Marine Industry Marketing & Design Consultation

With over 20 years in the advertising, marketing and design communications business, DAKOTA MARINE’s owner, Doug Ely knows a thing or two about creating and promoting a brand and generating interest in that brand. Once an owner and creative director of a highly-respected, multi-award-winning design communications firm, his professional roots began on Madison Avenue in New York City, producing campaigns and programs for Fortune 500 companies. In 2000, Doug left that business to pursue a marine career. This new direction included sailing and marine-related marketing endeavors, virtually full-time, in the Caribbean. (Many close to him might argue that moving into the marine industry wasn’t his most financially sound career move, but hey, you only live once, right?!)

Doug’s marketing expertise immediately paid off in the highly competitive, Virgin Islands’ charter market. His print advertising and collateral materials for the yacht DAKOTA cut right through the clutter of unsophisticated messages promoting the local charter vendors. As a result, DAKOTA went right to the front of the pack when it came to choosing a quality boat for a day or week of sailing in Paradise. Though successful with the chartering aspect, knowing the ins and outs of the marine industry, and boats in general, led Doug to develop the company further, into one with a strong focus on quality yacht restoration and maintenance services. The goal was to offer the same level of quality workmanship as that found in the highly-respected boat yards along the New England coast, but at a more reasonable rate.

Two decades of copywriting and designing award-winning advertising and marketing campaigns, combined with his 35 years of racing and cruising well over 100,000 miles at sea, including nearly 20 years as a USCG licensed 100-ton master, gives Doug the understanding, knowledge and foresight to offer a unique skill set to marine industry companies.

Marketing and advertising is essential to growth. Yet, done poorly or inconsistently, growth will be small, if at all. A positive brand image means everything to a business, whether it’s a package on a store shelf or a place to store and repair a boat. And, that type of image is created through quality communications, professional presentations and commitment to a well planned marketing program.

Doug is now available on a consultative basis to help bring your marine-related company clearly into view and out to the front of the pack. From web design and print communications, to complete brand identity development and marketing programs, and everything in between, his help may just be the thing to get your company to the next level. To discuss the possibilities, please consider giving him a call. Or, feel free to email him directly at swanskpr@aol.com.