From Dirt Floors to Building Boats for the Biggest Operators, The A&M Story - Episode #217
In this episode, the guys sit down with John Hemken, CEO and owner of A&M Manufacturing, and Angela Owen, COO, for an inside look at the business of building commercial boats for watersport and tourism operators. John shares the incredible story of taking over A&M during a period of financial and operational turmoil and turning it into a respected manufacturer of COI vessels, while Angela explains how the company has built systems and a team designed to scale without relying on a single person. The conversation covers everything from rising material costs and Coast Guard approval delays to choosing the right boat size, designing for multiple revenue streams, and why flexible, timeless boat layouts can be more valuable than highly customized designs. Most importantly, John and Angela share lessons on customer relationships, profitability, delegation, and building boats around the businesses operators are trying to create.
[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.
Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/
COO
A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Angela is also an author, executive coach, and cofounder of Truventure Enterprises and serves as COO of A&M Manufacturing. She has over 30 years of business experience with international corporations, small and medium enterprises, and entrepreneurs. She is passionate about living a life of purpose, meaning and success.
Angela formerly worked for Procter & Gamble where she held a variety of positions in manufacturing operations, business leadership, organizational development, and human resources. With a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University, Angela has excellent problem solving and business skills. Angela loves hiking the mountains of WNC and feels most successful when helping others discover their own success.
