Mike Dorgan, Yacht Sales

Beneteau Top Gun Awards, Paris, France

Mike at the 2007 San Diego Boat Show

Mike sails his Beneteau First 40.7 in the Leukemia Cup with a fun crew.

Bio
If you ever want to go sailing or one day own a sailboat, Mike Dorgan is your sailing expert. Mike's customers benefit from his lifetime of sailing, teaching and racing experiences having raced competitively around the world, giving him "hands on" sailboat knowledge. He is an active member of the community and has worked on Shelter Island for over 11 years, making it easy to get things done. His customers rely on his attention to detail and commitment to them long after their boat has been delivered. Mike can take care of the financing as well as discuss options of placing your boat in a charter fleet to have it virtually pay for itself. He works with all ranges of sailing levels from the first time buyer who needs lessons on docking their boat to the experienced sailor preparing for a trans-ocean voyage. After trying out for the Olympics in the Star Boat in 1992, Mike moved to San Diego to pursue his sailing dream. That same year he also met and pursued a girl at St. Brigid's who later became his wife!! Mike and Patti have two children, Matthew 6 and Millie 4. Please contact Mike at (619) 459-1648 for your boating needs.

Client References and letters:

Hi Doug,
It was nice meeting you on our delivery date of our new Beneteau 49, "Civilized". I want to Thank your Southwestern Yacht team for making our delivery experience sensational. The boat was simply gorgeous. Ivy and I were "Wowed" by Mike Dorgan's presentation and gifts for our new boat. I couldn't believe he stocked the refrigerator with cokes, beer, water, wine and champagne, provided snacks, flowers and even had the foresight to stock us with toilet paper! We loved the detailing done by the crew and appreciated the time everyone spent on helping us get to know the boat before we sailed on our maiden voyage. We had a great christening party at San Diego Yacht Club the following day and Mike came by with his crew to wish us good luck. We also were very impressed with the commissioning done by Beau Kinley. Beau was very creative in developing a solution for the T.V. in the v-berth by installing a hydraulic lever to move the T.V. in and out of its flush position saving the cabinet space for storage. At our christening party, everyone commented how cool the T.V. in the v-berth was because of Beau's creative solution. The whole delivery experience was a strong finish for your team. I will be recommending Southwestern Yachts as the broker to go to for purchasing a boat. Thanks

Deanna Haines

I would like to thank the team that sold, commissioned and delivered my new 57’ this last week.

From the point of sale with Mike Dorgan, the meeting to go over our after market selection with Steve Hoffman, the commissioning team of Carl and his group to the walk through with Paul the attention to my wife and I have been first class.

This is the second boat purchase from Southwestern Yachts and I have recommended your team to others because of the Attention and Service that my wife and I have received.

Thanks for making this a wonderful experience.

Sincerely

Pete Bilicki

President / Chief Operating Officer

Innovative Communities, Inc.

Dear Southwestern,

I would like to thank the team that sold, commissioned and delivered my new 57’ this last week.

This is the second boat purchase from Southwestern Yachts and I have recommended your team to others because of the Attention and Service that my wife and I have received.

Thanks for making this a wonderful experience.

Sincerely

Pete Bilicki

President / Chief Operating Officer

Innovative Communities, Inc.

Dear Mike and all of the Southwestern Yachts’ Team,

            This letter is way over due, yet the extra time adds an important long term perspective and some added reflection. Buying our Beneteau 423—“Louella—Joie de Vivre” is thee best buying experience I have had in my 57 years. As a physician and business owner, I have bought a lot of high end things—dozens of cars, houses, etc. over time; this buying experience was clearly the best. It started when I impulsively walked in off the street, not professionally attired at the time and was greeted by you, Mike. Your enthusiasm for sailing and Beneteau were so genuinely apparent and infectious. Purchasing a boat is one of the more complicated and lengthy buying processes there is what with the selection of equipment, manufacture, delivery, commissioning, etc. You and your team made it a joy. Your helpful opinions and discussions over equipment lists were indispensable and valuable as my participation in the 2006 Baja—HaHa would prove.

            The more I research and compare the greater appreciation I have for my Beneteau. Sailing her to Cabo San Lucas and back has only deepened that appreciation for the balance, seaworthiness, comfort, reliability, and ease of use to mention just a few of the fine qualities that add up to the experience of Beneteau.

