At nine years old, Kirk Beattie already knew what he wanted to do when he grew up. It all started in 1996 when his parents, Scott and Kathy Beattie were building center console boats overseas in Bahrain. A need for a sales and service center in the United States arose and Preferred Marine Sales Group was born.
Kirk would follow his dad around the shop and persistently inquire about the boats and engines that were there. His passion and desire to learn about the boating industry led to working his first boat show at age twelve where he sold his first boat, a 32 foot Dakota. According to his dad, he wasn’t going to let those folks off the boat until they committed to buying it. He was a natural and there was no turning back.
Soon, he was fishing local tournaments with his dad and younger brother Kody aboard the family’s 36 foot Dakota which helped reinforce his love of the ocean and the marine industry. Kirk continued to work at the shop after school while attending Cardinal Gibbons High School and Florida Atlantic University. He learned all about the mechanics of Mercury Outboard engines and the basics of running a small business. He was on his way to taking over the family business. Little did he know that it would happen sooner than later.
In 2007, shortly after his dad took the opportunity to go to work for Mercury Marine in their Competitive Angling Department, Kirk assumed ownership of the business and all of the responsibility that came with it. Over the last ten years, with lots of hard work, Preferred Marine has grown into one of Mercury Marine’s top selling Platinum Dealers in Florida.
To this day, Preferred Marine is still very much a family business. Recently graduating from the University of North Florida, Kody has assumed the role of managing and operating the newly formed Yacht Management division and their mom Kathy takes care of the office so the boys can do what they do best.
From basic service and boat washes to electronics installations and complete repowers, Preferred Marine is well respected around town for getting the job done right and on time. They are members in good standing with The Marine Industries Association, IGFA, and Florida Yacht Brokers Association. In addition, Preferred Marine is NEMA 2000 Certified, Marine Electronics Certified and are Mercury Marine Certified technicians. If you’re in need of any marine related service, stop by and meet Kirk and his crew. Tell them that Coastal Angler sent you. You won’t be disappointed.
PREFERRED MARINE SALES GROUP
1631 S. DIXIE HIGHWAY, SUITE D1
POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060
954-527-9000
www. preferredmarine.com