Local Voices

Sandy Couldn't Sweep Away This Family Business

Business: Tappan Zee Marina
Owners: MOBHM Ltd
Websitewww.tappanzeemarina.com
Address: 695 Piermont Ave. Piermont, NY 10968

How did you come up with the name?
The name was passed down through the decades. My family moved here long  before the Tappan Zee Bridge was built so the name has special meaning to our business now.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
Fun question---- It's a marina and needs to be near the water!  More important: why was the business bought from existing owners! In 1970 the family wanted  to create a business that would be around for generations. They also loved the beauty of the vicinity and had a vision to  upgrade the marina from fixed to floating docks as well as improve the restaurant - Check out Pier701 restaurant with docking available on the premises as well as Tappan Zee Marina for your boating needs.

Briefly, what business are you in?
marina - restaurant

What's the most difficult moment or challenge you've faced as a business owner?
We have been in business since 1970's and have weathered all types of economic cycles. The most difficult time was when Sandy came to visit the area. Ms Sandy Hurricane was an unwelcome visitor and caused a lot of grief. TZM "weathered" the storm well. Come visit by boat or car. You will be pleased.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
No. Owning a business is like having a baby that NEVER grows up and moves away!  You can interact with it (work) - day and However, when it is a family business there is opportunity to "leave" the  baby (business) knowing it's in good hands!

What's been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Rebuilding our restaurant and getting a great new tenant Pier701 AND rebuilding structural damages from Hurricane Sandy.

What's the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
We were about to have wifi and remote camera so that boaters could check on the safety of their boats during a inclement or windy day. However, after constructing all the underground wiring and wifi cables, Sandy ripped them out. We have not replaced them yet. It would have been a great advantage to our boaters. Blame Sandy!

How do you deal with difficult customers?
With care! Our business is a service & leisure business. TZM tries to understand that  "difficult" customer and perhaps he/she is just having a bad day or there is simply a misunderstanding. TZM staff is trained to be patience & tend to any misunderstanding even with difficult customers.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
TZM has a patio area that overlooks the marina and the TZB. We allow non TZM boaters to enjoy the scenic view from time to time.  TZM also volunteered to have a Lighthouse memorial  placed on their property by the Stewart/Lennon families. However, it may be placed on the Piermont Pier to serve as a memorial to them and a reminder to all to live their best life NOW.


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