            The sales team that Barrett has put together is quite exceptional. Mike Dorgan, you have been ever so enthusiastic and so very responsive by phone, e-mail, and personally before, during, and most importantly, after the actual sale. After dozens of details and inquiries, your attitude and enthusiasm remains friendly and helpful. I could not believe that almost a year after I bought the boat and called you up just to see where I should go to get the lines and rigging for my geneker for the Baja—HaHa, you called up a rigger, had him put it all together and met me at his place of business to make sure that it was all in order for my trip. Talk about above and beyond expectations! And if you were out, Mike, Barrett or one of the other salesmen would just as enthusiastically help with questions and inquiries. You all are well represented by your administrative assistant, Carol, who makes everyone feel at home and welcome.

            And then there was the commissioning presentation of the finished boat, Louella and I felt like queen and king for the day with many thoughtful and useful, yet unexpected items for us and the boat.

            And thanks to the Beneteau commitment to customer service and follow-up, it hasn’t stopped. Boats are complicated, multi-system entities, (especially mine with all that I put on her), and Nautical Enterprises has also been great in making sure all systems are working optimally.

            I think the advertisement slogan that there is always something exceptional aboard a Beneteau refers to the great product, sales team, and ongoing service that come with it. Louella and I thank you, Mike Dorgan, and the team at Southwestern Yachts for our boat and making the process of acquiring her the best buying experience we have had.

Most Sincerely,

Monte T. Mellon MD MBA
Louella J. Mellon JD MA

Barrett,

I have had numerous "social" interactions with Mike since we bought the boat from you. However, this was the first "professional" interaction I have had with Mike. I wanted to formally let you know that I was very, very impressed with Mike's professionalism and attention to detail. He truly made this transaction as fast and easy as I could ever imagine. There is no doubt in my mind why you and your team are the #1 dealer in North America.

Regards, Andy Rasdal Beneteau First 36.7 "Valhalla"

Dear Mr. Ament:

I have owned my Beneteau First 36.7 for just under a year now. I am incredibly pleased with the boat – Group Beneteau definitely hit all the right notes for me with this boat from the great Farr design – read fast and competitive – to the terrific amenities which makes it a great boat to cruise on. Very few “fit and finish” issues have cropped up and, for a system as complex as a modern sailboat, there were amazingly few after delivery issues.

As leader of Southwestern Yacht Sales - one of the top Beneteau dealers on the planet -I’m sure you’re well aware of the quality and value delivered by your product. While Beneteau’s attention to interior and exterior design and modern high technology manufacturing systems surely make the job easier, it’s clear to me that the boat could not possibly have been delivered in such a near perfect state without the hard work of your employees and affiliates. I wanted to take a few minutes of your time today to highlight what I consider to be the most important contributors to my customer satisfaction.

The pre-delivery effort was thorough and well run. Mike Dorgan who assisted me throughout the purchase was great. He introduced me in advance to the key players who would be getting my boat ready for me. Paul Briant did a great job in getting the boat together and gave my wife and me a very thorough and patient walk through.

The boat was meticulously detailed and thoroughly rigged and ready when we arrived at your docks to take her home. I was very impressed with the presentation of the boat on delivery day. Your standard procedure of having key players in your organization drop by the dock to introduce themselves and to congratulate us on our purchase is a terrific piece of savvy marketing and tops in customer relationship building.

I have been especially happy in working with Mike Dorgan. It’s pretty well known that Mike is a world class sailor. Those of us who know him from my side of a boat transaction know he’s a world class salesman – follows up, never over promises, always tries to over deliver, promptly returns calls and messages. I credit him with “selling” my wife on going to the Rendezvous – I had NEVER been able to get her to go on a “sea voyage” in almost 40 years of marriage and Dorgan convinced her it was a great thing to do in a matter of minutes! Now that’s a salesman.

Mike also impressed me to no end on our “test flight” of the boat. He is a great instructor. I went through Navy flight school quite a few years ago and Mike would definitely be a top flight instructor if he’d chosen to go that way. Mike’s efforts gave me confidence that I could handle the boat in tight situations. When I got the boat into my slip at Coronado Yacht Club I found that I was having trouble getting it in and out with confidence, especially when the wind came up. I talked with Mike about it and he came over on his next day off and we did “bumper drills” till I felt comfortable. You can’t beat that level of customer care and personal service!

Mike also was a great help to me when I experienced a degree of frustration with getting my thirty day list discrepancies worked through. He took action immediately after I communicated my problems to him and got me in contact with the right people at H&S. Within days I had met with two H&S riggers on my boat and had the bulk of my problems addressed. Steve Hoffman and Mike Henderson were extremely helpful and I liked the way things were handled – they acknowledged my frustration, took responsibility in a corporate sense with no excuses, and set to work making sure my problems were addressed as quickly as possible. What could have been a situation that left a bad taste in my mouth was turned into a big positive from my perspective. Well done! And I think Mike Dorgan’s personal interest in making sure I was happy had a great deal to do with the outcome.

