docks and services (repairs/storage). To that end I have Always been treated very well by the overall staff (if only in my head) -- I know there are many others out there lurking as well.

I too would not know the new owners if I tripped over them on the gas dock-- kind of a pity actually-- To your point, Jim P was the "storefront" or image (as was Billy Jr in days gone bye) -- always around, always cheerful, and always ready to chat it up and make you feel at home at the Marina. I too will miss this "fixture" and hope that the overhaul doesn't leak into Service and affect Linda whom appears to be the Last of the best left.

With all that said -- I stand back and respect the fact that it is a business and the owners have/had their reasons which are not for us to know (rightfully) nor to be debated on a public forum. I, as a small business owner myself, am a firm believer of the "Three sides to a Story" theory -- His side / her side / and the REAL story!!!

I wish Jim the best of luck

[cowisl]

When did you confirm he was "let go"?
As opposed to leaving by his own choice.

Thought i already confirmed that he was let go. It was not by his own choice.

I am sure he will land on his feet

[GWC...]

TiltonBB -- I have to agree with you !!

I too would not know the new owners if I tripped over them on the gas dock-- kind of a pity actually-- To your point, Jim P was the "storefront" or image (as was Billy Jr in days gone bye) -- always around, always cheerful, and always ready to chat it up and make you feel at home at the Marina. I too will miss this "fixture" and hope that the overhaul doesn't leak into Service and affect Linda whom appears to be the Last of the best left.

I wish Jim the best of luck
Don't forget Vinnie and his daughter, mentioning days gone by...

[robmac]

Anyone know where Jim P landed ??

[WeirsBeachBoater]

Anyone know where Jim P landed ??

Cantin Chevrolet Union Ave Laconia