The inflatable boat industry just got a boost as Boat Specialists made a big impression at the 2025 Highfield Boats North American Dealer Meeting in Cadillac, Michigan, earning the Top Dealer Award.
Hosted in the heart of Michigan’s lake country, the annual dealer summit brought together Highfield’s top-performing partners for two days of product previews, strategy sessions, and good old-fashioned cornhole competition. But the real headline? Boat Specialists was recognized for their standout sales, customer engagement, and brand storytelling that continues to raise the bar across North America.
“This award represents the care and skill our team brings to every customer interaction,” said Kevin Schank, General Sales Manager at Boat Specialists. “We don’t just sell boats—we help people launch their lifestyle. Highfield’s commitment to quality and innovation makes that easy.”
The meeting kicked off with a keynote from Highfield CEO Christophe Lavigne, who shared the brand’s journey from tender boats to full-fledged family day cruisers. Highfield’s rise in the U.S. market is no small feat—they now rank #32 out of 2,093 boat brands nationwide, a testament to their growing reputation for rugged elegance and performance.
Product innovation was front and center, with Highfield unveiling new “super RIB” models featuring modular helm and seating options, upgraded finishes, and corrosion-resistant design techniques. Mercury Marine teased improved acceleration curves for their 300hp and 400hp engines, while Flux Marine wowed the crowd with electric systems that require no winterization and can be submerged up to 10 feet. It’s clear, the future of boating is both powerful and practical.
Dealer support got a serious upgrade this year, with Highfield rolling out expanded training programs designed to keep teams razor-sharp—whether they’re mastering technical specs or closing the sale. From hands-on workshops to online modules, the focus was clear: empower dealers to deliver smarter, smoother service at every touchpoint.
And let’s be honest—no dealer meeting is complete without a little friendly rivalry. The event wrapped with a lakeside dinner and Highfield’s now-legendary cornhole tournament, where the competition was fierce, and Boat Specialists proved they don’t just dominate on the sales floor—they’ve got game on the boards too.
“We’re honored to represent Highfield at Boat Specialists and excited by this recognition,” said Erik O’Brien, Sales Specialist representing the Northern California market for Boat Specialists. “Our crew lives the boating lifestyle every day, and we work hard to make sure our customers feel that same excitement. This award is for them, too.”
Boat Specialists is proud to carry Highfield’s complete lineup—from rugged tenders to luxury day cruisers and everything in between. Whether you're chasing adventure, upgrading your fleet, or just dreaming of your next weekend on the water, our team is ready to help you find the perfect Highfield. Call us today, and let’s get you on board. Your next boat isn’t just waiting—it’s ready to launch.