Lee Thornton & Brett McQuarrie. Owners of Franklin Marline“We want to create a culture in our <strong>co</strong>mmunity of participating…It’s good seeing all these kids <strong>co</strong>ming in and getting into it withtheir parents, good to see them out launching the boat, all outhaving an enjoyable day.”Let’s go fishing!When you first enter the premises of Franklin Marine, youcan almost smell sea salt in the air. No, you’re not out at sea,yet, but definitely, you are in the right place - somewhere withthe possibility of sea and adventure.The man behind Franklin Marine, Brett is <strong>co</strong>-owner of thebusiness and chief trumpeteer of all things nautical. As hespeaks, it’s hard not to be carried off by his infectious enthusiasmfor the sea. It <strong>co</strong>mes as no surprise that Brett’s love for the waterwas instilled at an early age when he was taken out fishing withhis father and sister over at Whangamata. As a teen, rebuildingan old Pelin Nomad boat revived his passion for the water,reinforcing a love of boating that he carries with him today. “Youcan just go out and chill out. It’s forced relaxation. It’s fun thatyou can catch something and just <strong>co</strong>ok it up and eat it.”This love of boating thrived when Brett first met LeeThornton, business partner and <strong>co</strong>-owner. Their meeting wasenough to ignite the idea of running such a business, particularlyas Lee shared Brett’s passion for boating.For Lee it all started with her love of being in the water andbeing a water baby. “All of us girls (me and my sisters) wentout to sea from a very young age… Dad would always go outin a dinghy and boat and through our holidays we went to mygrandparents in Whangarei heads. From there, we would go tojust across from Marsden Point. I always remember Grandad’sroutine; how to put the boat in the water; how to act properlyin a boat; what to do and what not to do. I grew up with it(boating) and always enjoyed it and I wanted to pass that on tomy daughter.”Franklin was the ideal choice for Brett and Lee as they hadthe opportunity to enhance existing relationships already builtup in the area. Lee: “We chose the Franklin area as Brett wasa Manurewa boy born and bred and worked here in Franklin,making good friends here for five years prior to buying thebusiness.”Lee and Brett are passionate about the mission behind theirbusiness… to help families get into boating. “We want to helpmake a smooth transition from terra firma to boat, that will bewith the kids for life… It’s a good family bonding thing, onceyou’re out on the water, there’s nowhere you can go. It makes ita good opportunity to talk to kids and teach them principles likerespect for water, listening, safety. Like any new experience, youcan only be guided by someone that’s done it before.”For Lee, the payoff is in seeing the kids get excited. “They’vegot the excitement of what’s in the water and what I’ve caught. It’snice to see kids get that, actually get a live version of a fish. Theadrenalin rush is still with me…”Brett: “We want to create a culture in our <strong>co</strong>mmunity ofparticipating… It’s good seeing all these kids <strong>co</strong>ming in andgetting into it with their parents, good to see them out launchingthe boat, all out having an enjoyable day.”For Brett and Lee, their business prioritises delivering qualityservice and products that you can trust without <strong>co</strong>mpromise…“The biggest thing in boating is reading the elements. With carsyou can hop out and walk. Safety-wise, if equipment lets you downin the water in a boat, you can’t. It is really important to trustthose servicing your equipment. You can’t afford to be miles out atsea and have something break down.”As for the future of the business, progressive growth is on thecards for Franklin Marine… and, for the owners, a lot more timespent out demonstrating the latest boats (with a line in the water atthe same time). Might as well!28Support your local <strong>co</strong>mmunity www.elocal.<strong>co</strong>.<strong>nz</strong>
WE HAVE MOVEDBrett McQuarrieLEE AND BRETTFranklin Marine New OwnersNow stockingBULK BAITAND SALTED ICECorner of Heights & Paerata Rd, PukekohePh: 09 239 1893 Web: www.franklinmarine.<strong>co</strong>.<strong>nz</strong>$150 SERVICEincl GSTon all brandsJETSKIS, OUTBOARD MOTORSBOOK NOW 09 239 1893Limited time onlyterms and <strong>co</strong>nditions apply29
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