The Wow Factor - Interview With Rick Pierce (Bass Cat and Yar-Craft Boats)

It was an honor that a consumer (Bill) brought us to the attention of Brad and his team. This Christian based podcast runs a series of stories on companies, their values and what makes them different. I really enjoyed his sharing and time they gave us. -Rick Pierce

It was an honor that a consumer (Bill) brought us to the attention of Brad and his team. This Christian based podcast runs a series of stories on companies, their values and what makes them different. I really enjoyed his sharing and time they gave us. -Rick Pierce

"Do the right thing, have a reason for everything, and be thorough in what you do.” - Rick Pierce

Thank you to The Wow Factor for their interview, we know you'll enjoy this one and we're proud to have this man as our leader here at Bass Cat & Yar-Craft Boats.

Bass Cat Boats was formed in 1971 in Rick’s parents, Ron and Jan Pierce’s two-car garage before eventually moving in 1972 to its present location. Rick Pierce started at Bass Cat when he was 13-years old with a passion for bass fishing and building boats and quickly earned a reputation for designing fast boats with incredible fiberglass finishes. Today’s Bass Cat Boats, led by Rick, employs over 100 people and offers a myriad of different models of boats across three different levels. Bass Cat has also won multiple awards, including 5 J.D. Power Customer Service awards for quality, service, and performance. 

Rick joins me on the show today to discuss why he is so committed to growing a caring company culture at Bass Cat and what they do for their employees to make them feel valued in the business. He also shares why his father, Ron, the founder of the company, was initially reluctant to have him join the family business and how he came to realize that it was Rick’s passion. Rick also shares why it is vital to him to embrace the abundance mindset and the philosophy of giving, rather than jealously guarding information and resources.

"Do the right thing, have a reason for everything, and be thorough in what you do.”  - Rick Pierce

“We've got values in this business - we've always had values.” - Rick Pierce

“At about the end of the day, it's all about people.” - Rick Pierce


This week on The Wow Factor:

  • Rick’s first role at Bass Cat and why he ended up taking over the company

  • The mentors he had at the company and what they taught him about being part of the team

  • What Rick learned about being a leader from his Father

  • How the Bass Cat merger with Correct Craft came about and why it was a long journey

  • Rick’s close relationship with his Grandfather and the value of community and family

  • How Rick’s faith intersects with his life at work and beyond

  • Rick’s three core values in life and in business

  • Some of the trials and tribulations that the company have endured over the years and what they have learned from their mistakes

  • Why one of the best things Rick ever did, was also one of the worst things he ever did

Rick Pierce’s Words of Wisdom:

Do the right thing, plain and simple.

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