I have been in the real estate sales business for the past twenty years. A friend of mine many years ago summed up why he loved selling real estate: as we walked around a neighborhood where he specialized, he pointed at doorway after doorway and said “…every one of those homes that I sold is owned by someone who I now consider a friend, where I can go and ask a favor and know I’ll be welcome – what a business – if you have a thousand happy customers you also have a thousand friends…”! I think my friend was right on and his desires to not only make his client happy but to also make the client a friend is something he couldn’t fake. He sincerely felt that the biggest reward was in those “thousand friends”.

That’s the type of salesman you have in Mike Dorgan. His expertise and reputation as a sailor is great. His knowledge of the product and all the ancillary issues is top flight. His customer service is top notch and he’s a great closer. But more than anything else it’s clear to me that he has a sincere desire to help his clients enjoy the boat buying experience and to enjoy sailing with as much passion and pleasure as he has for the sport. And he turns his clients into friends. I’ll bet he has a thousand on the water front…I know I consider him one.

Though you’ve probably heard this many times before thought enough of Mike, his efforts on my (and your) behalf, and in the great customer service I’ve seen throughout your organization to take the time to drop you a note.

Many thanks – you know where I’ll be sending my friends when they ask for a referral.

Sincerely,

Michael A. N. Whittemore

Southwestern Yachts

2731 Shelter Island Drive

San Diego, CA 92106

Dear Barrett,

I just wanted to express my thanks and appreciation for a very satisfying experience I just recently had with Southwestern Yachts.

We are now the proud owners of a new Benneteau 40.7, thanks to the outstanding care and attention given to us by your staff.

They did a wonderful job in making my wife and I feel extremely comfortable in the whole purchasing experience. Your staff from the receptionist to the sales and service departments – all made us feel special by their genuine concern for our happiness.

Specifically, I want to mention the time, patience and professionalism that Mike Dorgan executed in the whole process. He put up with our questions that were, I am sure, repeated over and over, intelligent and dumb; our indecision on whether we should buy bigger or smaller, longer or shorter, one head, two heads, etc.

The purchasing of a boat, especially to rookies like us, needs people like Mike. His patience and wonderful customer service skills are what made the sale happen and quite frankly, made a difference in doing business with Southwestern Yachts versus your competition. Mike’s dedication to customer satisfaction is unmatched by any sales person I have encountered. I believe the one thing that sets him apart from most is his love for what he does when helping others to become a part of the sailing community.

We are now going to move on and improve our knowledge on our own boat. Somehow I know that if we need help in the future, Mike and your staff will be available to help us. Whether it is to help us on problems, advise us, or help us eventually with the purchase of a larger vessel, when we are comfortable to move to that point.

We are having a blast with our new 40.7 and we have you and Mike Dorgan to thank for such a wonderful boat acquisition experience.

Thanks again to all the fine folks at Southwestern Yachts and what you all have done to help us with the experience of owning our own sailboat.

Sincerely,

Daniel C. Steenerson, CLU, ChFC, RHU

President

"Mike Dorgan was professional, courteous, and exceptionally helpful in the commissioning of "Barbara Anne". He had great enthusiasm for the entire process and paid attention to detail. Mike made a process I was dreading ("Commissioning a new boat") into a pleasurable experience. The boat was in excellent shape when I received it."

Mike Niggli 2003 Beneteau 361 "Barbara Anne"

All I can say is wow. That was a wonderful experience all the way around yesterday - your team made us feel like king and queen!

My compliments to your organization - from top to bottom. We are happier than you can imagine - thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

What ever you do for Mike Dorgan, it's well deserved. He's the best - I don't know if you know of all the "lagniappe" and all the other stuff he did that really made it a special experience for us, but my recommendation is you do whatever it takes to keep that guy! And of course the real kudos go to you - You are a top notch human being.

Your very happy customers,

Kirk and Kathy O'Brien

Dear Mr. Ament,

Thank you for your letter of 20th July, enclosing the Customer Satisfaction Survey #1.

Referring to the completed Survey form, you will note that I gave you the perfect score. Even with such a score, I find it hard to express how happy and satisfied am I with the yacht, and all the work and service performed by your staff in commissioning the yacht.

As you might be aware, I have had a bitter and, as a matter of fact, painful experience of having a slightly larger yacht built in England. Thus for me personally, the journey from the time of placing the order to the delivery, one day earlier than promised in fact, was indeed like a miracle.

