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| Picture circa 1985 This is where it all started! |
In 1988 Ray's parents decided that it was time to sell the boat and focus on Ray's Grandfathers health.
Fast forward to 1992/1993 -
In the fall of 1993 Ray's parents decided to go take a visit with the family to the town they loved to visit by boat, Saugatuck. After staying in a bed and breakfast for a few days and renting a small runabout to explore Saugatuck and Douglas it became apparent that young Ray was falling in love with being on the water again. Ray's father (also Ray) decided to make a stop at Pier 1000 on the way back to their home in the suburbs of Chicago to take a look at what they had to offer for sale. After looking at some boats and not really seeing what they had wanted they decided to go home after the long weekend. Ray Jr. had found some 1984 Carver brochures at home from the purchase of his parents former 32 Carver and the heat was on. After a few calls to local marinas they were turned on to a New Buffalo Carver dealer with a salesman working there named Bill Bryk.
The coming weekend the Bocks made their trip to New Buffalo to see a brand new 1993 Carver 350 Aft Cabin, the boat was great and they almost made an offer but something was holding them back. A few months went by and it was Chicago Boat Show time, the same dealer was going to be displaying a 1994 Carver 370 Aft with a new lighter maple wood interior and that peaked Ray Sr.'s interest. After some negotiating and grilling from Ray Jr. it was theirs.
At the young age of 8 Ray Jr. was always at the helm of the 370 and was probably better at docking and manuevering the 41' overall Carver than most in the marina. This was taken into consideration by the local marina where around age 12 or 13 Ray started helping deliver boats to Michigan City Boat Show every year.
Around age 20 Ray was in college at Purdue University and decided that he would like to jump into the world of boat sales, afterall when most kids were playing video games Ray was studying internet for sale ads and his 1999 version of powerboat guide's pages are worn from studying the book like the bible. It has always been said "This kids an encyclopedia of boat knowledge".
At 21 Ray took it upon himself to set up a meeting with Tim Kleihege about becoming a broker for Tim's company "The Mariner Network Yacht Sales" and after a quick meeting Ray was hired.
At the time of this bio Ray is 26 years old and has sold several million dollars in brokerage boats and continues to work at The Mariner Network Yacht Sales. His passion for boating and boats in general is apparent with just talking to Ray for a few minutes, it has been said if you need to find Ray and he doesn't answer his cell phone you can find him in one of 3 places....The Mariner Network office, his boat, and if the boat slip is empty you can find him on the lake!
Ray is dedicated to offering quality boats at fair prices and advertising them in a more professional and detailed fashion than any other brokerage company around. When recieving calls on boats from perspective clients you will find you will always get the actual information you are looking for whether it is about the boats condition, past history, or simply general information about the boat you can count on 100% honest and accurate information before you come for a viewing.
Testimonials:
1999 40 Bayliner Former Owner:
"I cannot say enough about Ray! The sale of our boat was too much for me to handle and Ray stepped in and was there for my husband whenever he needed help with something. He is a man of great character at such a young age. I would recommend your company to anyone interested in selling their boat. I really appreciate all of your efforts in getting the job done. I also think its important for people selling their boats with Ray understand how knowledgeable he is on boating in general. The marina service writer ranted and raved about how great Ray is with boating. I had no prior knowledge. She completely sold me on Ray when I was doubting that the boat would ever sell in this economic climate and wanted to pull it off the market. She said there isn't anyone our there with as much passion and experience as Ray has and thats saying alot for a guy in his early 20's. I think initially when people meet him, there is a difinite age issue. But as the marina service writer reassured me, he is one of the best people have on your team! I just want to make sure other people give him the same chance that might not have the marinas insight. So, please, let the new sellers know how experienced and great he truly is!
Mrs. K.L.
