HydroHighlightsA Quarterly Newsletter of Hydrohoist Marine Group • Spring 2014

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A Quarterly Newsletter of HydroHoist Marine Group • 3rd Quarter 2015

915 W. Blue Starr Drive • Claremore, OK 74017 Phone: 918-341-6811 • Fax: 918-341-1178

A Quarterly Newsletter of HydroHoist Marine Group • 2nd Quarter 2016

new employeesDane Nabors, HHTX

Connor Hostler, Engineering InternLawrence McClain, HHOK

Tasha Campbell, Executive Assistant

JuneJB Robison, Jr. — 5 years Alex Webber — 3 years

Richard Davis — 2 years

July Scott Mauldin — 20 yearsMichael Everett — 8 years

August Tonya Jared — 11 years

Jeffrey Rogers — 10 years

Expect the latest innovations in boat and dock protection from the leader in the boat lift industry — HydroHoist®

BEST PROTECTIONFOR BOATS AND DOCKS

Plank KitImproved safety and access to and from your boat

Custom marine grade aluminum anti-skid walk board

50% less dead load on the hoist = more lifting capacity

12” wide walk area — multiple sections can be combined in wide slips

New for 2016

HHOK_Ad_GLaker_5.25x10.indd 3 5/5/16 10:47 AM

HydroHoist Marine Group had a fantastic start on the year; Q2 has slowed somewhat for boat lifts and seemingly for the industry, as well as the balance of the U.S. economy. This is most likely driven by weaker consumer confidence and sentiment, the U.S. retail economy reporting softer than expected results for the first five months of the year, and very surprising low jobs report for May.

Regardless of whatever external market or economic pressures are presented to us, we will adjust accordingly to position the company to be strong and viable for the long term. I remain very optimistic that overall 2016 will be strong, growing and we will continue to lead the boat lift industry.

We have had a fantastic response to the release of the Hydroport extreme pwC Drive-on Docking system. There is not a product on the market that offers the features and functionality of the HPE. We are currently working seven days a week, two shifts daily to keep up with the demand. I am very appreciative of our rotomold team agreeing to work this challenging schedule especially with an unusually hot Oklahoma June.

The next major product launch will take place in August with the introduction of the HarborHoist gen2. This is a result of our acquisition of the LaunchPad in October, 2015. The HarborHoist Gen2 will make us a meaningful and stronger player in the saltwater markets - both domestically and internationally. I believe this product will exceed our freshwater business collectively in a few years.

Our Engineering team has done an excellent job listening to our customers’ needs and incorporating that into the new HarborHoist Gen2 design. The new design significantly increases lifting capacities (from a maximum of 8800 pounds previously to 18,000 pounds), provides simplified customer operation, easier assembly and installation, modulates for increasing capacity of an existing unit, more universal components to lessen inventory requirements, and cost per pound reductions.

As important as it is to introduce new products, we constantly strive to improve our existing lines. We have a good plan in place to identify those needs and work quickly on improving them. Simply anything that’s branded with the HydroHoist name has to be the best we can design and manufacture. Hypower power pedestals continues to grow at an impressive rate. The HyPower team continues to focus on developing recurring commercial customer accounts and aggressively pursuing project specific accounts. No one else offers the functionality and features of the HyPower systems.

RotomoldusA is enjoying a good run by working two shifts, seven days a week to meet the demand of the new HPE’s, increase in boat lift volumes, and production of other non-marine products. I firmly believe that no one can out produce - with quality results - our rotomolding team. They are a special group that I much appreciate and respect. Many thanks for their efforts, hard work and expertise.

Thanks to all our employees, dealers, and customers for your dedication, loyalty, and commitment to HydroHoist Marine Group!

Mick Webber

Have a Safe and Fun July 4th Weekend!

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HydroHoist Marine Group recently hosted a meet and greet with Oklahoma Congressman Jim Bridenstine. Congressman Bridenstine’s visit included a tour of the RotoMoldUSA facility, and a question and answer session, with subjects ranging from healthcare to border control, to matters affecting the marine industry.

HydroHoist employees Cale Grauer, James Killman, Derek Schiedel, Con-gressman Jim Bridenstine, Mick Webber, Benito Lopez, Adrienne West, and RC Francis.

