Deckhardware: Expertise from within
Fresh from adding a mezzanine level to its head office to accommodate new brands and an expanding range, marine wholesaler Deckhardware is hard at work accommodating growth and planning for SIBS.
'Deckhardware pieces in situ!'
Jeni
Bone
According to Melissa Yeomans, this family company that now involves father Phillip and mum Robyn, requires all hands on deck.
"We have hundreds of regular client companies and all up, around one thousand, and we are expanding all the time."
The concept of Deckhardware was put into place 15 years ago to supply a range of quality products available to the marine industry from around the world.
The range includes Blue Performance, Forespar, Gebo, Liros, Man Ship Marine, Peter G's, Schaefer, Splicing Nut and Velocitek.
At SCIBS, Deckhardware introduced the new lines of Gebo, Schaefer and Peter G's range.
SCIBS was a successful show for the company and Sydney is next on the agenda. "We would love to do more, but the budget and time don't allow just yet," says Melissa, adding that Mandurah is on their wish list for next year.
"SCIBS is a trade show for us - a chance to meet our dealers and attract new ones. We have several dealers and chandleries come over from Perth and Melbourne to see us. Whereas Sydney is a retail show, direct to the consumer.
'We take a different approach and have to make sure our nine brands are highly visible."
SIBS is scheduled at the optimal time of year for marine accessories wholesalers. As Melissa explains: "People get to August and remember their boats need attention. They start thinking about fixing up their boats in preparation for summer."
METS in Holland in November is also important for the Yeomans. Philip attends to sum up the new products on offer and catch up with suppliers. "We always end up with some great new products, like Schaefer which came on board as a result of last year's METS."
Schaefer Marine specializes in sailing and powerboat gear from furlers and cleats to blocks, all of "legendary strength".
Deckhardware has also become the sole representative in Australia for Gebo hatches and portlights.
The company has the full support from Gebo Holland and will be assisted in its marketing efforts by Diederik Karssens from HBH-Marine Singapore and Jan Leenaars from HBH-Sydney.
DeckHardware will carry stock in Sydney and have same day shipping facilities throughout Australia. GEBO Products are regarded as the best quality products in the world and are the only hatch or portlight carrying a Lloyds Approval certificate.
Melissa Yeomans has a background in retail and is an avid sailor. "As a sailor and boat owner, I am fascinated by new technology, fibres, innovations. I want the best new things on my boat, so I seek them out." 
Melissa worked part time for Harken and when it split with Lewmar, saw the potential and formed the fledgling company two years ago, starting with four lines. Philip was a boat builder many years back, but rejoined the industry when Melissa decided she would buy the company.
"He's mainly on the road visiting chandleries and clients, spreading the word," says Melissa. "Dad loves the industry and is an experienced sailor and starter, so it combines work and socialising for him."
Robyn Yeomans has worked within the marine industry for the past 15 years and will be bringing invaluable knowledge and expertise. Robyn has come to Deckhardware from Lewmar Australasia.
At Lewmar, Robyn worked with Carl Crafoord - a working relationship which was established at Harken Australia, the predecessor of Deckhardware.
Robyn is now based at the Sydney warehouse in Brookvale and be responsible for Accounts Payable and Receivable as well as assisting Melissa in the daily operation of the business.
The five-year plan for Deckhardware is to add new products and build the company to the size it once was. "We will be looking for new staff and hope to create a demand that means we can hold a full range of stock.
'Harken was a huge name with a warehouse three times the size of ours. We want to grow our company to that size eventually."
More at www.deckhardware.com.au
by Jeni Bone 
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, QLD
