Whether it's on the worldwide web, statewide print publications, billboards or many of the Bay Area's most recognizable magazines, the Lauderdale Yacht Sales name is prominent. After all, promotion is everything.

"We manage the best advertising program in the business out here," says Tipton. "There's nobody even close. Whether you are trying to sell your boat or are looking to buy, advertising is the key. People have to able to see you-to know you exist. The sales staff at Lauderdale Yacht Sales is talented and well known in the industry. We work hard for our clients. One of the best ways we do that is by making sure their boats are visible. When these boats get seen, they get sold.

Tipton learned the value of advertising decades ago while in the automobile business. When he jumped into the yacht sales business, Tipton was able to learn from a local legend-Louis Delhomme. He may own the biggest name in yacht sales today, but Tipton says he owes it all to Delhomme.

"I got to know Louis from having bought several boats from him," says Tipton. "He was an icon in the business before selling his stores. Louis told me that yacht sales were a tough business, but that it was rewarding. He was right. To this day, I always think back to some of the things Louis taught me and how I have evolved with those lessons."

During his ownership of Louis Delhomme Marine, Delhomme also advertised abundantly. He made sure his name was seen, heard and felt in the boating community. Tipton, in many ways, simply has continued the trend.

Today, the Lauderdale name can be found on four different websites. Two in particular-www.gulfcoastyachtbroker.com and www.lauderdaleyachtsales.com--feature the boats of local Lauderdale Yacht Sales clients.
"We have carved ourselves a niche in the boat brokerage market. We don't own any boats, so no particular boat gets preferential treatment," says Tipton.

"Obviously we go into an agreement with clients with the intent of selling their boat. Conversely, we cater to the other side-the boat buyers. We'll do everything we can to come up with a fair deal for everyone.

"I am proud to say that much of our business comes from referrals and repeat business-that is buyers and sellers who have dealt with us before. They know how our program works from point A to Z, and they believe in our ability to make things happen. That says a lot about the work we do. It's always said that if one person is happy, not much is said. But, if one person is unhappy, he'll tell all of his friends and you'll lose potential business because of it. That said, our professionalism and experience speak for itself.
"I have integrated a saying into our program. That is that 'reputation plus rapport equals results.' Thankfully we have a trusted reputation. We follow that up with a sales plan that keeps the buyer or seller informed of what is happening in the process. And, we produce results."

Those successful results should only multiply as the spring and summer of 2003 unfolds in the Bay Area. Lauderdale Yacht Sales currently has two locations including the Seabrook Shipyard and South Shore Harbour Marina. Scheduled plans call for Lauderdale Yacht Sales to occupy all of Pier 14 in South Shore Harbour Marina-some 60 slips of all sizes.

"I started this operation several years ago selling boats off the end of a dock on Saturdays and Sundays near Sundance Grill," recalls Tipton. "Now, we broker more than 80 boats, which includes $16 million worth of inventory. Whether you're looking to sell large or small boats, or are looking to buy large or small, we have the answers."

Tipton has now been in the boat brokerage business for decades. The continued growth of Lauderdale Yacht Sales says he isn't going anywhere soon. After all, boating is his life. "I love this business--all aspects of it. I love the water, the people, and business, everything about boats. It's a great life. People get excited when they think about possibly selling a boat to upgrade to a bigger one. If they're looking to buy, they're excited to see some of the options available. We have always strived to build personal relationships with everyone we work with. It builds trust, but the bottom line is providing a quality and fair service. At Lauderdale Yacht Sales we do just that.

"I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with all of the wonderful boat lovers in the past. With the business growth we are undertaking, the future holds more great relationships for everyone. I couldn't be any more excited about the future."

Lauderdale Yacht Sales is the most recognizable name in the local boat brokerage arena today. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, look no further.