CONGRESSMAN JIM BRIDENSTINE vISITS ROTOMOLDUSA

DeAleR spotligHtDon Hunter DCH Marine

DCH Marine opened for business in 2001 on Lake venice, venice, Florida. Their original business plan was to repair boats. They moved the business to its current location on Lake Timberland in Kentucky in 2006 - where they drifted from boat repair to a towing service. They expanded into offering HydroHoist in 2010. They now do everything from dock building/repair, dive, and towing and boat lift sales and service.Prior to 2000 Don was an auto body shop manager in Florida.

“I chose to be a HydroHoist dealer because they are the originators and the main player in the industry. After working on them you can definitely see the difference from us and the other lifts that are around.”

According to Scott Mauldin, HydroHoist of TN Regional Director, “I was very excited when Don first reached out to me about adding boat lift service to his repertoire. Marine Assist being a well-established, trusted name on Lake Cumberland would give our customers there a local option, providing much faster response times for service needs. Since that time, Don has grown his HydroHoist business from simply offering service on existing units, to being an authorized dealer, offering the full spectrum of sales, installation, and service. Don has proven to be a great partner, and a real friend to the company. His philosophy of customer service mirrors our own and having him and his crew on the HydroHoist team is a real asset.” When asked if he had an interesting and/or challenging boat lift project Don mentioned dealing with wide ships, underwater truss work, and slip dividers as their main challenges.

“We have to ensure that we can get everything the customer wants in their dock installed properly and safely.”

Don sees trends in their market as consumers are getting away from smaller boats. Where he used to sell more of the 6600 pound HydroHoist lifts, in the last few years 8800 has become a more common size. Additionally, he has installed three 22,000 pound lifts this year.

With his towing business keeping him tied up 24/7 year-round, he doesn’t have much time for hobbies, but is enjoying his first grandson – born two months ago. “We service 1200 people that have a membership with our tow service, so it is a good data base of people that lead over into the boat lift sales.”

Eric Farley

From New Jersey to Florida and on to Minnesota HyPower is the product of choice for many marina and Rv parks.

Crystal Cove Resort Marina is a gem on the St. Johns River in Palatka, FL. This 10 acre resort offers guest rooms, off water pool, food and a banquet room for special occasions. The marina offers boat rentals and fuel with some of the best bass fishing in Florida.

Recently renovated using HyPower PowerPorts for their shore power, Kelly Rutherford and his wife have a great facility with some of the best scenic views of the St. Johns River. It is a great place to just escape with fishing, boating and everything you need right on the property. Give them a call 386.325.1055 or email them

Jessica@crystalcovefl.com to find out more.

Just down the road from Crystal Cove is one of Florida’s most diverse state parks, Silver Springs State Park. The campground features our HyPower Rv EnergyMates. They have been improving the sites for several years and have been a pleasure to work with. Silver Springs State Park 352.236.7185 in Ocala, FL is definitely a bucket list destination.

The St. Croix River in Minnesota is the perfect location for this marina and their slogan says it all, “The Marina That Thinks It’s A Resort!” Bayport Marina is a first class facility with classic views, world class facilities and the staff to make it a perfect place to stop while touring

the St. Croix. Tennis courts, heated swimming pool with a great view, on-site restaurant and a full-service marina just off downtown.

For several years the membership has been renovating their docks adding HyPower PowerPorts for shore power. We take great pride that they continue to come to us for their shore power needs with plans to complete their transient and fuel docks this off-season. Give them a call if you are on the St. Croix River 651.439.2040.

New 14000 pound UL2 with the brand new aluminum plank kit installed by DCH Marine

DCH Marine Staff includes Kyle Hunter, Jayson Hunter, Martin Wesley, and Don Hunter

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exCiting new pRoDuCts foR 2016HP Extreme

The HP Extreme® is the newest product from the market originator HydroHoist Marine Group. “The HP Extreme is the easiest load and launch of any PWC docking platform on the market, with features unmatched by any in the boatlift industry,” said HydroHoist CEO Mick Webber. While docking, the PWC is fully roller-supported, utilizing high performance 5” x 2” rollers and roller width and placement is easily adjustable to accommodate different crafts. The platform is made from expanded

polystyrene (EPS) marine foam – for increased strength and leak elimination.

