By Crystal McGough
SOUTHSIDE — Sitting on six acres of land in Southside, Ala., Buck’s Island is more than just a large boat dealership. Founded by Buck Lumpkin, the family-owned and operated company has been passed from father to son, holding to a philosophy of treating customers like family.
“Our business was started by my father 69 years ago with one simple philosophy: treat customers like you want to be treated and you will never run out of customers,” Tony Lumpkin, president of Buck’s Island said. “In those 60 years we have sold over 10,000 boats and repaired over 100,000 and outgrown four other locations. We are fortunate to have 6 acres and 60,000 square feet under roof.”
Buck’s Island is located on Highway 77, about 45 minutes outside of Trussville. On average, there are around 200 boats in stock, including top brand pontoons, family sport and deck boats, and aluminum fishing boats and bass boats.
“It’s sort of like a boat show everyday, and we don’t charge admission,” Lumpkin said. “Our prices are competitive because we buy in volume. Obviously, boats cost less if we buy 200 than if we buy 20.”
According to Lumpkin, Buck’s Island not only sells new boats, but has second-hand boats, as well.
“Our used boats are trade-ins, consignment sales for owners, and we also buy used boats,” he said. “Each one goes through a rigorous inspection and service before it is sold and most come with a warranty. It is a much better way to buy a used boat.”
Buck’s Island’s facility is equipped with a 19-bay service department with factory certified techs and “all the latest equipment,” Lumpkin said.
Michael Wildman, who works in sales and marketing, said that at peak season, the dealership will have over 300 boats for sale. Peak season, he said, usually begins toward the end of Feb. and lasts through June, depending on the weather.
“That’s when we start to see folks trickle in more,” Wildman said. “We’re getting a lot of folks that are starting to shop now and get ready for the summer. The bass fisherman, it’s kind of year round. There are some hardcore fishermen out there that were fishing when it was 12 degrees around here.”
Buck’s Island not only sells boats locally, but has reached customers as far as Canada, Lumpkin said.
“We have sold boats to customers in all the southeastern states and as far away as Canada, Ohio, New Jersey, Wyoming and lots in between,” he said. “Our crew enjoys making customers happy and treats them all like part of our extended family.”
Even though Buck’s Island is a large dealership with a wide customer base, they still provide the personal touch that comes with small family-owned businesses. Since inheriting the business from his father, Lumpkin now co-owns and runs the company with his wife, Mary.
“Tony has been around Buck’s all his life,” Wildman said. “They’re just good people that want to provide a good service to the community. They’re more about that than just selling a boat.”