PowerQuest what the heck is going on?
 

I just heard that they Dismisssed Pete Basica from the head of operations. What is going on there, since the new owners took over they lost their national sales manager, all of the reps, and now this.

Is powerquest the one in Michigan? Or are they now Powerplay? I saw a boat this weekend that had both names on it, now that was really confusing.

Powerquest....Michigan...sport boats....never raced. Used to be called Powerplay....got sued by .....

Powerplay....Florida....offshore boats.....storied (?) race history....still called Powerplay

Got it now???

Did pete get another job??

If I'm not mistaken, I believe he is working as the sales manager for Sunsation (or at least he was supposed to be).

Yep,:D I got it now, Waterfowl.

Another one of us Dutchmen that just do it till you get sued, then change it and get it right.:D

You are mistaken diveboy, Dennis Backis left PQ for Sunsation.

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so what happened to kevin and todd?when and why did they sell powerquest?just curious:D

I'm pretty sure PQ changed hands sometime last spring or summer (almost a year ago)? It was a while anyhow...

I've heard the new owners are a group of west Michigan businessmen and that the head dogs were/are one of PQ's suppliers. Rumor mill says that these guys thought PQ was doing OK but could be elevated to bigger and better things. They're really pumping out the new product lately, the new 30' Revenge, the 32' Suncruiser, 28' Suncruiser, 38' Avenger Poker Run edition, rumors of a 38' or 39' Suncruiser in the next year or so.

Plus newly available custom painted graphics and (rumor has it) new PQ gear, shirts, jackets, that sort of thing. Should be interesting...

There was a couple of threads on the PQ owner's forum about the ownership change a while back.

Anyone know what's going on there? Why do they keep losing people?

Any time a company gets new ownership and/or upper management, you're going to see changes. Look at what happened at Ford Motor - Bill Ford in as CEO, Jac Nasser out, along with 3 or 4 other top execs. And that's only what you see in the paper, I'm sure there were a couple dozen more people that decided to "seek new opportunities".

I've been at a couple companies that have changed hands, and it's the same thing every time; the new kahuna wants to implement their gameplan. This means there will be personnel moving around, coming and going. Without knowing the details you can't be sure what the particulars are with this guy, but people leave companies all the time, for a thousand different reasons. Everyone I've ever dealt with at PQ is still there - I can't see how "they keep losing people." Or is there some mass exodus that we don't know about - details, please.

PQ also released Doug Veltema from employment.

Reguardless of the changes, and I agree, when businesses change owners, leadership will follow. P.Q. still holds true to the customers.
There obviously has been a shake up in management. The other side of the statement is the amount of new products available. With rumours of bigger and better.

I can personally attest to the continuing customer service that PQ is offering to their customers. I believe that the changes at PQ were probably necessary to allow the company to grow and I would definately buy another one in the future.


Just my .02 cents.


NTP:D

I looked at at 34 foot at the Charlotte boat show last September. This was the first Power Quest I had seen up close and personal. My wife and I really liked the boat. It had 496's in it, the cabin was nice with plenty of room, bolsters, gauge layout, etc. really impressed me. The dealer has been in the area a while selling Tige ski boats and had just picked up this line.

I am thinking that this might be my next boat when I asked the price. I could not believe it, thay wanted $189,000 for this boat as it sit with trailer. I ordered a new 36 Outlaw with a LOT more options and 500 EFI's on a Myco for less money. The same Powerquest was back at the Charlotte show again last month reduced to $179,000. I think that is still too much money. I like the product, but looks like a $130,000 boat tops. This dealer has not sold one yet from what I understand. I wonder if Powerquest screwed the dealer?

Just my 2 cents.

My brother-in-law picked up a 26 PQ two summers ago. Boat is beautiful and runs great.

He found a "leftover" from the year before and did get a good deal....it was about 20K less than what they were originally asking. They tend to overprice them...JMHO...

No doubt, they are sweet, well built boats...

I always wonder what the "real" price of a boat is - when I bought our Powerquest (280 Silencer), we paid just about 35% less than the retail price. I'm assuming that the dealer had to make money at that price point, so what is the real markup? 40%? 45%?

Seems to vary widely between companies too.

I guess the bottom line is that any boat is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

MikeStar - the "mass exodus" you are referring to would be (in the order it appears to have happened):

1 the owners
2 the previous sales manager - Dennis Backis - referred to in this thread
3 Sales reps - according to fast38's 1st post
4 Pete Basica
5 Doug Veltema

At a small company, that's a lot of people getting named. I'm sure the people from the floor that leave don't get mentioned on here like these guys did.

Hey, Schlieee, here's what you need to do. Dial up 616-772-9474 and ask to speak to the owners or someone else in management. State your concerns about all these people leaving. See what they have to say about it. Problem solved, and no wild internet rumors about how PQ is giving up on powerboats and starting to build electric powered jetskis. But you didn't hear that here :)

I'm not starting some wild internet rumor.
Remember, I didn't start this thread.

I'm only stating what everyone else has said in this thread
AND
I'm just wondering if anyone know's what is going on.

S

Sorry bout that - OK, then, for whoever started this thread and any other interested party, PQ's number is 616-772-9474. It works on any phone in the US and Canada, so have at it. And make sure you come back here and post what you find out.

Everyone here should realize the state of the economy. Unemployment is soaring, wages are not going up to match costs of living, prices are going up. This means the average family has less money to spend on non-essentials. Don't kid yourselves, guys. Powerquest is trying to survive, as is the company I work for. My employer just announced the closure of two more facilities,and has lightened the work force by 4,000 in the last 18 months. I wish Powerquest the best in these difficult times. I enjoy driving by their facility every day and looking at the new boats on their way to an excited family. Best of luck Powerquest.

Crazyhorse makes some good points. The economy overall is swinging back toward recovery and that recovery looks to be a strong one, but the effects will take a while to filter down. The first casualty in any economic downturn is discretionary spending, especially on big tkt items like boats and RVs, and those are usually the last industry to recover. I've talked to a couple of salesmen over the past few days, all of them told me that they can't give away performance boats here in Michigan.

That has the ring of truth to it when you consider that neither Fountain nor Formula has a dealer in the Detroit. Heck, the Sunsation factory is 40 minutes north of Detroit and they don't have a local dealer. I'd guess that Michigan is PQ's biggest market, and things are tight around here. Hopefully it won't last long...

BajaBoss

The deal you were presented for the 34 was WAY out of wack. Someone else mentioned that 35-40% off retail is a good number to aim for and I totally agree. In fact, just like buying any "big" ticket item like a car or boat, you have to do the research. I just had my 34 made and got it FULLY loaded with EVERY option and 496 HO's and got it for somewhere in the upper 30% off range (can't divulge all my secrets). The retail price was over $200k. I suggest finding other dealers if they don't want to "play ball".

Remember, NEVER get emotionally attached to a purchase item and ALWAYS be prepared to walk if you don't like what you are hearing.

Hope this helps anyone who is looking for any new purchase.



Dave:)

News Flash!!!

I contacted the factory today and it IS true that Pete Basica is no longer with PowerQuest. His whereabouts are unknown but I am sure that he will surface in our beloved boating industry soon.

Best of luck to him and hope to hear from him soon.

I have spoken to some people who work at PQ and pete will not be missed very much at the plant.

I called up to the factory today, and much to my surprise someone answered the phone. No more automated recording. A real live person to greet you and direct you call to the proper person. At first it took me by surprise! This is a pleasant addition!!!!
Good Job P.Q!!!!