CALIFORNIA MARINE SPORTS TO LOCATE IN SUISUN CITY

COMPANY TO PROVIDE BOAT SALES AND SERVICE IN THE WATERFRONT DISTRICT

SUISUN CITY — California Marine Sports, Inc. will open a boat sales and service operation in the marine services facility by mid-April near the public boat launch at 1240 Kellogg Street, under a lease agreement signed today.

“California Marine Sports is a great local company that will bring important vibrancy and activity to the Waterfront District at this very key time,” City Manager Suzanne Bragdon said. “The Waterfront District is truly coming to life as a regional destination and key economic engine for Suisun City.”

California Marine Sports (CMS), a successful family-based marine operator with an existing dealership and service location near the I-80/I-680 interchange in Cordelia, will offer five boat lines for sale in the 10,500 square-foot marine retail and showroom building while operating the four-bay marine service facility.

“The CMS team is very excited about building a thriving boating hub at Suisun City Marina, as well as the opportunity to partner with the City, local businesses and the community to shine a light on the gem we see in Suisun City,” Partner and General Manager Grant Fulford said.

In the future, the company plans for other marine-related services and retail items to support boaters leasing slip space or just visiting for the day, including cutting-edge, zero-emissions vehicles that protect the environment while allowing people to enjoy boating.

A five-year lease for the marine facility at Kellogg and Walnut Streets was unanimously authorized on March 20 by the City Council, sitting at the Redevelopment Agency board. Lease terms include three five-year options to extend the lease and an option for California Marine Sports to purchase the property.

Providing marine services for boats using the Suisun City Marina is an essential element in maintaining a successful and vibrant marina.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA MARINE SPORTS, INC.

Partner and General Manager Grant Fulford and his son, Chad, built the CMS boat service business from a small operation in Petaluma, Calif., into one of the country’s premier marine service centers. Fulford moved his service center to Fairfield due to the growing number of customers from the area.

CMS is a proven marine dealership group with a service-based business model, customer satisfaction index scores among the highest in the country and a loyal customer base supporting the expansion of CMS sales and service operations during these challenging economic times. Quality also is apparent in the CMS product line, which includes Nautiques by Correct Craft, Ski Centurion, Pro-Line, Regal and Blue Water.

The CMS corporate motto is “Leading the way to boating fun!” To the Fulford and Shackford families, which own and operate the company, having fun while boating is a way of life. “Leadership is more than the number of sales. We believe in stewardship, building community and creating a clear path to enjoy more of life,” Fulford said.

One of Fulford’s talents and clear successes is the formulation of a well-balanced and seasoned team. “We really take pride in each of our team members offering world-class service and being able to serve our clients regardless of title or role in the business,” Partner and Business Manager Tammy Fulford said. “The cornerstones of our business model are pretty simple: Have faith, offer great service to all, create good will and give back to the community. It’s our recipe for success.”

“We believe in treating people the way we would want to be treated, as well as an overarching faith in good business practices,” said John and Holly Shackford, CMS Partners and boating lifestyle professionals.

John and Holly are real estate and appraisal professionals as well whose leadership was key in the Suisun City Marina deal. They contribute a high level of expertise in business development and client management to the family team.

Sales Manager Brandon “The Boat Guy” Barrett grew up boating with experience in the tournament community, and brings 20 years of dealership management experience to this Suisun City opportunity.

“The support of the City of Suisun City has been as refreshing as the spring boating season,” said Barrett, who manages sales at both CMS locations. “This waterfront location really completes the foundation to achieve our goals of providing world-class marine sales and service for the boating community and offering a fun, courteous and professional experience.”

CMS offers one of the best sales and service experiences in the country led by Pro-Shop and Parts Manager Richard Derfuss, who has serviced the Solano County boating community for more than eight years.

“Boating is in my blood,” Derfuss said. “Our willingness to help in any way we can has been a perfect fit for my personal values. Each of us offers a piece to the service puzzle. From boarding and surfing to fishing and skiing or just general fun and safety on the water – one of us will know how to take care of you.”