Operations Shows

In this episode, the guys sit down with Joe Gratz, founder of Sandbar Joe’s, to break down how he built a modern, experience-first charter business in New Jersey by putting social media, hospitality, and customer experience at the center of the brand. Joe shares how he uses TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to drive real bookings, why niche experiences can outperform traditional boat tours, and the challenges that come with scaling a business without losing its personality. The conversati...

In this episode, the guys sit down with Chris Rozzo of Elevated Boat Club to break down what it really takes to build and operate a successful boat club in a challenging market like Lake Tahoe. Chris shares his journey from jet ski rentals to launching a membership based boat club, along with the lessons he’s learned about recurring revenue, pricing, member churn, marina costs, fleet management, and competing in an increasingly consolidated industry. The conversation also explores the rise of fr...

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. ...

In this episode, the Awkward Watersport Guys officially becomes Kevin and Greg Live, after 5 incredible years. In this milestone episode, Kevin and Greg share why they rebranded, how a podcast that started as a fun side project evolved into a thriving media company, and what's next for the community they've built. They discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, balancing business with family, avoiding burnout, and why authenticity remains the foundation of everything they do. You'll also get a p...

In this episode, the guys sit down with Shea Unti, CEO of Buoy. Insurance can be one of the most confusing and most important parts of running a watersports business. The guys discuss how the marine insurance landscape is evolving and what operators need to know to better protect their businesses. From his journey through yacht management, Boatsetter, and now leading an innovative insurance platform, Shea shares practical insights on risk management, compliance, embedded insurance, and how techn...

In this episode, the guys sit down with Nikki DuBois, founder of Boomerang Boat Tours in Washington, DC. She shares her remarkable journey from high school teacher to owner of a thriving multi vessel charter operation. Nikki discusses how she identified market opportunities, evolved from party buses to party boats, and built a business that now operates successfully with remote ownership. The conversation dives into critical topics for watersport operators, including cashless operations, prevent...

In this episode, the guys share stories from Kevin’s unforgettable trip to Japan. Then they take a deep dive into how AI is rapidly transforming the travel and tour industry. The conversation focuses on what watersport operators need to do right now to stay competitive, from tracking conversion rates and maximizing phone sales to adapting for AI driven search platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The hosts explain why traditional SEO and paid ads are becoming less effective, how platforms li...

In this episode, the guys dive into the often overlooked realities of addiction and mental health in the watersports industry. They unpack how environment, personality, and daily habits can quietly limit both personal well being and business growth. The guys explore the difference between physical and psychological addiction, why industry culture can reinforce unhealthy patterns, and how many operators unknowingly hit a ceiling because of lifestyle choices rather than market conditions. They bre...

In this episode, the guys sit down with Kevin Walsh to break down how AI and telematics are quickly becoming must have tools for watersport operators looking to run tighter, safer, and more profitable fleets. The guys unpack how platforms like Boat Fix give you real time visibility into your boats tracking engine hours, usage patterns, battery health, and more so you can stay ahead of maintenance, reduce downtime, and make smarter operational decisions. They also dive into how this data is start...

In this episode, the guys kick it off with stories from Miami, where rave culture, luxury waterfront lifestyles, and a chaotic but unforgettable bareboat charter experience spark bigger conversations about the future of the industry. What starts as a fun recap quickly turns into a masterclass for operators, as they unpack the massive opportunity in professionally managing privately owned boats as an asset light rental model, share why early investments in events like The Port can accelerate busi...

In this episode, the guys sit down with Brian Mazanti of KCBK Group, the podcast’s newest sponsor and a leading expert in the commercial marine space, for a deep dive into what it really takes to build a profitable rental fleet. From the explosive growth of the upcoming port event and the jet ski trailer parking competition giveaway, this episode is packed with opportunities for operators looking to level up. Brian breaks down how KCBK helps rental and boat club businesses source the right ponto...

In this episode, the guys sit down with Boatsetter CEO Michael Farb to break down how the peer to peer boat rental marketplace is transforming the boating and watersports industry. The conversation explores how platforms like Boatsetter and GetMyBoat are turning underutilized private boats into revenue generating assets while expanding access to boating for millions of new customers. Michael shares insights on the key innovations making this model work from usage based insurance and certified ca...

