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October 19, 2005

Buzz's Marine celebrates 50 years

By NANCY NEUROHR
 
Buzz's Marine, located in Kearney, NE, will have a reason to celebrate in 2006. The family-owned business was started in 1956 by Ralph "Buzz" Wise. Today his son, Mick Wise and grandson, Ryan Wise own and operate the company. They are proud to announce they will be 
Founder, Buzz Wise, drives a custom made boat in 1957. Founder, Buzz Wise, drives a custom made boat in 1957.
celebrating their 50th Anniversary next year.

Buzz Wise turned his passion for boating into a business that has now grown to be one of Nebraska's largest marine dealerships. Originally called Buzz's Body Shop & Marine, Buzz started by building custom boats for many friends at Johnson Lake and in Central Nebraska. As word spread about his accomplishments, he discovered the demand for Nebraska's first full-fledged boat dealership. He soon was known for his work ethic and talent, loyal staff and dedication to his customers.

 
Aerial view of Buzz's Marine in Kearney Nebraska. Aerial view of Buzz's Marine in Kearney Nebraska.
As Buzz's Marine unmatched reputation helped them grow, so did their need for a large and impressive facility. Buzz's Marine is now located on a property of over 40,000 square feet at 507 Central Avenue, in Kearney. Buzz's is a third-generation family owned business that has a customer base covering the entire state. 

Growing up boating on Johnson Lake, Mick Wise, son of Buzz Wise, inherited the love of boating from his father. Mick and his son,
Mick Wise, president of Buzz's Marine. Mick Wise, president of Buzz's Marine.
Ryan Wise, own and operate Buzz's Marine. "Being the president of Buzz's Marine is an opportunity to show other Nebraskan's something I am very passionate about, and that is the boating lifestyle" owner Mick Wise said. "The fun, memories, and bonds families and friends can create while either pleasure boating or fishing is irreplaceable." The Wise family still owns a cabin on Johnson Lake. They enjoy family boating, fishing, and seeing their many friends at Johnson Lake.

Buzz's Marine carries new boats by Four Winns, Smoker Craft and Starcraft. The large selection of used boats is also very popular with Buzz's customers across the Midwest. The knowledgeable sales staff is comprised of Ryan Wise,
New boat showroom accessory department. New boat showroom accessory department.
Paul Smolik, and Bret Melson. Paul also has boating in his blood. He has been with Buzz's Marine for over 8 years, and previously owned a Marina and boat shop at the Harlan Reservoir for 20 years. With Ryan also growing up in the boating world, the customers at Buzz's Marine never leave the business with a question unanswered. Bret Melson also serves as Delivery Orientation Captain for Buzz's exclusive boat orientation process.

The company is managed by Lori Lieberth. She has been with the company for over 20 years.

Multiple service bays provide plenty of room for simultaneous servicing of many boats. Multiple service bays provide plenty of room for simultaneous servicing of many boats.
Buzz's Marine has a full award-winning service department, managed for 13 years by boating enthusiast Troy Wayman. The Service Department technicians are factory trained by Mercury, Honda, and Volvo. Services include: complete repairs, seasonal maintenance, floor or transom repair, fiberglass body work, and detailing.

They also have an extensive parts and accessory department with everything from wake boards and water skis to trailer parts and hardware. The parts department is managed by Kyle Schneider.

Buzz's Marine launched their on-line retail store in January of 2005 and now ship water sports and boating accessory items all over the United States. You can visit their on-line store at: www.buzzsmarine.com

A few of the events they have scheduled for next year include:
January 7 - 14th Buzz's 26th Annual Used Boat Show- Shop the huge selection of  pre-owned certified boats at their annual indoor sale. Buzz's Showroom, Kearney, NE 
February 2 - 5th Lincoln Boat Show- Buzz's Marine brings their showroom to Lincoln. Lancaster Event Center, Lincoln, NE 
March 11 - 19th Buzz's Spring Family Boating Show- Celebrate the beginning of the boating season with Buzz's Marine. See the 2006 Four Winns and Smoker Craft Boats, free shrimp boil, games and more! 
July 8 - 9th Buzz's Sherman Luau- On-Water Boat Show and barbecue at the Trade Winds Marine, Sherman Reservoir. Take a test drive!
July 22 - 23rd Annual Lake Maloney Luau- On-Water Boat Show and barbecue at the Frontier Resort, Lake Maloney, North Platte. Take a test drive! 
August 5th Buzz's 50th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Barbecue - To be held at the Captain's Quarters on Johnson Lake, near Lexington, NE. For all of Buzz's Marine great customers and neighbors! 
November 18th 2007 Four Winns Champagne Preview - An exclusive champagne preview of the 2007 Four Winns Collection.

Visit Buzz's Marine today at 507 Central Avenue in Kearney, or call the toll free number
 (866) 366-2899.  OmahaRiverFront.com - An On-Line Resource for River News, Information, Resources, Recreation and Travel

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