Inflatable-boat manufacturer Zodiac recognized a U.S.-based dealer as its top-selling dealer worldwide for the first time in the company’s 100-plus year history.
Defender Industries, of Waterford, Conn., was given the top honor among more than 1,600 dealers internationally.
“Defender’s staff is ecstatic about achieving this honor,” Defender president Stephan Lance said in a statement. “There are more manufacturers and dealers competing in the inflatable boat market than ever. Defender was one of the first to offer inflatables in the U.S. nearly 50 years ago. In the last 25 years we have made this product category the flagship of our outfitting service. We are thrilled to have Zodiac’s success in delivering innovative product design and functionality combine with the value and expertise Defender is known for to make this achievement possible.”
Lance attributes Defender’s success to many things, starting with investing heavily in inventory to have a broad range of multiple brands and models on hand for immediate delivery to a diverse range of customers, including not only recreational boaters, but also recreational fishing, tubing and dive users, commercial, marina and yacht club users, film crews and competitive teams.
Defender also stocks seven lines of outboard motors, including Evinrude, Honda, Mercury, Tohatsu, Yamaha, LEHR propane-powered motors and Torqeedo electric-powered motors.
