This was our second visit to this marina. Our first was last October, when we felt that we had to meet this well-loved guy named Henry Boyd, who was famous for being one of the greatest marina-hosts along America’s Great Loop.
http://shellerina.com/2022/10/28/henry-boyd-finally-captured-on-film/
Http://Shellerina.com/2022/10/27/a-great-choice-in-belhaven-nc-river-forest-marina/
Well. Rumor had it that this marina has new owners. After making such a big splash about Henry (and this great town) we knew that another stop was in order here to meet and report on these new owners. Plus, we picked the wrong night of the week last time to have dinner at the famed Spoon River. Spoon River is not open every night. (Once you see how hard they work and succeed for the guests, you’ll understand how and why the schedule ensures their sustainable level of high performance. More on that in a separate post.)
Larry (53) is a retired USAF fighter pilot and then he “grew” and became a squad commander, with 8800 men and women under his command. ((I think he liked flying more, just sayin’.))
Gina (21 years old as reported) sold her managed home-owners association service business.
At the marina, they have clearly already made their mark; and they have big plans for improvements which they love to talk about. Hearing all those plans, when I asked them about the time-line, like, next spring? “Hell no! That’s what is coming this fall!”
So, after listening to Larry & Gina, I characterized them as “young whipper-snappers”.
They liked both adjectives!
Gina’s father was in the marina business, and for years together, Larry and Gina cruised aboard a Prestige cruiser Miss Gina out of their Daytona Beach HQ/base. That boat was sold with eyes on bigger things. During their final discernment days on upgrading to a brand new Leopard 53 power CAT, they totally changed their investment direction and bought the mansion and marina on this east end of Main Street in Belhaven NC.
Henry Boyd was one of 15 local Belhaven partners / investors who owned the real estate and businesses. When he was looking to retire, the investment group engaged a broker who Larry and Gina were talking to … exploring their alternatives to a Leopard 53 power CAT.
Clearly, this couple is not ready to “sit back” and retire! They bought the real estate and businesses of both the mansion / wedding / corporate events venue AND the marina.
Bottom Line for us cruisers:
Most importantly, they (dockmaster Mike + owner Larry + other crew) were on top of their game on VHF and they had a welcoming committee at the slip to help catch Shelly’s lines. Evidence: http://shellerina.com/2023/07/21/backing-into-grand-manor-marina-slip-with-wind/
“We love Mike!” (The dockmaster for years) exclaimed Larry and Gina.
I would also add my observations that Mike is a fantastic “manager” building rapport among his small staff with competitive games and things to fill the time between arrivals and departures of customers. Get to know him if you visit here.
Evidently he is also a musician and a Welder and Artist.
