Kevin & Greg LIVE at the Port

In this episode, the guys sit down with financial consultant Andrew Howrigan for a conversation about what it really takes to build, protect, and grow wealth as a business owner. Andrew shares how growing up in his family’s maple syrup business shaped his relentless work ethic before diving into the financial lessons he now brings to entrepreneurs from properly structuring operating agreements and buy-sell arrangements to preparing for the unexpected with insurance, estate planning, and risk management. They also explore why so many business owners struggle with disconnected financial advisors, excessive cash sitting on the sidelines, and a lack of coordination between their personal and business finances. Andrew breaks down his philosophy of protection, savings, and growth, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and maximizing protection while minimizing unnecessary costs.

[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.

Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/

In this episode, the guys sit down with Dustin Miller to break down how the digital marketing landscape is changing for watersports, tours, and activity operators. They dive into the rising cost of Google Ads, declining ROAS, the growing influence of platforms like Meta and TikTok, and why relying too heavily on Google or OTAAs can put serious pressure on your margins. Dustin shares practical strategies for combining paid advertising, organic content, CRM automation, and customer retention to turn more leads into repeat customers and increase lifetime value. The conversation also explores attribution challenges, creative testing, and how operators can build a stronger brand instead of competing solely on price and ad placement.

[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.

Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/

In this episode, the guys sit down with Kyle Reed, founder of Stannect, to dive into how automation, CRM systems, and smarter technology can help watersport and tourism operators scale their businesses without adding more manual work. The conversation explores why traditional reservation systems often fall short when it comes to customer communication, upsells, follow up, and sales automation, and how CRMs and open API integrations can fill those gaps. Kyle also shares his perspective on referrals versus paid advertising, the evolving world of online reviews and reputation management, and how AI is changing the way businesses interact with customers. From small operators looking for simple solutions to larger businesses managing multiple systems, this episode offers practical insights into building a more connected, efficient, and scalable operation while keeping the human side of customer service intact. 

[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.

Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/

In this FTA (From the Archives) episode, the guys sat down Kenny Hilderbrandt, founder of RentAboat.com, for an in depth conversation about the legal, operational, and insurance challenges facing the boat and watersports rental industry. Kenny shares his experience operating marinas in New York and Florida while explaining the differences between bareboat charters and livery operations, how liability laws impact rental businesses, and why insurance continues to be a major concern for operators. The discussion dives into Florida’s SB606 regulations, the Temporary Certificate Program, boater safety requirements, and how the regulatory landscape compares to New York. From navigating maritime law and protecting your business to understanding the future of boat rentals and insurance, this episode offers valuable insights for watersport operators looking to better understand the rules, reduce risk, and build a sustainable rental operation. 

[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.

Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/

In this episode, the guys sit down with Bruce Rosard, Co-Founder of Arival. They dive into the biggest challenges and opportunities facing water sports operators today, coming straight out of Arival 2026 in Spokane. Kevin, Greg, and their guests discuss the growing influence of OTAAs like Viator and GetYourGuide, the importance of protecting margins and owning the customer relationship, and why building a strong direct to consumer sales strategy is more critical than ever. They also explore the rapid evolution of AI and technology, the impact of natural disasters on operators and events, and the value of peer to peer learning within the industry. With plenty of candid stories, hard earned lessons, and a healthy dose of humor, this episode is a look at what operators can do today to adapt, stay competitive, and build more profitable businesses for the future. 

[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.

Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/

In this episode, the guys sit down with Joe Gratz, founder of Sandbar Joe’s, to break down how he built a modern, experience-first charter business in New Jersey by putting social media, hospitality, and customer experience at the center of the brand. Joe shares how he uses TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to drive real bookings, why niche experiences can outperform traditional boat tours, and the challenges that come with scaling a business without losing its personality. The conversation also dives into hiring and firing, avoiding founder bottlenecks, building the right team, handling negative reviews, measuring marketing by revenue instead of vanity metrics, and knowing when it’s time to move on from people or partnerships that aren’t working. It’s a candid look at what it takes to grow a watersport business while keeping the passion and customer experience that made it successful in the first place.

[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.

Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/

In this episode, the guys sit down with Chris Rozzo of Elevated Boat Club to break down what it really takes to build and operate a successful boat club in a challenging market like Lake Tahoe. Chris shares his journey from jet ski rentals to launching a membership based boat club, along with the lessons he’s learned about recurring revenue, pricing, member churn, marina costs, fleet management, and competing in an increasingly consolidated industry. The conversation also explores the rise of fractional boat ownership, the changing watersports customer, and why convenience, luxury, and service can command a premium. Packed with real world business lessons and plenty of laughs, this episode offers watersport operators practical insights into building a more predictable and profitable business.

[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.

Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/

In this episode, the guys sit down with John Hemken, CEO and owner of A&M Manufacturing, and Angela Owen, COO, for an inside look at the business of building commercial boats for watersport and tourism operators. John shares the incredible story of taking over A&M during a period of financial and operational turmoil and turning it into a respected manufacturer of COI vessels, while Angela explains how the company has built systems and a team designed to scale without relying on a single person. The conversation covers everything from rising material costs and Coast Guard approval delays to choosing the right boat size, designing for multiple revenue streams, and why flexible, timeless boat layouts can be more valuable than highly customized designs. Most importantly, John and Angela share lessons on customer relationships, profitability, delegation, and building boats around the businesses operators are trying to create.

[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.

Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/

In this episode, the guys sit down with Vision Marine CEO Alex Mongeon. He breaks down how watersport and rental operators can leverage high performance electric propulsion to future proof their fleets. Drawing on his background as a speedboat racer and marine innovator, Alex explains how commercial grade electric outboards and robust battery runtimes designed for multiple daily rentals and overnight charging solve traditional operational hurdles.

[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.

Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/

In this episode, the Awkward Watersport Guys officially becomes Kevin and Greg Live, after 5 incredible years. In this milestone episode, Kevin and Greg share why they rebranded, how a podcast that started as a fun side project evolved into a thriving media company, and what's next for the community they've built. They discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, balancing business with family, avoiding burnout, and why authenticity remains the foundation of everything they do. You'll also get a preview of the biggest Port Event yet, hear about exciting new competitions and community initiatives, and learn why the future of the show will expand beyond watersports into business, investing, hobbies, and life.

[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.

Show Links:
Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/