A Division of Skipper Marine Holdings, Inc. & Affiliated Companies

For Immediate Release: More information contact Todd Riepe, [email protected]

Antioch, Illinois (August 20, 2019) - Illinois based SkipperBud’s has acquired the assets and inventory of MasterCraft Boats of Chicago.

SkipperBud’s will now represent the MasterCraft Boat Company in Northern Illinois. The operations will be split between two locations, Volo and Antioch, Illinois. The primary showroom will be at the Sequoit Harbor location, which will provide an on water site to best serve the current and future MasterCraft owners.

Jim Schultz, owner of MasterCraft Boats of Chicago and GereMarie is already a major component supplier to MasterCraft Boats. Schultz felt his dealership had grown to a level in which it needed more focused attention to continue to grow and offer more services to the MasterCraft customer base. The SkipperBud’s acquisition will allow him to focus 100% of his time and energy towards GereMarie to develop more new, industry leading components for MasterCraft Boats and others. According to Schultz, “I have known the SkipperBud’s organization for quite a while, and am confident they will deliver the highest level of service to our MasterCraft owners.”

SkipperBud’s is eager to move forward on this promising venture, “We are very excited to grow our great partnership with MasterCraft, and to provide on water access to the MasterCraft owners,” said Todd Riepe, SkipperBud’s Regional Vice President. “MasterCraft has a great following in Illinois, and our key locations should allow them even more access to support,” Riepe continued. “MasterCraft Boats of Chicago has done an outstanding job in the market, and we are proud to continue that legacy.”

“MasterCraft Boat Company has enjoyed tremendous growth over the last several years in northern Illinois,” says Matt McDevitt Vice President of Global Sales for MasterCraft Boat Company. “MasterCraft Boats of Chicago remained focused on the consumer experience in every aspect of the sale. SkipperBud’s success with the MasterCraft brand in the Milwaukee market over the last 10 years, has proven they are a great partner to continue this customer focused approach in the Chicago area for years to come.”

About SkipperBud’s A family owned marine company, specializing in boat sales, brokerage, service, storage and marina operation since 1959. With locations in California, Illinois. Michigan, Ohio, Washington and Wisconsin. SkipperBud’s Mission is to Deliver the Boating Dream.

1000 W IL Route 173 • Antioch, IL 60002 • Phone 847/395-6101 • Fax 847/395-0960