The new port has flat, anti-skid walking surfaces and an exclusive “air-pillow” bow stop.

“We’ve had customers involved in our testing and they say it’s the easiest drive-on port – truly eliminating the initial “bump” that many customers feel when driving onto a PWC port, and the added bow stop makes it easier to stop at the right point,” Webber said.

HydroHoist worked with Persico Group, an Italian company known as a worldwide leader in engineering mold designs. The mold was then shipped to RotoMoldUSA – a division of HydroHoist Marine Group – for final assembly and where production began earlier this month.

“This CNC mold means an exacting standard of form, function and fit – again, a first in our industry and in cooperation with another world-wide leader in their field. We are thrilled to bring this level of engineering to our customers,” Webber said.

In addition to the customer-friendly features, additional product enhancements include stainless steel roller axels for increased strength and compatibility with fresh, brackish, and salt water – allowing for applications in virtually every water condition.

The HP Extreme is one of three new products that HydroHoist Marine Group has brought to market so far in 2016 – the other two are a new two-valve boatlift control unit and a boatlift designed specifically for saltwater applications.

Plank KitHydroHoist is excited to announce the newly designed Plank Kit for 2016. The Plank Kit assures easy ac-cess to cover the boat or clean the hull. Designed for wider slips, the galvanized steel frame provides a sturdy and secure platform. Op-tional decking material is available.

Expect the latest innovations in boat and dock protection from the leader in the boat lift industry — HydroHoist®

BEST PROTECTIONFOR BOATS AND DOCKS

Plank KitImproved safety and access to and from your boat

Custom marine grade aluminum anti-skid walk board

50% less dead load on the hoist = more lifting capacity

12” wide walk area — multiple sections can be combined in wide slips

New for 2016

HHOK_Ad_GLaker_5.25x10.indd 3 5/5/16 10:47 AM

employee spotligHtRC Francis

Over his nearly 20 year career, RC has held the positions of Customer Service, Field Sales and Service, he opened the Grand Lake store and served as Regional Sales Manager. Today, he is in charge of controls assembly, and assists dealers and warehouses with some technical assistance related to older style boat lifts, and assists other departments when called upon.

RC began his career at HydroHoist in 1986, and left in 1996 to pursue an opportunity out of state. He came back in 2007 and looks forward to celebrating 20 years with HydroHoist in January, 2017.

“RC has excelled in every role we ask him to play for HydroHoist. He is very loyal, highly dedicated, and has a ‘can-do’ approach. I have been privileged to work with RC all these years and he has certainly made HydroHoist a better company and place to work,” said CEO Mick Webber.

When asked what he likes most about his job at HydroHoist RC commented, “Being trusted to meet and exceed customer requirements with very little supervision. Above all I enjoy working with the people employed by HydroHoist.”

RC has been married for 49 years to Mary; they met at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS. They have one son, a granddaughter and grandson. Their son is employed

by American Airlines as an engineer in the landing gear section.

RC said his son follows his advice “Listen to your coworker’s ideas - they may save your job. Refrain from public criticism of subordinates and other coworkers. If comments to others are not positive, in some way, don’t say it. Always be known for personal integrity and quality work” – RC maintains that this advice has assisted his son in building respect from management and coworkers which gave him major recognition from American Airlines as a result.

Their granddaughter is pursuing a nursing career and grandson is a student at Rogers State University, in Claremore, OK. When not at HydroHoist RC enjoys hunting and fishing with old friends and anyone else that wants to join us.

“I appreciate Mick and Audrey’s willingness to hire and maintain a highly diversified work force; otherwise I personally would not likely have this opportunity to work for HydroHoist at 71 years of age!”

Thanks to RC for suggesting the idea to in-clude Boat & Dock Protection information with each motor replacement that is shipped to customers! Now all replacement parts in-clude the information that is distributed on all control units – HydroHoist values employee input!

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HyDRoHoist of tHe ozARksReported by JoAnne Clark, Regional Manager Customers are taking advantage of the black package option available from HydroHoist as well as the plank kits - totally functional and of the quality our customers have come to expect.

