Steve Lochmueller, President and CEO of Sumerset Houseboats reported on his first year at the helm of Kentucky’s oldest and largest aluminum hull houseboat manufacturing facility, “Team Sumerset focused on our commitment and worked very hard. We knew we had a big job to do, but not an impossible job. Their efforts resulted in a very successful year and we are poised for an even better year in 2005 – 06. Consumer demand for our houseboats is as strong as ever and likely to grow significantly. Our exclusive dealer network is very healthy and well poised for another successful year with Sumerset Houseboats. Production is up, quality ratings are up and customer relationships are strengthening.”

Lochmueller, an operations executive brought on board by the investment group headed by two former Kentucky Basketball All-Americans, Jamal Mashburn and Ron Mercer, is skilled at building companies by instituting cost saving processes, developing new distribution channels and capitalizing on new opportunities.

Lochmueller is quick to point out that strong selling programs were a big contributor to success, they were by no means the sole cause, “ My experience has taught me three vital elements to achieving goals – plan your work and work your plan; be prepared to keep your promises because your word is who you are; and always move forward.”

Highlights of Sumerset Houseboats First Year:
Company Wide Performance Reward Program with Quarterly Reviews
Aggressive Marketing Campaign that included logo and website redesign
Exclusive Dealer Program in eight states.
Elected as Houseboat Industry Association (HIA) Vice-Chairman
Featured on Travel Channel production “Fantastic Houseboats”; IQ Magazine and CNNfn
Nationwide Service Center Partners in twelve states.
Established the industry’s only Customer Advisory Board
Major investment in a new IT infrastructure
Lochmueller was selected as Houseboat Industry Association (HIA) Vice-Chairman
Selected to serve on the BMD (Boat Manufactures Division) Board of the NMMA
Entered the NMMA’s CSI Program (Customer Survey Index).

Don’t worry about CEO Lochmueller or Team Sumerset being satisfied with their current level of success, “We are definitely continuing to move forward. For being at the helm eleven short months, we’ve made some amazing strides and turned this company around. So far we’ve focused our efforts on reclaiming our competitive advantage; we haven’t started getting innovative yet.”

Sumerset Houseboats announced they have displayed four record setting custom, luxury houseboats since the new owners acquired the company on September 1, 2004.

Sumerset Houseboats unveiled their largest Showroom Houseboat in company history. The 2004 model Sumerset Houseboat is 92 feet in length with an 18-foot beam. “We are fortunate our showroom is 100 feet across or we would not have been able to close the doors,” a smiling Steve Lochmueller said. Lochmueller, president and CEO of the recently acquired Sumerset Houseboats has both feet firmly on the ground and a dynamic vision for the future. “This Showroom boat project personifies our dedication to maintaining our position as the aluminum hull houseboat industry leader and surpassing current industry expectations. I’ve found in my experience that to stay focused, take care of your customers and deliver on your promises will always lead to success,” Lochmueller stated.

With that vision as a guide, Sumerset entered into 2004 by placing three of the largest houseboats ever constructed boat shows in Atlanta, Nashville and Phoenix – all during the same week. “Each situation had it’s unique challenges – driving our 2004 Atlanta Showboat into downtown Atlanta, GA; letting the air down in the tires to squeeze the 2004 Nashville Showboat through the Convention Hall door; and tailoring our 2004 Arizona Showboat more than 1900 miles to participate.” “Most boaters don’t understand the quality and magnitude of the product we build. That is why show participation is important for our segment of the industry. Once an individual has an opportunity to come on board and see the craftsmanship and expertise involved in making a Sumerset Houseboat, their perspective is changed forever.”

Sumerset Houseboats has partnered with service centers to further enhance its service response time from coast to coast, President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Lochmueller announced. The exclusive service agreement will allow Sumerset Houseboat owners to receive prompt warranty service in their region of the country. The Sumerset Service Centers will also handle repair work orders, service requests and provide other assistance.

“We are the industry’s top manufacturer of quality houseboats, but from time to time, boats need repair work,” Lochmueller said. “This new arrangement gives our company a presence all over the United States, which in turn, keeps our customers satisfied with their purchase. We feel its another step in not only building the best boat on the water, but making sure it remains the best boat on the water for years to come.”

The new Sumerset Service Partners are located in Georgia, California, Missouri, Tennessee, with additional agreements being negotiated. Lochmueller said that Sumerset Houseboats will continue to provide service from its headquarters in Somerset, Ky., to areas of the country outside the region of one of its new partners.

“We feel we have always provided great service to any lake in the country,” he said. “By our latest agreements, we can service our owners needs with an improved response time.”

Somerset, Ky. – Faso Houseboats, a new dealer located in Stockton, Calif., has begun to offer Sumerset Houseboats for sale to its Northern California customer base.

Sumerset Houseboats, the world’s leader in top-quality houseboat manufacturing for more than 33 years, is the only manufacturer with an established dealer program. Previously, Holiday Boat Sales in Georgia, Houseboat Realty in Tennessee, Bigelow Marine Sales in Alabama and Dreamboats in Missouri had joined the Sumerset network.

“We continue to build alliances nationwide with strong marine businesses,” said Steve Lochmuller, President and CEO of Sumerset Houseboats. “Thanks to Joe and Tony Faso, our dealer network is growing with reputable dealers who are able to build and strengthen relationships with our clients from coast to coast. Through Faso Houseboats, we can now offer boaters on the West Coast easier access to our product line.”

