December 26, 2008
The Triton hosts networking events on the first Wednesday of every month.
This month, that’s Jan. 7 and we’re networking at Claire’s Marine Outfitters, a Ft. Lauderdale chandlery and long-time Triton advertiser.
All Triton readers are welcome to come between 6 and 8 p.m. for casual networking in and around the offices of Claire’s at 2921 S.W. Second Ave., which is behind Lester’s on the east side.
Until then, learn a little more about Claire’s in this conversation with company owner Marc Burton.
Q. Welcome back, Marc. Your company hosted our networking event in July and we had a wonderful time. What’s on the agenda for the event on Jan. 7?
We are having a block party. Like before, we’ll put up a tent in the outdoor area adjacent to our store where we’ll overspill into the street.
We’ll celebrate the warmth of the season with refreshments and food, and Joey and Darren from Yacht Entertainment Systems will do the music.
We’re looking forward to introducing our company to any new people in town and, of course, networking with captains and crew to let them know what kind of benefits Claire’s can offer them.
Q. Tell us about Claire’s Marine Outfitters. What does your company do?
We are a yacht support company and chandlery providing supplies, support, equipment, machinery and the full range of outfitting for new builds and refits.
We specialize in operational supplies, including ground tackle (fenders, lines, protective gear), care products (soap, waxes, polishes), and engine room supplies, including rebuild kits and parts and liquids for maintenance.
We also supply all the water toys, dinghies and motors. And we can supply interior departments with things like linens, lighting, medical supplies, plumbing, bathroom fixtures and galley equipment.
Q. Is there anything you can’t get?
We don’t supply food. Other than that, there’s really not anything we can’t supply.
Q. Why is your company called Claire’s?
The business was founded in 1988 by Claire Miller, who has been in the marine industry for many years.
I acquired the store from Claire in 2006. This month marks my third year as owner, so the networking event will be sort of an anniversary celebration for us, too.
Q. Congratulations on three years in business. What were you doing before 2006?
I was in charge of purchasing and logistics for a small Caribbean cruise line. I did all the managerial support, purchasing and logistical supply, and shipping for our operation of six ships, from ordering supplies to finding resources and the best price for goods.
Our shipping knowledge of the Mediterranean and Caribbean helps us let captains purchase at the right price and get their goods delivered at the right price.
Q. With yachts tightening their budgets in light of the downturn in the economy, how do you help captains be more cost effective?
Because we are a one-stop supply and chandlery, there is very low overhead in our company. With our expertise in mechanical and technical areas, we are able to source and deliver goods cost effectively.
We’re the local chandlery where the old timers come. And we’re the alternative to the big brand names. A lot of people get lost in the shuffle with the big names. But our personal service is really sticky. We’re like duct tape.
We’re good people doing good work and we really stick with our customers to make sure they get their supplies on the boat’s schedule. When they deal with us, they deal with the people on the front end.
Q. What’s the hardest part about what you do?
The most challenging part is the logistical support, getting shipments (small packages or palettes or even containers) to boats in yards on time, sometimes in the middle of the night so a yacht can meet its schedule.
Some Caribbean islands are really difficult, especially getting packages to small islands like Bequia and even Antigua sometimes. But we’re always helping captains with our resources to get things done on time and on the boat’s schedule.
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