3 minute read
Marine Industry Spotlight
Article and Photos by Amy Thurman
Just a few years back, it was challenging to operate a business in the marine industry and many struggled to stay afl oat. Which makes it all that much sweeter to see so many marine businesses thriving now! A great example of that is Hale Marine Services, in Savannah.
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Mechanic Tim Hale started the business in 2005, working out of his truck in the evenings and on weekends. In 2007, he was able to make it a full time job and hired Jameson Head as his assistant. By 2010, Tim's brother Robert joined the business and they’d grown to the point of needing additional space, so they leased property from Kennickell Printing, on Causton Bluff , just off President Street. A small one-room trailer served as their offi ce, they shared part of a large garage with Dennis Pierce, of Diesel or Gas, and stored tools and spare parts in several small sheds on the property.
The business has continued to grow in the past eight years as techs Kirk Hall, Allan Wiggins, James Moore, and Adrian Hogenson joined the service team. Hale Marine also became dealers for product lines such as outboard motors, power poles and electronics that their customers could fi nd value in.
The brothers give back to the community as well, in part through their work with the Fresh Air Home, a summer camp for underprivileged kids on Tybee Island. They're also a sponsor of the Fishin’ For Jamie tournament each summer on Wilmington Island, and are CCA members. Hale also helps keep the coastal marine community strong by supporting other local marine businesses, through referrals, shopping locally, and even advertising here in Southern Tides Magazine.
“We feel truly honored to work and serve in our coastal community and we try our best to give back and support the causes that make living in the Coastal Empire the best it can be,” said Robert.
Providing a wide range of quality service and products has allowed them to again expand and Hale Marine has leased additional space on the property. This month they’re moving the offi ce out of the trailer and into a showroom on the property, which will allow them to off er more parts and other products to their customers.
“Our customers will be able to see the parts we use to perform the services we do on their boats and some of the equipment we install. They’ll know what they’re getting before they buy,” Tim said.
The space is about 25 by 50 feet with two small offi ces and a service counter, a loft storage area above the offi ces, and the rest, open fl oor space, will be used for display.
On March 24, the brothers will host a ribbon cutting event for the new store. In addition to a full inventory of their most frequently used service parts, and some fun items like Live by the Tides marine art, and Burnside Bopper tackle, visitors will have the opportunity to “ask an expert” about a variety of boating topics. Guest experts will include a representative from SeaDeck boat fl ooring, as well as several local professionals, on hand to answer questions about a wide range of boat maintenance and service.
Visitors will be greeted by Butterbean, the much-loved Labrador mascot, who’ll likely try to convince you to share your grilled hotdog or chips with her, but don’t fall for it!
Congratulations to Hale Marine on their continued success and growth! We hope everyone will fi nd time to stop in and see their new shop!
Above: Robert behind the counter in the new store, talking with local artist and business owner Mike Smith, of Live by the Tides. Below: Unique features like the tin ceiling give the space character.
