FORT PIERCE, Fla. — As many businesses suffer through the pandemic, one Florida industry is seeing a growth in sales.
With families cooped up inside their homes during the quarantine, the boating industry saw an increase in people eager to get on the water.
The surging sales are being fueled by first-time boat owners who are looking for entertainment and recreation alternatives during the pandemic.
It is now creating more jobs for people out of work.
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Boat manufacturer Maverick Boats in Fort Pierce said they saw a surge in boat sales in recent months.
The company said they now need workers to hire as it expands its assembly line, production and repair shop.
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"We're reaching out to those who may have been misplaced or lost their jobs over this pandemic, and currently looking they may not have thought of boat repair, but they have the same skills we can use," said Maverick Boats personnel manager Angie Brandt.
She said Maverick Boats hopes to add 150 to 200 new employees by early next year.
Brandt said the company has several openings, including assembly line and repair workers.
"We are finding it difficult to find people to allow us to ramp back up. We need to make the boats. We also need the people to make the boats," Brandt said.