Sumerset Houseboats based in Somerset, Ky., is the oldest and largest manufacturer of custom, aluminum hull houseboats and have produced over 3,150 houseboats to date. Their newly redesigned website, www.sumerset.com, allows you to view houseboats in production, review a list of standard and optional features, quote a custom boat, or purchase a pre-owned houseboat; along with many other site features.

“As the most recognized name in the industry, Sumerset Houseboats offers our company an exciting opportunity to bring more customers into the Sumerset family,” Tony Faso said. “Sumerset’s quality and attention to detail is second to none. And with Steve’s dedication to building customer relationships, this was an easy decision for us to come on board.”

Joe and Tony Faso welcome you to view the in-stock Sumerset Houseboats. For more information Faso Houseboats can be reached at 209/481-6820.

SOMERSET, Ky. — Sumerset Houseboats, the leading manufacturer of aluminum hull houseboats, has promoted Greg Baldwin to a newly established position of Construction Specialist, announced company President/CEO Steve Lochmueller.

Baldwin has worked at Sumerset for 17 years, including six years in production and 11 years in sales.

“While working in production, I was involved with many construction aspects including electrical installations, HVAC, interior and exterior carpet installation and final inspection/quality control,” Baldwin said. “While in sales I was very involved with our clients in the design and development of their houseboat, which required me to work closely with the production and design departments.

Sam Loveless, the Vice President for production at Sumerset, created Baldwin’s new position.

“Custom houseboat construction is extremely complex and requires keen attention to detail,” Loveless said. “Greg Baldwin provides that extra level of attention and support to ensure the customer is being provided exactly what they expect and the manufacturing process flows smoothly. “

Sumerset Houseboats is the oldest and largest producer of aluminum houseboats in the world. Two former University of Kentucky basketball All-Americans – Jamal Mashburn and Ron Mercer – acquired Sumerset Houseboats in 2003, which produces approximately 100 custom, luxury houseboats each year.

“Our sales staff has done an outstanding job of being detail-oriented in the past, and as we continue to grow and move forward, we recognize the need to allow our sales team to focus on the customer,” Lochmueller said. “After all, for our customers, their Sumerset Houseboat is the only houseboat we are building. They expect that level of attention and excellence from every staff member. Greg Baldwin will enhance our customer relations, while helping us produce a better bottom line.”

Ron Mercer, one of the principal owners of Sumerset Houseboats, congratulated Brock Roberts, Welding Tech III, on earning the company’s Employee of the Month honor for January. Mercer visited the manufacturing plant in Somerset, Ky., on Feb. 13 during the All-Star break in his NBA schedule. The former Kentucky All-American now plays for the San Antonio Spurs.

Sumerset Houseboats President and CEO Steve Lochmueller announced the formation of a new Design Team.

“Bringing together these individuals provides customers more houseboat design experience, knowledge and skill than has ever been offered by a manufacturer.”

The Sumerset Design Team has nearly 100 years of combined experience and includes technical drafting, fabrication, interior design, and production. “You cannot find this level of expertise and dedication anywhere else,” Lochmueller said. “We made a commitment - the entire company - at the beginning of 2004 to excel in quality, craftsmanship and customer relationships. Forming this team, with some of the most recognized names in the industry, honors our commitment to those goals.”

Sumerset Houseboats is the nation’s oldest and largest aluminum hull houseboat manufacturer. Other industry firsts include the aluminum hull, the first testing pond, the first website, daily production photos, the first toll free number, the first state of the art houseboat manufacturing plant, first NMMA certification, the “Forward Seating Fly Bridge” and the “Tall Stack” exhaust.

View PDF

Asst. Professor Brad Christensen and a group of Berea College students toured Sumerset Houseboats for a first hand look at houseboat production. Christensen teaches a Small Boat Design and Construction Course for the Department of Technology at Berea College. The group is seen on the front deck of the 2004 Showroom Boat (l to r): Calvin Matinel, Clifton Davis, Phil Hill, Denessa Baters, Rachel Fleshman, Melina Petrovic, Brandi Coleman, Shannon Bach, Robert Kendrick, Katie Samual, Matthew Dalton, Christopher Echkert, Erick McAdam, Jeremy Echkert Standing in front: Ethan Minney, TA; Asst Professor Brad Christiansen, Steve Lochmueller, Pres. & CEO of Sumerset Houseboats.

With the recent acquisition of Sumerset Houseboats by an investment team led by two former University of Kentucky basketball All-Americans, Jamal Mashburn and Ron Mercer, the new corporation has revitalized its company colors and logo.

“As the industry’s oldest and largest manufacturer of aluminum hull houseboats it was important to authenticate the change of company ownership to our customers, both past and current, ” said Steve Lochmueller, President and CEO of Sumerset Houseboats. “Our newly redesigned logo and color change expresses the vitality and commitment we feel moving forward as the industry leader.”

The new registered mark bears the familiar “S” logo in teal enhanced with a drop shadow. It release of the new logo coincides not only with the ownership change but with a revitalized marketing strategy. In addition, the color and style change led to further improvements in the 2000 square-foot showroom at corporate headquarters in Somerset, Ky.

“I encourage all our customers and friends to stop by and see the exciting changes we have made,” Lochmueller said. “Visiting this facility is always impressive and now we are functioning better than ever.”