Ken Gammon says it’s time to diversify once again.
NORWAY – Ken Gammon is not going to get caught standing still in an economy that’s moving quickly around him.
“Diversify,” Gammon said about his new business of selling boats, motors and trailers.
Gammon began as Ken’s Automotive Service about 30 years ago. Eight years ago, the auto service diversified and began doing business as Ken’s Yamaha, selling motorcycles, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.
And now it’s time to diversify again.
He said the auto repair business is growing more complicated and that it’s difficult to keep technicians updated on all the changes concerning automobiles.
“Whereas I’m a Yamaha dealer, I have access to all the tools and training I need to keep up,” Gammon said.
Gammon decided it was time to cut back a bit on auto repair and expand into another market.
“I opened a second store in Tamworth, N.H., and I felt it needed something else to sell,” Gammon said.
Tamworth is 15 miles south of Conway and close to Lake Winnipesaukee.
“My thinking was that service is service, and you can only produce so much service by hiring more technicians,” Gammon said. “You’re limited to the number of people you have to produce service, whereas one salesperson can sell a lot.
“Plus, a franchise is worth some money down the road, while Ken’s Auto is just Ken’s Auto,” he said.
He said he was going to remodel in the summer by turning one of the three auto repair bays into a boat showroom.
He does not plan to discontinue the auto repair service and will keep the Yamaha motor repair service.
Gammon said that last fall, when the economy slowed down, his auto repair was excellent.
“The boats are going to be a summer thing, and we’ll offer storage in the fall,” Gammon said. “What I’m trying to do is diversity, so I don’t let one thing drag me under.”
Gammon said he also plans to winterize, shrink wrap and store boats during the winter.
“At this time, we have no inside storage,” Gammon said. “Maybe later on.”
He currently uses about four acres of the 11 acres he owns at the Yamaha franchise site.
Gammon will offer a wide range of aluminum boats 10- to 20-feet in length.
He said some are “johnboats” or utility boats. Some can be used for fishing and hunting, and some will be pontoons used for partying or fishing.
The motors he sells will range from 2.5 horsepower to 300 horsepower, he said.
“We’re going to stock about 20 different motors, but offer about 50,” Gammon said.
Gammon said he will have some of his product line on display at the Portland Boat Show during March 18-21.
Comments are no longer available on this story