A former Navy Seal, a marching band and global attendance highlighted a recent three-day leadership and training seminar hosted by North Fort Myers-based Golden Boat Lifts for its dealers.

Attending the boot camp-themed event at the Westin Hotel Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village were over 160 dealers and employees of Golden Boat Lifts, which specializes in various types of boat lifts and floating dock systems.

The three-day event opened with a cocktail reception where attendees had the opportunity to meet and connect with some of the dealers attending from as far away as Australia, Sweden and Norway. The first full day consisted of the dealers taking a bus ride to “Camp Golden,” where Golden employees provided guided tours of the boat lift and dock factories. The tours showcased what Golden does differently in production from the industry standard to produce the most durable and safe products.

Following the tour, the new hydraulic lifts and floating lifts were demonstrated, with the uniqueness of each lift highlighted. Finally, training on current products and installation tips was conducted.

On the third day, the Cape Coral High School band opened the day by marching into the conference room to a stirring version of reveille, followed by the Cape Coral High JROTC unit presenting our nation’s colors, and the band performing the national anthem.

Former Navy Seal Jacob Werksman inspired the crowd with a speech on leadership. Golden Boat Lifts owner Bill Golden also provided an overview of the company and the value of the relationships his company has established with all its dealers.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing high sales performance, milestone achievements, and dealers who aided in Hurricane Ian recovery.

“Bill Golden has instilled in us a sense of quality that I don’t see in the competitors,” said dealer Chuck Archer of Inlet Marine in Portsmouth, Va. “Not only in the quality of our work but also in how we treat others in the industry. The camaraderie is unmatched, we’re a group of salesmen and yet I haven’t heard one person boast about their sales.”

Added Steven Coletti of Marathon Seawalls & Docks, “It was first-class from start to finish. The highlight for me was getting to see your facilities.”

Golden Boat Lifts hosts such an event every three years to honor the performance of its dealers and the accomplishments of the company.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team of dealers from around the world,” said Bill Golden, owner of Golden Boat Lifts. “Our global success is because of their incredible dedication and world class performance.”

Golden Boat Lifts is headquartered at 17611 East St., in North Fort Myers. Learn more at GoldenBoatLifts.com or call 239-337-4141.