Clinton Marina
How Stellar Revolutionized Clinton Marina’s Operations
AT A GLANCE
- Business: Clinton Marina
- Location: Two marina locations in Kansas and New Mexico
- Fleet Size: 30 rental boats across locations
- Season: Year-round operations
- Operations:
- Boat rentals
- Boat club at two locations
- Transient slip rentals
- Challenge: Managing complex multi-location operations with inconsistent booking systems (paper-based and limited software) while scaling across states
THE CHALLENGE: Managing Complex Multi-Location Operations
For Clinton Marina, managing multiple locations presented a significant operational challenge. One location relied entirely on pen and paper for bookings, while the other used Checkfront software. Neither solution provided the comprehensive features needed for a growing multi-state operation.
“The chaos from double bookings and reservation errors was costing us thousands with our paper-based system,” recalls Meiusi Peter Meiusi, Clinton Marina’s owner. “We knew in 2020 that we needed to move into the digital age.”
the SOLUTION: Finding the Right Digital Partner
After meeting Stellar’s team at the Nashville Dock Expo and reviewing several competing platforms, Clinton Marina found their match. “We did our homework and thoroughly evaluated four or five different platforms before moving forward with Stellar,” Peter explains. “The difference was clear.”
Key factors in choosing Stellar included:
- Integrated boat club management capabilities that streamlined their entire operation
- Multi-location dashboard visibility providing real-time insights across their facilities
- Comprehensive vessel documentation features that simplified compliance and record-keeping
- Customizable fee structures for different locations, allowing for market-specific pricing
IMPLEMENTATION: A PHASED APPROACH TO GROWTH
Clinton Marina’s implementation of Stellar evolved alongside their business expansion. Peter notes: “As we’ve been growing and scaling our portfolio and platform and business, you guys have been growing right alongside us.”
Their journey included:
- Initial deployment across two marina locations with ~30 rental boats
- Launch of boat club operations at first location
- Expansion to second boat club location the following year
- Recent integration with newly acquired New Mexico marinas, transitioning from Checkfront
Success was driven by comprehensive support including structured training sessions, hands-on guidance, and regular check-ins to manage ongoing business changes. As they note: “It doesn’t feel like we’re just out on our own, but rather there’s ongoing support.”
This phased approach allowed Clinton Marina to systematically expand Stellar across multiple business units while ensuring consistent operations.
the results: "Revenue growth through accessibility"
Enhanced Revenue Management
- 24/7 booking capability leading to 2-5 overnight reservations while closed
- 2-3% savings through credit card fee management
- Increased revenue through expanded booking accessibility
Improved Operational Efficiency
- Elimination of double bookings
- Streamlined booking process across all locations
- Reduced phone call volume
- Simplified key deposit management for transient slips
- User-friendly interface manageable by all staff levels
- Customer portal for boat club members
Marketing and Community Engagement
Peter particularly values the platform’s flexibility for community involvement: “We really like and frequently utilize the ability to do highly customizable promotional codes. So whether that’s a donation that we’re giving to a fundraiser or an auction, or if we’re running late season promotions or midweek promotions, the fact that we can do it on a dollar basis and granular down to the type of boat and the type of day, that’s a function that we use often.”
The system enables Clinton Marina to accomplish their goals of community engagement and giving back, while also helping them drive revenue when different pricing structures make sense.
Asset Protection
- Comprehensive vessel documentation with before/after photos
- Clear damage documentation process
- Improved accountability for rentals
Looking Ahead
As Clinton Marina continues to expand their operations, Stellar remains a crucial partner in their success. “Proof is in the pudding – the fact that we’re scaling our business and continuing to work with you guys,” notes Peter.
This partnership demonstrates how marine businesses can successfully transition from traditional methods to comprehensive digital solutions while maintaining high service levels and supporting business growth.
