Article by Derrick Marshall, Lightspeed Sales Executive — Featured on MRAA.com

Read the full article on MRAA →

A new boat sale is just the beginning. The real long-term value for marine dealerships lies in how often customers use their boats — and how well dealerships stay connected throughout the ownership journey. In a featured article on the MRAA website, Lightspeed Sales Executive Derrick Marshall shares proven strategies to boost both boat usage and customer retention year-round.

The article outlines how a strong post-sale strategy — including onboarding, education, and seasonal engagement — not only drives service and parts revenue but also increases the likelihood of future purchases and referrals.

Highlights from the article include:

  • The importance of a structured onboarding experience that supports new boat owners during their first 90 days.
  • A full year’s worth of seasonal customer touchpoints, from spring events and summer accessory promotions to fall trade-in offers and winter storage deals.
  • How dealerships can use tools like CRMs and dealership management systems to automate communications and drive engagement across departments.

Read the full article on MRAA.com:
Maximizing Boat Use and Customer Retention

Derrick Marshall

Derrick Marshall

Lightspeed Territory Manager

As the Territory Manager for Northeast US at Lightspeed, I help our Marine customers find the best solutions for their business needs. I have been with Lightspeed for over four years, and I have experience in training and outside sales. I know the ins and outs of the Marine and Powersports industries, as prior to joining Lightspeed, I spent time working for a number of Powersports dealers. Plus, I worked as a sales rep for an aftermarket exhaust manufacturer where my clients were Powersports dealerships. Today, I apply my knowledge and skills to create new business opportunities and foster long-term relationships with our Marine dealers. I love anything that involves water, wheels, or wings. When I’m not working, you can find me boating, riding motorcycles, or doing anything that involves airplanes.

Lightspeed is the #1 DMS (Dealer Management Solution) used within the Recreation industry for a good reason. We provide a completely integrated solution for dealers, OEMs and their customers. Our goal is to help you operate your business more efficiently and profitably so you can spend more time doing what you love.

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