And one of those is Echuca's Xtreme Marine ― a rare feat for a rural marine business.
Paul Eade started his business here 24 years ago and has been a Mercury dealer for 20 of them.
So this recognition has been surfing on the waves for a long time now.
The accreditation recognises businesses for achieving the highest standards in customer service and dealership presentation ― and as stated, is a mighty feat.
Earning Premier Dealer status is no overnight achievement ― it follows years of rigorous checks and assessments by Mercury, examining everything from service standards and dealership presentation through to the ongoing customer experience.
“It’s certainly pretty special to be recognised as that elite within the whole dealership network of Mercury dealers,” Mr Eade said.
But Mr Eade couldn’t stress enough that this accreditation was not simply about the business itself, but reflected the work of the entire team.
“It’s not something I’ve achieved by myself,” he said.
“Most importantly, it’s the entire team here that has made this possible.”
The business currently employs five local people and is actively looking to grow its team further as demand continues to build.
And this endorsement won't change anything for the customers ― they are already receiving the best of the best ― but Mr Eade believes it will provide an added level of confidence for people bringing their boats to the business.
“We are being recognised by Mercury as that very small percentage of the best in the whole dealership network,” he said.
The business has already built a reputation that stretches well beyond Echuca, with loyal customers travelling two or three hours to have their boats serviced or repaired by the team.
“To achieve the highest level of customer service and dealership presentation, it is pretty exceptional for a regional dealer,” Mr Eade said.
Mr Eade said the team took pride in its workshop, showroom, cleanliness, customer service and the quality of its work.
The Premier Dealer status will also allow the business to formally promote its accreditation to the broader community, with new signage set to go up at the dealership in the coming months.
“It gives the customer a little bit of confidence and peace of mind that we are a recognised dealership,” Mr Eade said.
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