HyDRoHoist of oklAHomAReported by JB Robison, Regional Manager “Walk this way!” As we ship the new HydroHoist aluminum Plank kits off our yard almost faster than we can stock them, I cannot help but hear echoes of Steven Tyler’s voice. The sleek and durable appearance of our new walkway is receiving rave customer reviews and positive feedback on our price point. As we predicted coming out of this year’s boat shows, the new anti-skid aluminum walkways are EXTREMELY popular with orders backlogged and customers ready to install.

The new HP EXTREME has arrived! We received our first shipment of ten new HydroPort Extreme’s on June 9 and we had every one of them sold sight unseen two days before they arrived. HMG began product marketing in the Grand Lake area on Memorial weekend and consumer response is overwhelming.

Lake Wilson Marina, Clinton Marina and Prairie Lake Company have made an impact on the Kansas market through marina growth and new dock construction. In Oklahoma Lake Eufaula is experiencing booming growth and transition with a new shoreline management plan in place. #9 Marina, Whatever Floats Your Boat / Duchess Creek Marina and the new town of Carlton Landing are catering strongly to the market growth. If you have not heard of Carlton Landing you need to check out their website, www.carltonlanding.com, and see the amazing new development founded by Grant Humphreys.

2016 is shaping up to be a perfect storm for sales with amazing new product releases, lakes full of water and beautiful weather! Helping us keep up with the demanding schedule and customer service is our new HHOK Installer, Lawrence McClain. He is a local lifetime Grand Laker living in Ketchum that enjoys spending his off time with his six children ages ranging 1-16 years old, boating and fishing! We want to wish Lawrence a big welcome to the HydroHoist team!

HyDRoHoist of texAsHH Texas is happy to welcome two new employees – one to the North location, and one to the South. Ray Bible is the Sales and Service Coordinator for HHTX South. He previously worked for Uncle Gus Marina on Lake Whitney for 10 years, with five of the last 10 years as general manager. Married to Rayette Bible for 25 years, they live in Johnson City TX, and have three children, ages 23, 20 and 16. Ray’s wife runs her own restaurant called Fatboy Burgers in Johnson City. As a family, they enjoy going to the lake and boating, and the boys love to hunt.

Dane Nabors is the Sales and Service Coordinator at the HHTX-North location. He is married to Karissa, and they have two boys, Zander and Callaway. They live in Durant, OK, which is Dane’s hometown. The family recently left Youngsville, LA, for Dane’s job and to move closer to family. He was the Purchasing Director for an offshore maintenance company in Louisiana before taking this position. Before that, he contracted for Catfish Bay Marina doing all of their welding, lift, and spider netting work. He previously owned and operated Durant Golf and Country Club. Dane’s hobbies include golf, and boating on lake Texoma.

HyDRoHoist of tennesseeReported by Scott Mauldin, Regional Director “The catch word for the Tennessee/Kentucky region this year has been “Busy”. Pent up demand, an early spring, and all of the new construction on Lake Cumberland, due to the ice storm early this year, has us struggling to keep up. Our factory crew, contract crews, and dealers, have all been extremely busy this year so far. The market seems to still be driven by the huge surge in pontoon and tri-toon boat sales. While this type of boat has not traditionally created a demand for boat lifts, that trend seems to have reversed itself. With the manufacturers continuing to push the edge of performance with these boats, the consumers are now giving them the same level of care and protection as their fiberglass counterparts. That’s OK! Whatever the reason; every boat deserves to rest safe and secure on a HydroHoist Boat Lift.

We would like to Congratulate Cameron and Stacie Leggo on the newest addition to their family, Adley Ann Leggo, born on May 29th. Cameron owns and operates Portside Marine in Gallatin, TN, and he has been an authorized HydroHoist dealer for several years.

RegionAl HigHligHtsINvESTMENT MADE IN NEWFOAMING OPERATION

HydroHoist Marine Group recently made a significant investment in a new foaming operation to further im-prove quality of their products.

“We are one of only a few in our industry to utilize this process in-house; which means we control the quality of our product start to finish,” said CEO Mick Webber.

