Ryan Barber
President, CWR Wholesale Distribution
How would you describe your marine industry expertise?
Over the past 30 years working in the marine business, I’ve developed broad knowledge of marine systems, technical problem-solving, customer support, and industry best practices, with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability. As a life-long boater and fisherman, I’ve experienced firsthand many of the challenges that face today’s boaters, marine technicians, dealers, and manufacturers. I understand what it means to be 100+ miles offshore and have everything working correctly and coming back home safely. This has provided tremendous perspective for me when working with customers to solve a problem or working with a manufacturer to bring a new product to market.
CWR’s recent Dealer Training & Expo event highlighted certification and manufacturer-led training. How does fostering that connection between manufacturers and retailers make a difference in boating safety?
CWR’s annual Dealer Training and Expo is quite a bit different than a traditional distributor dealer show. We want to be the liaison in the relationships between our dealers and the manufacturers; this creates a feedback loop for all three parties (manufacturer, distributor, dealer/installer) that is unprecedented and creates real value for all involved. We conscientiously elected to move the conversations at our Training & Expo event from “the deal” to something more lasting and meaningful – conversations about new products, real installation training and tips, and one-on-one dialogue between the folks who are installing and troubleshooting products with the people who design, engineer, and sell those products. This ultimately leads to safer and better products, safer and better installations and implementations, and a better overall user experience for the end customer, the boater. There is nothing more frustrating than planning a day out on the water, doing all the prep work, heading out, and then experiencing a trip-ending problem that ruins the whole experience.
Why does being an ABYC Member matter to you and to CWR?
Being an ABYC member matters because it provides us with access to product safety and installation standards, technical education, professional discussions of emerging technologies, and leading insight into the trends and overall direction of the marine industry. Our membership also facilitates networking with our peers, suppliers, and customers, and creates a pathway to support and reinvest in the marine industry through various sponsorships and events. If you work in the marine business, you or your organization should be a member.