Boating Excellence
Travis Marine in West Knoxville celebrates both regional and national wins for their service and commitment to customer satisfaction
Travis Marine, a family-owned boat dealership located in West Knoxville, stands as a testament to passion and dedication in the boating industry.
Established in 1978 by Barney Travis, the dealership has been a constant in the region, offering a range of high-end boat brands to customers who share a love for the water. Led by General Manager Dave Curmi, Travis Marine has become synonymous with exceptional customer service and a commitment to quality. Matt Curmi, Dave’s son, and Sales Manager, takes pride in the dealership’s achievements. “We were awarded the Cobalt Boats CSI Award, the Customer Satisfaction Index Award, for the Eastern Region. And we were also awarded the Cobalt CSI Award Worldwide,” says Matt. “We are very proud of that.”
Matt pointed out that these awards are based on “blind surveys” which enhance the authenticity of the recognition. Couple that with a recent win in Cityview’s Best of the Best reader poll, and Matt says, “Travis Marine’s commitment to customer service is not merely a tagline. It’s a deeply ingrained philosophy that has earned us recognition on a regional and global scale.”
The dealership’s journey reflects a strategic shift during the challenging times of 2008 when downsizing became necessary for survival. Travis Marine streamlined its operations, focusing on two high-end brands—Cobalt, a longtime partner for 30 years, and Premier pontoons. This strategic decision allowed them to concentrate on providing excellent customer service, a value deeply embedded in the family-owned business.
The company’s longstanding partnerships with Cobalt and Premier are based on alignment of values and shared backgrounds as family-owned businesses. This fosters enduring relationships, a crucial factor in the boating industry, as many people are repeat customers and become friends.
The dealership’s roots trace back to Barney Travis’s acquisition of the Bluegrass Boatyard in 1978. Travis appointed Dave as general manager in the early ‘90s. Their shared passion for boating has been a driving force throughout the dealership’s history. “All of our employees share a genuine love for the water lifestyle,“ Matt says.
During a time when so much of what people purchase is decided via what they can find online, Matt emphasizes the unique advantages of Travis Marine’s waterfront location. “We offer customers the opportunity to experience boats firsthand, on the water on Fort Loudoun Lake,“ he says. “You don’t make a six-figure purchase without a test drive.”
Travis Marine anticipates a return to normalcy in the industry after a surge in demand during the pandemic. As inventories stabilize, the dealership is gearing up for a more balanced market, with the added excitement of showcasing boats in their showroom after a three-year hiatus.
Travis Marine’s long and successful history is a story of resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to providing exceptional service to boating enthusiasts in East Tennessee and beyond. “We take a lot of pride in helping people find the boat that is right for them and their family, guiding them through that process, and helping them maintain that boat for years of enjoyment,“ Matt says. “It’s a great feeling.”
865-690-6700
9312 Tedford Lane Knoxville, TN 37922
travismarine.net