Yamaha Motor Canada is proud to welcome aboard Ken Van Noort! As the new Area Sales Manager, Boats, Ken will be accountable for sales of G3 Boats, Skeeter Boats and Yamaha’s Sport Boat line, from Ontario to BC. A genuine boating enthusiast, you can bet your dock that Ken proves quite valuable to Yamaha’s entire marine division, including outboard and WaveRunner. We caught up with the “new fish” to see how things are going thus far in the Big Blue pond….
Hi Ken, congratulations on your new career with Yamaha Motor Canada. Please give us some insight into your background and experience on the water.
Ken Van Noort: I’m actually a recruiter by trade, but my experience with boats started on the retail level. For the last 10 years, I’ve specialized in retail sales and set-up for the Boat Shows; The Toronto International Boat Show, Spring Fishing Show, Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, and Cottage Life show.
Why the change and switch to Yamaha?
The change to Yamaha was easy; it’s always been my absolute favourite brand. I love the industry and nothing gets me more pumped up than this! I always thought it would be great to sell for my favourite brand, so this is the best opportunity I could have.
I’m sure being on the water has been a big part of your life for a long time….
All of my life; ever since my younger days at the cottage with family, until I was old enough to buy my own boat. I’m on the water every summer!
Do you own a Yamaha right now?
I do, I have an F90 outboard.
Is fishing in your blood?
It is. I do a lot of fishing and often take my nieces and nephews tubing.
What’s your take on the boating industry as it stands today?
I worked the Toronto Boat Show from 2000 until 2009. After working the big shows this past winter and spring, I was quite surprised to see how stable things really are. Those who enjoy the water enjoy it a lot and make it happen, no matter what the economy is saying. People are remaining very active on the water and sales are good. It’s also a family thing, so it’s easier for folks to justify the cost, rather than a luxury where only one or maybe two persons can participate.
Which waters do you spend most of your time on?
Lake Simcoe, that’s my home base. As a kid, I spent a lot of time up on Lake Vernon in Huntsville.
Okay, Ken, before we let you go, share with us a few secret talents or things people wouldn’t know about you.
How nuts I am about the marine industry [laughs]! That would really blow people away. I play hockey as well, and I can sing [laughs]!