Being a former General Motors dealer, it would always rile me up when the news media would come up with their "most stressful" shopping lists. One year the report said that most folks would rather go to the dentist than shop for a car! My dad always told me "you earn your reputation so remember how important it is to take care of customers!" We have one important rule at the Motorplex: The most important person in the Motorplex is the one who just came through our front door! You see, growing up in the auto industry I learned of a "sixth sense" that every car sales person posesses. Before a prospect gets out of their car, every lurking salesperson knows: if they can buy, how much they owe on their trade in, what their credit score is, and if they are just wasting time at the dealership.
At VanDerZee Motorplex we truly respect the fact that you chose to visit our dealership and spend time with us. We know that you most likely have done research on the Internet not only about our products, but about our reputation as well. You have expectations of us that can range from how you are greeted to the comfort factor that you have with the Motorplex Team. We took all of these factors into account when we built the Motorplex. No one will demand to know " what can I sell ya today" or claim that "I'm gonna give you a deal I wouldn't offer my Grandmother!" You will not be cornered in a little closing booth and pressured to make a decision. The Motorplex Team works at your pace, not ours. We truly do want to earn your business. In our 21 years as a South Haven powersports dealership we have built wonderful relationships with so many diverse clients. I think my dad would be pretty proud of us.
Our clients are great folks and we appreciate the opportunity to provide them with fun powersports products for the entire family. The Motorplex team thanks you for your business!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Tesla Trouble? What will Washington do???
The news today is not good for Tesla Motors, you know, the folks waiting to launch their S line electric sedan? Just months before the long heralded start of production, the company announced the departure of their Chief Engineer and the Director of Chassis and Engineering? No matter how you paint it, that can't be good news. Isn't this a company that has never produced or engineered a vehicle from the ground up? One would think that this is a very critical stage for a car with promised production right around the corner? Investors didn't think so either as the stock dropped 19% on the news. I don't recall how much of our tax dollars are loaded into this one, but I'm sure the concerns of yet another "alternative" industry shows signs of trouble.
We all need to share environmental responsibilty. Just look at the improvements made with internal combustion engines in the last 20 years. Small displacement 4 cylinders are the current focus of the auto industry for economy with more than sufficient power. A Chevy Cruze will get nearly 40mpg on the highway with a 20K price. It is a vehicle that will need minimal maintenance over a 5 year / 100,000 mile lifespan. Is a $43,000 Volt a better buy? While it is truly an innovative, quality vehicle, it's not an economical family "daily driver" based cost and projected, even unknown, maintenance. It is also propped up with a $7,500 tax credit. When your son or daughter is ready for that "first" car, will you invest in a 5 year old Cruze with 100,000 miles or a Volt? I like the odds with the Cruze. Interesting times for the auto industry. Let's see how this Tesla news plays out with Washington DC.
We all need to share environmental responsibilty. Just look at the improvements made with internal combustion engines in the last 20 years. Small displacement 4 cylinders are the current focus of the auto industry for economy with more than sufficient power. A Chevy Cruze will get nearly 40mpg on the highway with a 20K price. It is a vehicle that will need minimal maintenance over a 5 year / 100,000 mile lifespan. Is a $43,000 Volt a better buy? While it is truly an innovative, quality vehicle, it's not an economical family "daily driver" based cost and projected, even unknown, maintenance. It is also propped up with a $7,500 tax credit. When your son or daughter is ready for that "first" car, will you invest in a 5 year old Cruze with 100,000 miles or a Volt? I like the odds with the Cruze. Interesting times for the auto industry. Let's see how this Tesla news plays out with Washington DC.
Are we getting SOFT about winter weather?
I've lived in Michigan all of my life. A wise man once told me that if you live in Michigan the four seasons are dramatic. Each has its own way of affecting our lives. He said, you don't have to LIKE all four seasons, but you'd better be able to tolerate the ones you don't like. The Motorplex sells every powersports vehicle except one: snow machines. I guess part of the reason is that I really don't embrace cold weather! The other part is economics. It just doesn't snow as much in West Michigan as it used to. Our motto is: "There's always water in Michigan. It might not be WARM water, but there is always water!" Snow machine folks sometimes have to drive north hundreds of miles just to find snow cover. That brings me to one of my pet peeves: Over reactive weather forecasters!
Have you noticed that whenever snow is predicted it comes with great fanfare by the media. Winter storm watch; winter storm warning; Lake effect warning; Blizzard warning. Just today, South Haven was to be the "hot spot" with up to 16" of snow predicted. Any responsible South Haven resident who didn't rush to the store for bread, milk and toilet paper was sure to be caught "unprepared" by the impending, paralyzing onslaught of snow! The 11:00pm news last night had "team coverage" of 2nd storm of the season. One eager reporter was set up along side of US-131 citing how she observed that the snow flakes seemed to be getting larger as the storm covered all of West Michigan. It was amusing as the camera panned to the expressway, cars were traveling by on wet pavement and cruising at 60 to 70 mph! She did make a nice snow man, though, and asked viewers to send in more photos of their creations. Next we were told that roadways were snow covered and slippery and that the morning commute would be a hum dinger! Let's see. We live in Michigan, beside a big, warm lake, and it snows. THAT certainly is "breaking" news. With earth shattering wisdom, the news crew advised that if we MUST go outside, we were to slow down and take extra time for our travels! What a revelation. Not that's what I call useful news coverage.
