LEADERS OF THE INDUSTRY
Innovators improving the boating experience
PMY: What lessons from the past have helped move your business forward?
ERNA RUSI: There are many, all of which I’m grateful for, but the most profound ones have surfaced from collaborative teamwork. Firstly, I believe success in anything requires passion. It’s pivotal to win over people’s hearts; a team that operates only with intellect, without heart, tends to deliver mediocre results. The key lies in placing people in positions where they’re both willing and able to give you their hearts, allowing them to feel their passion and succeed. Furthermore, the balance between the “what” and the “how” is equally important; no matter how skillful a person is in what they do, if their approach compromises the common good, it creates an issue. Such understanding occasionally requires tough decisions, but looking back they always move you forward as a team and as a company. This is why I’m a firm believer in: ‘One Team, One Company,’.
PMY: How have your customer demands shifted in recent years?
ERNA RUSI: We’re a relatively young brand, now in our fourth year of operation, however in our conversations with customers and partners, there’s always a clear desire for something different. They want something fresh, something hip & trendy, sexy, cool. We live in an individualistic era and people seek unique ways to express their identity, be it through their homes, fashion, phones or cars - why would boats be any different. Saxdor is a serial production volume brand, that caters to this demand for versatility, and people love that. We offer a diverse and solid selection of models, allowing individuals to tailor the boat to reflect their lifestyle and preferences. Our boats appeal to a variety of people for various reasons; some are captivated by the aesthetics and spaciousness, while others are drawn by the thrill of the driving experience and performance. We don’t tell people how they should use their boats. After all, it’s your boat, your narrative! Do what you want - and have a great time!
PMY: Construction methods seem to be improving every year; what is your company doing to improve boat construction?
ERNA RUSI: In December 2022, we took a step forward by moving into our very own brand-new shipyard in Elk, Poland. This facility has nearly 10,000 m2 of production space and is operated by a workforce of 480 employees. This transition enabled us to shift from hand lamination to vacuum infusion—a process now utilized for the production of all our boats. This advanced technique not only produces hulls that are both strong and lightweight but also significantly reduces styrene emissions, enhancing the work environment of our employees. Our commitment to innovation doesn’t stop there; we have a vertically integrated supply chain, and our facility is equipped with the latest technology, such as automated warehousing. Our experienced team is dedicated to actively exploring and implementing innovative solutions to further refine our production processes. I am immensely proud of our shipyard, team, and what we have accomplished.