Changes at C-Dory

[Scot Reynolds]

Hello everyone,

By way of information:

Recently we have felt the pinch in the boat market that other manufacturers have been experiencing for some time. In response to current market conditions we have made some changes.

We have reduced our production schedule and workforce to a level comparable to where we were a couple of years ago. Having fewer employees has lessened the need for an additional layer of upper management so I will be taking more responsibilities upon myself.

By slowing down production, we will be better able to focus on the many details that contribute to the high quality of a C-Dory boat.

We look forward to a long future together on the water in our C-Dory boats. I thank you all for your ideas and support.

Sincerely yours,
Scot

[rogerbum]

Scot,

I'm sorry to hear that business has slowed but I guess it was inevitable that an up cycle would be followed by a down cycle. As you note, there is a positive side and that will be an ability to focus on the details a bit more easily. Best of luck as you find your way through these times.

Roger
___

BTW - I've got my Neah Bay plans for next year put together. If I recall, your dad wanted to come out (I think it was your dad). If I'm correct, have him PM me for details.

[JamesTXSD]

Many big ticket items (homes, cars, boats, RVs) are feeling the pinch, especially those items that use fuel. A business has to roll with the economic changes. We want to add our wishes for the success of C-Dory. There are a lot of people here who know what a special product you make - unique in a marketplace that seems to have a lot of "cookie-cutter" boats. Good luck to you and all the folks involved in making our boats, and to the dealers who get 'em to us.

Best wishes,
Jim & Joan Bathurst

[CatyMae n Steve]

Isn't it "Build it and they will come" -- a solid product will never lose market share -- you have a lot of support out here and lots of owners here who will highly recommend the products you crafted in the past. Sorry to hear about the necessity to downsize, but I think a lot of us truly think your attention to detail is needed to maintain the reputation everyone has worked so hard to establish. Thank you for posting your decision. Don't forget the sales force you have in your owner group!

Caty

[Capt. Jim]

Scot, I sell boats (not C-Dory) for a living and I feel your pain. Stay loyal to your core customers, and keep in mind that you have several thousand people on this site pulling for you!

[matt_unique]

Thanks for the post Scot. It's always a good shot in the arm when you participate on this board. One of the elements that brought me to C-Dory was the fact that the company seemed to care about their customers in a personal way via this board. That is a very rare thing today. Lean and Mean was no doubt a hard decision to make. Good luck with your efforts.

[El and Bill]

Scot -

Thanks for keeping us informed. We understand the need to 'pull back' on the production schedule and applaud your decision. We're behind you and your company 100%.

[Jeff Brigner]

Been there and done that Scott. That seems to be how the smart and strong survive in business. Like I was told, "if it was easy everyone would do it". Nothing wrong with someone waiting on a quality boat to be built for them.

[dotnmarty]

Hey Scot- Don't let it get you down. You've got a great product, some outstanding dealers, and a supportive customer base. We're all on your side.

[thataway]

Scott,
Thanks for keeping us informed. There is a large learning curve in building a business like the C Dory line. Your quality is most important--far more than volume in the long run. Your ability to make changes which the customers want will also stand you in good stead. We all know that this is tough times in the boating venue. In the Pensacola Market, only boats bigger than 40 feet and smaller than 20 feet are really selling.

I agree that your best sales force is the owner group. There is a good chance that I sold 3 boats on our trip across country. People come up to us in Camp Grounds, Service Stations, and launching ramps and want to know more about the C Dory line--we are the best sales people you have. Pay attention to us and you will be successfuly.

Our regards in these times. Most of use have lived thru them in businesses. The strong survive.

[Big Bad Ben]

"Here are a few comments about our efforts around quality, and our valued employees, each individual with a name and a family. I respect our employees and object to them being referred to as “nameless and faceless”. Since Rich and I took over, we have provided over 100 additional jobs and now have more than 120 employees. We have also been able to provide them with health insurance, which was not being done when we took over. "
http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=6703&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=105

"By slowing down production, we will be better able to focus on the many details that contribute to the high quality of a C-Dory boat."

Way to go.

By the way, I have not bought a pair of Levis since they stopped selling their jeans to retailers who sold less than 50,000 pairs per year. Bad business that.

My guess is that Les at EQ will still sell boats. I look forward to buying one from him and his staff.

Why should I buy a new boat from a factory who brags about how many employees they have added, then shortly thereafter, explains that they have less employees.

'I voted for the employee increase before I voted against it..."
Scot Reynolds for President, 2004

[Ted Osborne]

Scot. I'm sure you are taking the prudent course of action which only makes sense. We will continue to do what we can to keep C-Dory in the limelite with those who ask about the boats.

[RJD Wannabe]

Scot, thanks for the update, always appreciated. Can you please update us on the 23 Venture? A dealer is listing Nov availability. Is that going to be changed with the changes in production you outlined??

Many thanks for keeping us informed.

[rogerbum]

[SENSEI]