A local TV weatherman's blog was describing in detail the approaching storm. He said conditions would deteriorate in the late afternoon with falling temps and snow. A person responded and asked if she should change here 3:30pm doctor's appointment or did he think that the "storm" would hold off 'til later in the day? In this day of "instant" news coverage, one would think that Mother Nature would be prompt and keep her "appointments"! My grandfather would only say "your generation has gone soft". It's Michigan. It's winter. You dress warm, you shovel, you plow and if at all possible use some common sense. PURE MICHIGAN! Enjoy the pure, fresh beauty of new fallen snow.
Have you noticed that whenever snow is predicted it comes with great fanfare by the media. Winter storm watch; winter storm warning; Lake effect warning; Blizzard warning. Just today, South Haven was to be the "hot spot" with up to 16" of snow predicted. Any responsible South Haven resident who didn't rush to the store for bread, milk and toilet paper was sure to be caught "unprepared" by the impending, paralyzing onslaught of snow! The 11:00pm news last night had "team coverage" of 2nd storm of the season. One eager reporter was set up along side of US-131 citing how she observed that the snow flakes seemed to be getting larger as the storm covered all of West Michigan. It was amusing as the camera panned to the expressway, cars were traveling by on wet pavement and cruising at 60 to 70 mph! She did make a nice snow man, though, and asked viewers to send in more photos of their creations. Next we were told that roadways were snow covered and slippery and that the morning commute would be a hum dinger! Let's see. We live in Michigan, beside a big, warm lake, and it snows. THAT certainly is "breaking" news. With earth shattering wisdom, the news crew advised that if we MUST go outside, we were to slow down and take extra time for our travels! What a revelation. Not that's what I call useful news coverage.
A local TV weatherman's blog was describing in detail the approaching storm. He said conditions would deteriorate in the late afternoon with falling temps and snow. A person responded and asked if she should change here 3:30pm doctor's appointment or did he think that the "storm" would hold off 'til later in the day? In this day of "instant" news coverage, one would think that Mother Nature would be prompt and keep her "appointments"! My grandfather would only say "your generation has gone soft". It's Michigan. It's winter. You dress warm, you shovel, you plow and if at all possible use some common sense. PURE MICHIGAN! Enjoy the pure, fresh beauty of new fallen snow.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Grand Rapids Boat Show is HERE!
There is no more SURE SIGN of SPRING than the Grand Rapids Boat Show! The VanDerZee Motorplex display is open at Devos Place in downtown Grand Rapids! It is the debut of the ALL NEW 2011 Kawasaki Ultra 300X, a 300 horsepower Jet Ski. The Ultra 300X can only be seen at the Motorplex display. Kawasaki shipped a pre-production unit to us just for this show!
The show opened at 3:00pm this afternoon and the traffic is already heavy. Folks have had enough of winter and are showing confidence that things in West Michigan are getting better. What better way to have family fun than a new Kawasaki Jet Ski or Yamaha Waverunner from VanDerZee Motorplex. We are excited to be here and have already sold our first unit of the show! If you want to talk with some personal watercraft FANATICS, then the VanDerZee Motorplex display is the place to be today through Sunday.
Kawasaki and Yamaha have given us EXCLUSIVE Grand Rapids Boat Show incentives. Purchase your new Yamaha Waverunner at the show and you'll get 5 years of warranty at NO CHARGE! Kawasaki has given us our strongest incentives of the year including the 2011 models. We have our 2010 Kawasaki STX 15F rider education units on sale too. The values of the Show are at VanDerZee Motorplex.
COME JOIN THE FUN. SPRING IN JUST 33 DAYS!!!!
The show opened at 3:00pm this afternoon and the traffic is already heavy. Folks have had enough of winter and are showing confidence that things in West Michigan are getting better. What better way to have family fun than a new Kawasaki Jet Ski or Yamaha Waverunner from VanDerZee Motorplex. We are excited to be here and have already sold our first unit of the show! If you want to talk with some personal watercraft FANATICS, then the VanDerZee Motorplex display is the place to be today through Sunday.
Kawasaki and Yamaha have given us EXCLUSIVE Grand Rapids Boat Show incentives. Purchase your new Yamaha Waverunner at the show and you'll get 5 years of warranty at NO CHARGE! Kawasaki has given us our strongest incentives of the year including the 2011 models. We have our 2010 Kawasaki STX 15F rider education units on sale too. The values of the Show are at VanDerZee Motorplex.
COME JOIN THE FUN. SPRING IN JUST 33 DAYS!!!!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Christmas Perspective
Just a week until Christmas! It is a time to reflect the past 12 months. My greatest observation is that as I get older, the time goes by faster. Christmas is also a time when people seem to smile more and say kind things. I think that most of us are a bit more relaxed and easy going this time of year. Maybe it's the Christmas music playing at the Motorplex? By the way, have any "classic" Christmas songs been recorded the the last 10 years? Just give me Bing and White Christmas and I'm all set. Throw in Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Holiday Inn and Christmas Vacation and I'll be content for a long time.
