| For those of you curious about our origins, here is an overview of the company with a little history. A & J was established in Marion in 1962. Despite being a fully functional boat yard and a success in the community, it started to take a turn for the worse in the late 1990’s. In 2004, Richie Patten took on the daunting task of bringing back what the boating community had lost. Working through the abandoned boats, damaged buildings, and lack of customers, Richie managed to re-create the full- service yard of the 1960's that seemed to have been forgotten. Richie, his two sons, Richie Jr and Shawn, Kim Bowman and Ron Cameron make up the dedicated team at A & J. Together they continue to build the business and grow despite an uncertain economy. Richie Jr has been with A & J since his dad took over. He is an extremely hard-worker who is the man of all trades. From hauling your boat and working on your engine, to maintaining and organizing the yard, he truly is a great asset to this company. Shawn joined the team in August 2007. Graduating from a marine technology institute in Orlando, Florida he is now certified in both Yamaha and Evinrude outboards, capable of all engine repairs whether it's just a tune up or a mechanical breakdown. Ron came on early in 2007. Kim, the newest member of the team, joins A & J with several years experience in the service area of running a boat yard. She's been hired to take over the office. From answering the phone and paying the bills to selling an engine and managing the service department, she has taken on the daunting task of filling Richie's shoes so he can do what he truly loves, work! Now offering certified technicians, a full line of Yamaha and Evinrude outboard engines, as well as Avon inflatable boats, A & J offers services beyond that of your typical boat yard. We also offer hauling/launching at our private ramp, engine repairs and storage (inside and outside), and that's just a few of the services that we provide. We take pride in the amount of work that has been put into making A & J what it is today, and we hope you take as much pride in it as we do. We truly appreciate everything all of you have done for us, and we are committed to supporting the boating community and improving your boating experience. If there is ever anything you, as our customers, would like to suggest we are always eager to hear what you have to say. Thank you very much! |
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