Riviera announces International Dealer Awards

Sun Country Marine Group in California, USA, has been named International Dealership of the Year for 2020 by Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder Riviera.

Three awards this year were presented to Sun Country Marine which was also recognised for Service Excellence by a Dealership and Sales Excellence by an Individual, presented to JR Wills, Sun Country’s Vice President, Yachts Division.

Additional awards honoured North American Riviera representatives at Grande Yachts International and Wally Castro Marine.

Ned Dozier, of Grande Yachts International in Stevensville, Maryland, was awarded for Sales Excellence by an Individual; and Javier A. Perello Borras, of Wally Castro Marine in Puerto Rico, was awarded Service Excellence by an Individual.

Sun Country is the largest marine dealer on the west coast of the United States with six locations, at Newport Beach, San Diego, Dana Point, Irvine and Ontario in California, and Lake Havasu in Arizona.

Established in 1990 by Mike Basso Sr, the family-owned company has been led over the past decade by a new generation that combines the industry experience of Mike Basso Jr, as CEO and President, and Greg Glogow as Executive Vice President.

Mr Glogow began working for Sun Country as a 16-year-old in 1999, starting in the parts department and rising to senior management positions and then partner.

A truly unique partnership

Mr Glogow says the secret to Sun Country’s success stems from Mike Basso Jr’s extended vision for the business and his attention to the finer details in its day-to-day operations.

“We have a truly unique partnership,” says Mr Glogow.

For Mr Glogow, the Dealership of the Year award, is dedicated as much to the professionalism of the Sun Country team as it is to the late Will McIntrye, who led the Emerald Pacific Yachts San Diego for many years.

“Will was one of the best Riviera salespeople in the US and the honour of this award is bitter-sweet, but a great tribute to the man who introduced us to Riviera,” he says.

“We had always admired the superior finish and detail of Riviera. It is incredibly high quality, the best we’ve ever seen. We believed from the outset that we could enhance Riviera’s presence and support on the west coast.

“We have a vision for the yachts that works in our market and Riviera has been great in working with us. We call it California styling with touches and appointments that our clients are really looking for in a motor yacht.”

Mr Glogow’s design input was valued in the development of the hugely popular Platinum Edition of the Sport Yacht collection in 2019.

“Riviera motor yachts are built and designed flawlessly, delivering the latest technology that makes boating with Riviera just so easy, from the fully integrated Garmin electronics to joystick controls with the Volvo Penta IPS system and the Seakeeper gyro options.

The best ownership experience possible.

“This all stems from the pride in the motor yachts from owner Rodney Longhurst and CEO Wes Moxey and how that is reflected in the boatbuilding process. Riviera have a true DNA for excellence and our staff love them because they know they are offering the absolute best ownership experience possible.

“New owners often call us to tell us they’re having a great day on their Riviera. That makes our staff ecstatic and that’s the Riviera difference.”

From the moment Sun Country became a Riviera dealer representative, Mr Glogow took a hands-on approach to each motor yacht presented by the dealership.

“We create every Riviera with personalised interior and exterior details with the aim of making each yacht individual. I treat them like pieces of art. Each is so special, and I personally sit down for weeks at a time with the colour samples in front of me to create a beautiful boat, an individual boat, while still adhering to Riviera’s fundamental DNA.

“Through our expertise, we guide prospective owners through the build process and collectively we create a yacht that will suit their individual needs.

“I do this for new owners and even with inventory boats where people step aboard and instantly fall in love with their Riviera.”

Sun Country supports its Riviera owners through a team of 35 in its after-sales care division, with many of them enjoying Sun Country’s concierge program.

“This is where we manage everything from the superstructure and hull maintenance, to the cleaning and monthly inspections, to outfitting their boats with ice and beverages before their next trip. It’s an ala carte and exclusive yacht management program.

“We support our owners in a way that builds trust which is the foundation of our success.”

Mr Glogow says these awards are just the beginning of the Riviera growth story in California for Sun Country.

“We’ve only just begun the process of letting more people experience the Riviera difference. We know the experience on a Riviera motor yacht is going to be absolutely more enjoyable than any other. Riviera is totally next level in terms of design, finish, engineering and performance, and we’ll continue doing a great job of reinforcing that.”

Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst praised the recipients of the International Dealer Awards on behalf of Riviera’s 600-strong team.

“Our remarkable representatives and their staff ensure that every Riviera owner experiences the ultimate enjoyment of their motor yacht,” says Mr Longhurst.

“The Riviera International Dealer Awards recognise the professionalism, dedication and quality of service our yacht owners expect of the global Riviera dealership network.”

Riviera 2020 International Dealer of the Year, Riviera Service Excellence and Sales Excellence Awards, Presented to Sun Country Marine Group in California USA.

Pictured (from the left) Chris McCafferty – Riviera International Sales Director, Greg Glogow – Sun Country Marine Executive Vice President, Mike Basso Jr – Sun Country Marine CEO and President, Jeremiah Parkinson – Sun Country Marine Vice President Coastal Division and Rob Scott – Riviera West Coast USA Sales Manager

Riviera 2020 Sales Excellence by an individual presented to Ned Dozier from Grande Yachts International.

Pictured (from the left) Chris McCafferty – Riviera International Sales Director, Ned Dozier – Grande Yachts Riviera Brand Manager, Chris Attard – Riviera Dealer Development and Sales Director Australasia and Rob Scott – Riviera West Coast USA Sales Manager