Feb 07 2007
Props to…
Here’s a little thing I wrote regarding our WonderBroker. I never got around to sending it to his boss… but here it is anyway…
Just wanted to drop you a quick note about our weekend excursion to check out the boat. Short form is… we had a great time, we’ll be sending the report just as soon as we get it (probably Friday), and now it’s just a matter of time. Hopefully. I’m still nervous as a cat with tape on its paws, but I’m improving.
What I wanted to draw your attention to, specifically, was our observations of Alexis over the two days we were in Puerto Rico. The man is a treasure.
Granted, we don’t have much in the way of experience in boat brokers. But we do know real estate and other big-ticket salespeople, and we think that, after observing him in action, he’s a credit to his kind. He was solicitious without being overbearing, curious without being pressing, interested in the sale without being greedy, knowledgeable while still able to say “I don’t know.â€
I have no choice but to compare him to the other broker present. During the sea trial, the other broker was basically useless. Didn’t have the strength to hoist the mainsail (Alexis had to assist him and get it done), demonstrated a complete lack of knowledge of any of the running rigging or its purpose, and didn’t really participate in any way in showing off the boat. Except, of course, to twice, corner me and ask what I thought of the galley. ::sigh:: Oh, and then there was the memorable moment at the end of the cruise, where Alexis had gotten the fenders tied on, and was ready with the docklines… the selling broker was sitting smoking, had to be asked to make ready, forgot the fenders, and allowed the stern of the boat to bounce off the cement dock. Charming, really.
In simple words, Alexis made the man look like a buffoon.
I understand that in the boating world at large, women are routinely marginalized and objectified, but it was particularly annoying to be subjected to that attitude while also being the prospective buyer. Alexis remained beautifully professional despite the escalating climate of braggadocio, and I appreciated it.
Anyway, despite all that, I really enjoyed myself, Jason and the boys had a blast, and while I’m hoping this deal is the one that sticks, I know that spending another day on the water with Alexis would make it more tolerable.