Setting Up for Success Requires a Solid Foundation
Published: Friday, December 10, 2021 11:00 am
Summit Marine was founded in 1989 with one simple concept: Design and manufacture the best hydraulic boat lift anywhere on the market.
It started with a simplified version of their current Hydraulic Series. In 1986, Summit Marine designed the first ever hydraulic powered boat lift. It was able to elevate a 2,500 Lbs. Hydro-Stream tunnel, a shadow of a boat compared to today’s wake boats. Back then, it was called the “Genesis Sea Lift.” Totally portable, clean looking, cable free, entirely hydraulic, fast, and completely powered with a self-contained 12-volt battery, it was a snap to assemble and easier to install than any of its winch and cable predecessors.
With the advice of some close friends and family, the “Genesis Sea Lift” made its debut at the Grand Rapids Boat Show in February 1990; then again at the national dealer show IMTEC in 1992. What was then the first of its kind boat lift, is now copied by several other major manufacturers. That’s a nice compliment. 
Summit Marine’s Foundation
Start Simple – Strive to be the best, always. Listen to your customers, always. Utilize the highest quality suppliers, always. Hire the most talented and dedicated people, always. It may seem intuitive but keeping standards high and never cutting corners has been a cornerstone for the company’s continuing success.
Grow Steady – ‘Too Big, Too Fast’ can be treacherous. Instead ‘Grow Steady and Grow Smart.’ Aligning themselves with the tested and true, whether discussing business tactics or engineered designs, they always start with a solid foundation and grow from there, enjoying double digit growth thanks to this ideal.
“We also couldn’t have gotten here without you, our customers,” says Jim Ampulski, Owner of Summit Marine. “You’ve told your friends and they told their friends. We even have third generation customers. What a great compliment. Thank you!”
Stay Strong – Design products that solve problems, look great, and last longer than expected. Summit Marine may never be the largest or the flashiest waterfront equipment company. Instead, their only goal is to be the best for you, the customer—you deserve it. Call them sometime and let them know how they’re doing.
Plan for the Future – Have a succession plan so the company, products, and service will carry well into the future. Family owned and operated for 32 years, they’ve created a long line of knowledgeable waterfront equipment enthusiasts.
Protect Our Environment – Reduce the company’s carbon footprint every year. Waste has been reduced to less than 25% of what it was just three years ago, and all steel and aluminum scrap is 100% recycled. There are preliminary plans to go completely solar by 2025 and, of course, all their hoists have biodegradable, EPA, and DNR-approved fluids. As a company that loves the outdoors, they see no other position than to do their best to keep it beautiful.
If you like what you see, find out more at www.SummitMarine.com or swing by the factory and test drive a lift for yourself.
tags: History, Lifts & Hoists