During the initial part of our first meeting with Mike, I expressed my desire, that is, if I were to acquire the Beneteau 42CC, to leave for Hawaii, the first leg of my journey around the world, as soon as possible, so as not to miss the trade wind in the Indian Ocean which has to be crossed by the end of November. Then I asked how soon I could expect to take delivery of the yacht which is already on your yard, sitting across the road in full view from the office. Mike said the commissioning work takes four weeks, but he would quote six weeks for delivery. He said the reason was, because in the yachting trade, suppliers often let him down, so he has to allow for that eventuality. He said he would rather quote six weeks and deliver earlier than quote four weeks, and make excuses when his suppliers let him down.

I was telling myself, “Hey, this guy is different”. In a situation like that when a customer is anxious to obtain something as soon as possible, I bet every salesman would bend over backwards to quote a shorter delivery in order to clinch a sale. Once a customer signs on the dotted line, and puts up a deposit, who cares is the norm in most trades. Perhaps sensing what I was thinking, Mike had said, “If you buy that yacht (pointing to the yacht across the road) from me and our company, I want you to be completely happy and satisfied. I also want the sale to be the beginning of a long lasting happy relationship between you and our company. I would rather have no customers, if one customer should not be satisfied.”

It is easy to say what Mike had said, but as you will recall, he had to be tested on his words as a result of a slight difference in the interpretation of the terms of our contract which was a result of series of circumstances, some unfortunate coincident, culminating in what amounts to a misunderstanding. In life, this happens occasionally through no one's fault. True to his word, Mike did not quibble; even though it meant eating into the margin substantially, he fixed it almost instantly, for which I am ever so grateful. I know now for sure that what Mike and your other staff say, you keep to your word.

I wish I knew this when I placed the order. Having come from London where I had a bitter experience, and not knowing anything about your company, nor your reputation in the trade, when I was asked to pay 90% of the purchase price in advance, no small sum for me, I must say I was apprehensive. Here too, your response was swift; when you caught a wind of my apprehension, you called me, and offered to put the ownership papers in what amounts to an escrow. Had I known your company and your staff, I need not have worried. It is almost embarrassing now having asked some of the questions I asked. I wish to have this message put across to all those who are thinking of doing business with you.

As a television journalist, I once worked on an assignment to produce a documentary on Rolls-Royce which made it necessary for me to live on their premises for ten days. Although our subject matter was the craftsmanship exemplified by one of many highly skilled staff of the company, I also learnt a lot about how far they go to satisfy each and every customer to whom they provide a Rolls-Royce. I now realize that what you have provided me with was the service comparable to that provided by Rolls-Royce, if not better. The attention to detail was incredible. As I understand, even wives of sales personnel chip in to make sure that nothing is overlooked on the day a yacht is delivered; even down to the loo paper!

It is my turn to thank you, and each and everyone who worked on the yacht, not only the office staff and their spouces, but people on the “floor” who cleaned my yacht, who installed the equipment, and who polished, and painted her, including Karen at the Dona Jenkins. With your permission, I would like to have a little gathering by the yacht over a glass of Champaign, so that I have the chance to thank each and every one of them personally. Some of them may wish to have a go at the wheel of the yacht they have given so much of their time and energy putting her together, and polishing her up, so they will be welcome to try her out.

I was planning to have the yacht christened by my little niece, but unfortunately she had to go back with the family to Olympia, Washington earlier than I expected. In the circumstances, I would like to have a female member of your staff to christen the yacht. Perhaps you could arrange for a draw to be done from those who will be attending the little gathering. I sincerely hope that you and Mrs. Ament can join us as well.

With best wishes and thanking you and your staff again for working so hard to prepare the yacht on time, and deliver her in such an elegant and professional manner,

Yours sincerely,

Shigeo Kitano

Dear Mike,

When we first met you and during our initial meetings regarding buying a boat you responded like a typical salesman and promised everything. Larki and I have to say that you have delivered on virtually every single promise.

We started this buying process as rank amateurs. We completely put our needs in your hands. You helped us identify the boat that best suited our needs. You patiently answered all our questions. You helped us get financing and insurance. You took us step by step through the options we should buy for our boat keeping in mind the extra costs. You handled the paperwork for offshore delivery.

Then came the day of commissioning and the attention heaped upon us by your sales staff, maintenance and service personnel. We are still in shock over that very special day.

Finally, you took the time to personally instruct us on the operation of our boat and continue to this day to provide answers to our many endless questions.

Mike, we know you and your company will continue to succeed. You can't miss with the service you provide.

Keep up the good work.

