| 63 T T Russell Fredric Pete’s passion for everything boats and business Oddies Marine’s inventory includes product lines for yachts, launches and powerboats, inflatables, electrical, fishing, clothing and footwear and safety equipment, featuring many well-known brands. Oddies Marine REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Oddies Marine offers a comprehensive inventory of product lines and complementary services from its Waikawa Marina location, backed by owners and staff who have a lot of heart for what they do. Established in 1992, Oddies Marine has been owned for the past two years by Peter Colenbrander, and his partner, Jessica Monk, who handles accounts, administration, and social media. Peter’s local experience includes previously owning a water taxi business and being an assistant manager for a large marine retailer. A veteran of the sea from the age of 21 over nearly a decade, he and his best mate renovated a 48 foot yacht in Holland and sailed it to the Caribbean. Peter then worked in the super yacht industry, doing the racing circuit in the Caribbean and North America’s east coast for several years. Following this, he worked on a large super yacht, a 77 metre converted offshore tug which cruised the world for three-and-a-half years, including from Russia to Antarctica, and on which he was responsible for maintaining its seven tenders. While all these experiences were incredible, he eventually felt the need to reconnect with family and friends in New Zealand and purchased the water taxi business which he had for four years. “I guess by doing all these things it’s created a good understanding of the industry, and what people need and want, and having had the taxi for a number of years I know this area quite well, understanding boats and how boats work and what’s required. “I enjoy talking with people, trying to solve people’s problems — the challenge of locating or finding a product, I like that process — contacting suppliers and hunting something down.” Oddies Marine’s inventory includes product lines for yachts, launches and powerboats, inflatables, electrical, fishing, clothing and footwear and safety equipment, featuring many well-known brands. Oddies is now the top-of-the South Island service agent for internationally renowned Naiad rigid inflatable boats. MARINE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS YACHTS LAUNCHES POWERBOATS MOTORBOATS Email: info@oddiesmarine.co.nz Tel: +64 3 573 8369 Web: www.oddiesmarine.co.nz “That’s been a great thing to pick up; it’s a good feather in our cap. We also do inflatable boat repairs, general inflatable dinghies.” Oddies is also working towards being qualified to inspect, service and certify inflatable life vests which is an annual requirement for commercial operators. Peter and Jess are supported by one other team member, Sapphire Edwards, who likewise has salt in her veins. A fully trained lifeguard, retail assistant Sapphire is a PADI advanced and rescue accredited diver and particularly skilled in the art of splicing rope Peter has engaged Wanaka-based mentors Entrepreneurial Business School to help with taking the business forward and for his own professional development. “The positive attitude they bring is absolutely invaluable. I can’t speak highly enough of them.” Peter and Jess have been working hard to diversify the business, along with plans to implement computer-based systems for managing inventory. “It’s appealing to run your own business and to be in control of your own destiny. I like the challenge of bringing the business up into the 2000s.” Established in 1992, Oddies Marine has been owned for the past two years by partners Peter Colenbrander and Jessica Monk.
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