Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/945501
who's who 2018 Mid-Canada Boat Show 17 A VO Marine Sales and Service has focused on being the go-to company for local boatingenthusiasts for more than 44 years. The family-run Winnipeg business specializes in boats, offering top brands such as Lund and Larson and providing superior service from its sales staff and highly skilled mechanics. Visitors to the Mid-Canada Boat Show can tap into that expertise as AVO Marine continues a long tradition of being one of the event's exhibitors. "This event is really important for our company and is an exciting time for our business and the industry as a whole because it signals the official kickoff of the boating season," says AVO Marine sales manager Jessica Wadge. "Having a presence at this show gives us a great opportunity to make face-to-face connections with those who come from all over to check out what vendors have to offer in a one-stop shop atmosphere." Along with brother Jeremy, Jessica represents the second generation of the Wadge family in the boating industry. They help run the operation with father Larry, who took ownership of AVO Marine in 1974. In fact, Larry is one of the founding members of the Mid-Canada Marine Dealers Association. He and others in the local industry helped create the popular Mid-Canada Boat Show. "We have a special relationship with this annual event and appreciate what being here means to our business and to those who are looking at making an investment in something that is going to be a part of their lives for a long time," Jessica says. The company specializes in carrying Lund boats and Larson boats, the leading aluminum and fibreglass lines. The Larson boats are powered by Mercruiser sterndrives. AVO pairs up its Lund boats with either Honda or Evinrude E-TEC outboard motors. "We have handled Lund boats since 1981, which has put us in the position of being the most experienced Lund dealership in Manitoba," Jessica says. Because it focuses on boats, AVO Marine has achieved a long-standing reputation of meeting the varied needs of customers. "Whether you need a boat to take you to your island retreat, catch the Master Angler fish you have been dreaming about or simply want to take the children or grandchildren on a fun- filled weekend of tubing and waterskiing, AVO has the boat for you," Larry says. "And then there are those who need a boat as their means of basic transportation, as well as commercial fishers using boats to earn a living." AVO Marine employs highly-trained service staff, with three certified marine technicians, who work year-round on marine product utilizing a parts department that is among the largest in the prairies. That translates into a quick turnaround for their customers, who can get back on the water feeling confident their boats will be repaired right the first time. ❙ Loyalty key to family-run business' success For more information about AVO Marine, visit us at 611 Ferry Road in St. James or online at www.avomarine.ca or call us at 204-783-2343. Staff at AVO Marine are proud to sell brands like Lund, Larson, Evinrude ETEC and Honda.