Jim and Larki Cook, Beneteau 373 "Sea Lark"

Mr. Doug Ament
Southwestern Yacht Sales
955 Harbor Island Drive #110
San Diego, CA 92101

Dear Doug,

I have now had the pleasure of enjoying my new Beneteau 361 for nine months and felt it was time to write and express my sincere appreciation of Southwestern Yacht Sales (SWYS) and specifically Mike Dorgan. I simply cannot speak highly enough about the exceptional level of service I received from Mike and everyone else at SWYS, yourself included.

Mike did a perfect job of matching my desires regarding performance and comfort with the appropriate boat, and I could not be more pleased. The performance has clearly met my demands and my guests continue to marvel at the amenities of the 361. In addition, Mikeâ€™s personal service and attention to detail on every aspect of the purchase was beyond any expectations I could have had. From my initial introduction and endless inquiries to coordinating the
commissioning/delivery, Mike made the purchase process both smooth and pleasurable, while no detail was overlooked. Since the closing, he has continued to be of great assistance, both connecting me with service providers and helping me expand the sail inventory.

While I am certain you have heard this praise before, as a professional in business, I feel it is important to recognize exemplary efforts that stand well above the norm. From Mike Dorgan and all the staff at SWYS San Diego to the Nautical Enterprises service personnel to your SWYS and H&S offices in Orange
County (where I now moor the boat), everyone in your organization has been professional, responsive and enjoyable. It has been a very fun experience and you all deserve credit.

Best regards,

J. Jeffrey Schnoor
"details...."
Beneteau 361

p.s. Please feel free to use me as a reference at any time.

_______________________________________________
Dear Mike,

Just a note to thank you for spending so much time and energy helping us
select our new sailboat. We came to you confused and without much knowledge about
what we wanted in a boat and what we would want in the future. Your
questions, patients and intuition clarified the perfect boat for us.

We love our Benateau 393. It's fast, a classy Cruiser, responsive,
bright and very comfortable. Your advice about electronics, sails and financing
was right on. We couldn't be happier with our 393.

You are certainly an asset to Southwest Yachts and your expertise is a must
for those shopping for a sailboat. Thanks again for going the extra mile for
us.

Sincerely,

Sandy Giordano & Tom Wilder
2003 Beneteau 393
________________________________________________

April 30th, 2003

Michael Berk,
President, Nautical Enterprises/SWYS
955 Harbor Island Drive, Suite 110
San Diego, Ca 92101

Dear Mr Berk,

Recently, I purchased a 2001 Beneteau 331 from Southwestern Yacht Sales and Mike Dorgan. The bottom line of the experience is that I believe that the Beneteau is a top value vessel, bar none. It is well designed, comfortable, and easy to single sail. But I was absolutely overwhelmed with the quality and extent of the service provided by SW Yacht and Mike.

Because this was a lower and brokered boat, I should mention at the outset that my service expectations were not high. However, even if my expectations were not high, they would have been exceeded. I say this for several reasons.

First, absolutely everyone associated with the office was delightful, from Stephen Rodi to the very warm and welcoming receptionist.

Second, Michael bent over backwards helping me understand the purchase, working with me in negotiations, and helping guide me through the whole sale. It was clear that he was not only an exceptional and experienced sailor himself, but a truly warm and caring person who genuinely wanted the best for his customers. He volunteered to take me sailing as often as it took for me to understand the boat before, during and following the purchase. He not only counseled me through the myriad of vendors that are needed to care for a boat, but personally arranged these services.

Third, Mike's assistance went far beyond the basic that one expects from a brokerage. When I asked him what harnesses and PFD's were best, for example, he brought his own to our meeting and demonstrated the use to me, as well as taking the time to go through a catalog to guide me on the best after-market products for the Beneteau. At delivery, he had the boat detailed and prepped as he would a new vessel, with the refrigerator stocked, a bottle of your wine and even plastic utensils should I need them. This was the final straw; even with new aircraft I have purchased at ten time the cost of this boat, there was not such attention to detail.

Many a salesperson is your “best friend” until the deal is closed and the product delivered. However, Mike has continued to guide and counsel me, to help wherever he can, all the time with a super attitude and a great fund of knowledge.

When we traveled through the shipyards, it was clear that his relationships with everyone were solid and respectful. You should be proud to have such an exceptional person on your staff, and I know that my next boat as well as any vessel interest by my colleagues or acquaintances will be referred to Southwestern Yachts and Mike Dorgan.

Thank you very much for a most pleasant experience, and one that I will never soon forget.

Janet E Lapp, PhD
2oo2 Beneteau 331 “Positive Spinn”