In this episode, the guys sit down with insurance expert Chris Murray to break down what water sport operators actually need to know about commercial insurance from decoding complex policy language to avoiding fraudulent or inadequate coverage that can sink your business. Next they dive into why safety documentation, maintenance logs, and operational discipline directly impact your premiums, underwriting experience and how long term carrier relationships can stabilize rising costs. They also exp...

In this episode, the guys dive into how local regulations are tightening, license caps are expanding, and operators are feeling the squeeze. Then they break down the real world impact of Sarasota’s controversial medallion system and what it signals for boat rental and water sports businesses everywhere. From moratoriums and insurance requirements to political blind spots and media narratives. Next they talk candidly about why waiting it out isn’t a strategy. If you operate on public waterways, t...

In this episode, the guys dive into how AI is quickly becoming a practical tool not a scary buzzword for water sports and tour operators looking to grow without burning out. Featuring Evan Tipton and Ivy Duncan from TOMIS and Yonder, the conversation breaks down how AI powered chatbots, voice assistants, and marketing automation can handle everyday customer questions, follow up with leads, and improve bookings while still keeping a human touch where it matters most. The guests share real world e...

[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/

In this episode, the guys dive deep into the modern charter fishing business through candid conversations with Destin, Florida captains Kyle Lowe and Cliff Atwell, revealing how the industry has shifted from fish first trips to experience driven, family friendly entertainment. They will talk about real world insights on rising operational costs, market oversaturation, regulatory pressure, and the double edged sword of online booking platforms and social media marketing. Then the discussion unpac...

This episode, they guys sit down with Michael and Taylor Withrow, owners of Island Head in Hilton Head, South Carolina. They unpack what it really takes to build and sustain a diversified, multi location watersports and experience business. From early legal challenges that forced a rebrand, to expanding beyond parasailing into ferries, charters, and unexpected wins like a Hibachi cruise, the conversation is packed with real world operator lessons. Both guests share honest insights on failed vent...

In this episode, the guys dive deep into what it really takes to transform a watersport business from “getting by” to intentionally profitable. Kevin and Greg sit down with Zeb Smith from Zebulon LLC to unpack the powerful results of disciplined spend management, strategic pricing, and participation in peer groups like the Eddie. They share real numbers, lessons they learned through their careers, and the mindset shifts required to stop guessing and start leading with data. From uncovering six f...

In this episode, the guys sit down with WaveRez head of sales Zach Eischen for a candid, humorous, and insight packed deep dive into the realities of selling in the watersports industry. From navigating customer acquisition challenges to understanding key metrics like CAC and lifetime value, the guys break down what actually drives growth for operators today. Along the way, they share stories about industry relationships, the psychology behind sales decisions, and why transparency, adaptability,...

In this episode, the guys mix a recap of The Port 2025 with business insights from a recent industry event. They reflect on key takeaways around community, networking, and the growing importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operators looking to scale beyond self employment. You will hear candid thoughts on the difference between running a business versus just working in one, the role of in person relationships in an increasingly digital world, and the cautious optimism around AI’s...

In this episode, the guys sit down with Derek Michaloski to explore the intersection of technology, and photo marketing in today’s digital age. The conversation dives into broader cultural shifts and what that means for how operators market real world experiences. Derek shares his journey from traditional film photography to digital systems, emphasizing the enduring power of tangible photos in creating emotional connections and boosting revenue. Next, they discuss strategies to integrate photo s...

In this episode, the guys sit down with Kyle Reed, founder of Stannect, a CRM and automation platform designed for industries like home services and watersports. Kyle shares his journey from launching Stannect as a side hustle during COVID to building a full scale CRM solution that helps operators move beyond being “order takers.” The conversation dives into the challenges watersport businesses face with lead management, customer communication, and sales conversion. They also discuss how automat...

In this episode, the guys sit down with Zeb Smith of Zebulon Consulting to unpack the financial and operational challenges unique to watersport and outdoor operators. Zeb shares his journey from CPA to niche consultant, explaining how he helps outfitters move beyond gut instincts and passion to build data driven, profitable businesses. The conversation dives into the “Four Ps” of the industry: Passion, Permitting, People, and Profit. This highlights common pitfalls like seasonal workforce strugg...