Boat business targets Hispanic market

VENICE — Freedom Boat Club, which provides access to a variety of boats in return for an initiation fee and monthly dues is, making a push to target the Hispanic market.

The Venice-based company, with franchise and corporate-owned locations, recently named Maurice Amaya to the newly created position of multicultural sales and marketing manager. Amaya, according to a release, was previously the general manager and operations manager for DirecTV Latin America. American-educated with a degree in marketing and international business from the University of Central Florida, Amaya also previously held senior account management roles with Verizon and Comcast, the release adds. Amaya joined Freedom Boat Club initially as a membership executive.

“We believe hiring an individual with Maurice's experience for this new, full-time position is indicative of our long-term commitment to developing new diverse markets,” Freedom Boat Club President and CEO John Giglio says in the release. “Certainly all of our internal and marine industry research reflects the significant growth and emergence of key demographic sectors. Freedom Boat Club desires to be at the forefront of introducing new markets to the boating lifestyle, so we have committed the funds and top resources to focus this effort.”

Freedom Boat Club has translated marketing materials for the Hispanic market and joined Hispanic chambers and organizations, the release states. In addition, Amaya plans to meet with Hispanic business leaders and officials throughout the Southwest Florida and Tampa metro markets.