The new HP Extreme Drive-On port is the first product to see the benefits of the EPS molding process.

the manufacturing processEPS (expanded polystyrene) foam literally begins as a raw bead. The raw beads are expanded using steam, cre-ating pre-expanded beads, the expanded beads are released into a bed dryer and all condensed steam moisture is dried from the surface.

After the expanded beads have been dried, they are blown into large open storage bags for the aging process. After the aging is finished, the beads are ready for molding. The molding process involves taking the loose ex-panded beads and using a vacuum system to fill the cavity and evacuate the residual air. Once the port is filled it is placed into a steam fixture. Steam is applied using probes that reach into the port and apply the predeter-mined set point. The heat from the steam and subsequent pressure increase cause the beads to further expand. The beads are expanded to fill any voids between them causing the soft surfaces to fuse together into a solid structure. A computer releases the pressure after it reaches the cycle time. The loose beads are now fused into a solid block.

“What this all means is that we have a highly sophisticated process to help reduce leak elimination from our products. Our in-house process is something most of our competitors do not offer, and we believe what helps keep HydroHoist as the number one choice – our quality can’t be beat,” said HydroHoist Engineer Jonathan Lancaster.

Steam Generator Equipment - Heat from the steam causes

the beads to expand

HydroPort Extreme® being filled with the pre-expanded beads

Computer Control on Steam Table - Releases the pressure after it

reaches its predetermined set point

Pre-Expander Equipment - Raw beads go into hopper whichfeeds into the agitator, then moves to fluidizer bed

Raw Bead Material and Pre-Expanded Beads

New HPExtreme®

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HydroHoist is pleased to announce thepromotion of Renee Fuller to Junior Accountant

Renee began her employment with HydroHoist as the receptionist at the corporate office in Claremore, OK in November, 2007. She began assisting in accounting and formally joined the department in 2011. Renee earned her Associates degree and is currently pursuing her Bachelors.

employee HAppenings

employee/fAmily gRADuAtionsTonya Jared, Sales Coordinator at HydroHoist of Tennessee, recently earned her Bachelors’ degree from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN.

“It was a long and difficult road, but thanks to the support and encouragement of my family, friends and co-workers, I was able to see it through! I hope to begin the MBA program at TTU in January of 2017,” said Jared.

Two of our corporate employees have recent high school graduates. Jake Everett, son of Plant Manager Mike Everett, graduated from Chelsea High School in May, and will be attending Independence Community College, Independence, Kansas in the fall. He will be pursuing a Communications degree and will continue his baseball career on the college level.

Andrew Webber, son of CEO Mick and Marketing Director Audrey Webber, graduated from Bishop Kelley High School, earning National Honor Society and Cherokee Scholar awards. He will attend The University of Oklahoma in the fall, majoring in Engineering/Business.

Congratulations to all our graduates! We wish them the best of luck!

Tonya and daughter, LillyAnne,enjoying graduation day

Jake Everett,Chelsea graduate

Andrew Webber, Bishop Kelley graduate

Welcome Baby ClyburnHydroHoist is excited to con-gratulate HR Manager Tony and wife Abbie Clyburn on their first grandson. Sebastian Roy Clyburn was born to Matt and veronica Clyburn on March 28, weighing 7 lbs. 11oz. “He has proven to be a bright spot in the family that I really underestimated,” said Tony.

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employee HAppenings

HydroHoist Nightat ONEOK Field

Employees and their immediate families spent an evening with the Drillers in May.

It was a beautiful night and thegroup enjoyed dinner, baseball and

a great fireworks display.

employee HAppenings

Cale Grauer; Alex, Matt, and Mick Webber Manufacturing Manager Mike Everett andfamily enjoying the game!

Business Development Manager,Cale Grauer and wife Taylor

Director of Sales, Ron Martinand wife Teresa

HydroHoist CookoutEmployees were recently treated to a cookout onsite at both HydroHoist and RotoMoldUSA locations.

Engineering Manager Jonathan Lancaster served as Top Chef grilling burgers and dogs for the hungry crowd.

Jonathan Lancaster andCEO Mick Webber

Terry White, Julie Ostrowskiand Paul White

RotoMoldUSA employees

WeddingNews

Scott Mauldin, HHTN, walks his daughter, Leslie to

her future husband, Ty Maddle.

Congratulations to all!