The economy has really hit families hard this year making Christmas shopping a tall task. My daughter Megan and her husband Matt adopted a family for Christmas. When the mother listed home cleaning supplies as her wish, it really had an impact on how just how hard it is to get by right now. We may complain that being in business is hard in this economy but when you see how many families are truly struggling to get by, the real meaning of Christmas comes through.
My wife and I are truly blessed by a tremendous family. Our 3 girls and our 2 sons-in-law are the greatest reason to be thankful. I know that I'll receive some wonderful gifts this year. I also know that they will have made Christmas happen for 3 less fortunate families. Just knowing that somewhere a little guy or gal is opening a present on Christmas Day, who might not have had a single gift otherwise, is a feeling that will last a lifetime.
I thank my daughters for the gift of compassion. Merry Christmas Everyone!
The economy has really hit families hard this year making Christmas shopping a tall task. My daughter Megan and her husband Matt adopted a family for Christmas. When the mother listed home cleaning supplies as her wish, it really had an impact on how just how hard it is to get by right now. We may complain that being in business is hard in this economy but when you see how many families are truly struggling to get by, the real meaning of Christmas comes through.
My wife and I are truly blessed by a tremendous family. Our 3 girls and our 2 sons-in-law are the greatest reason to be thankful. I know that I'll receive some wonderful gifts this year. I also know that they will have made Christmas happen for 3 less fortunate families. Just knowing that somewhere a little guy or gal is opening a present on Christmas Day, who might not have had a single gift otherwise, is a feeling that will last a lifetime.
I thank my daughters for the gift of compassion. Merry Christmas Everyone!
Monday, November 29, 2010
A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER SALE at the MOTORPLEX
The Christmas Season is here and VanDerZee Motorplex announces our STOREWIDE CLEARANCE SALE! We have gift ideas for the WHOLE FAMILY from clothing and accessories to the "BIG ONES": Personal Watercraft * Motorcycles * ATV's * Scooters * Utility Vehicles * Recreational Vehicles. Every new Kawasaki and Yamaha is ON SALE during our DECEMBER TO REMEMBER SALE!
So many parents and grand parents come to the Motorplex and tell us "We want something that will bring the kids home?" We can tell you that a new Kawasaki Jet Ski or Yamaha Waverunner will do the trick! When our 3 daughters were growing up, Sundays were Jet Ski days at the beach. Sure, we'd have a whole bunch of their friends come too but what great FAMILY FUN. We knew who their friends were, what they were doing and best of all they had a GREAT TIME riding and driving personal watercraft. If you own a 21 foot or bigger runabout, you probably would not consider letting someone else take it for a drive. That is the joy of personal watercraft. They are spontaneous and responsible riding is easy! You can tow water skiers, wake boarders and multiple passenger tubes.
This Christmas choose the gift for everyone in the family, a new KAWASAKI JET SKI or YAMAHA WAVERUNNER. All 4 strokes, all 3 seaters and best of all they are ALL ON SALE. We'll even store your purchase 'til spring at no charge. We've even come up with some unique ways to "wrap" your purchase for Christmas with special photos or other "sneaky" ways to surprise the family. As my daughter Megan always reminds me, "You can't put a price on FAMILY!"
So many parents and grand parents come to the Motorplex and tell us "We want something that will bring the kids home?" We can tell you that a new Kawasaki Jet Ski or Yamaha Waverunner will do the trick! When our 3 daughters were growing up, Sundays were Jet Ski days at the beach. Sure, we'd have a whole bunch of their friends come too but what great FAMILY FUN. We knew who their friends were, what they were doing and best of all they had a GREAT TIME riding and driving personal watercraft. If you own a 21 foot or bigger runabout, you probably would not consider letting someone else take it for a drive. That is the joy of personal watercraft. They are spontaneous and responsible riding is easy! You can tow water skiers, wake boarders and multiple passenger tubes.
This Christmas choose the gift for everyone in the family, a new KAWASAKI JET SKI or YAMAHA WAVERUNNER. All 4 strokes, all 3 seaters and best of all they are ALL ON SALE. We'll even store your purchase 'til spring at no charge. We've even come up with some unique ways to "wrap" your purchase for Christmas with special photos or other "sneaky" ways to surprise the family. As my daughter Megan always reminds me, "You can't put a price on FAMILY!"
Monday, November 22, 2010
Saving Grace at Thanksgiving
Our family started a tradition years ago when everyone was seated at the Thanksgiving table and ready to begin the turkey day celebration. We go around the table and ask everyone to say what they are personally thankful for. It was awkward at first, but as time has gone by we have gotten some very heartfelt and memorable responses. We truly do live in a country of boundless opportunity. Just one trip to a 3rd world country makes you realize how fortunate we are to live in this country! For all of our faults and what we perceive as huge problems, we truly do have a lot to be thankful for!
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