Business spotlight - White Rock Outboard - By Michelle Libby

When George Gherardi came back from Vietnam, he knew he wanted to own his own business, and with help from his wife’s parents, White Rock Outboard was born. The company started off working on lawn mowers and small engines, but then added in snowmobiles, then boats. 
 

If it can be fixed, White Rock Outboard can most likely repair it. Now with three bays, they do automobile repair alongside outboard motor repairs. 

“We try to fix stuff, rather than replace stuff,” said Brenda Gherardi, George’s wife. 

In addition to repairs, they also are an authorized dealer of Stingray power boats, Manitou pontoon boats, Mercury outboard motors, Arctic Cat snowmobiles and ATV and side-by-sides. They also sell Ariens snow blowers and sell used cars. The company also stores boats for the winter. 

No matter what the season, White Rock Outboard has the toys for any outdoor adventure. Their business is very economy and weather-based, said office, parts and sales manager Laurie Daigle.  

Although the company is not right on the water, the little extra travel time to 351 Sebago Lake Road in Gorham, is worth it for the customer service and special perks from White Rock Outboard. They are three miles from Sebago Lake, where they do all of their test drives and water repairs near the Standish boat launch. 

“Here we’re not limited by space. We have the property,” said Brenda. 

Their customers come from all over the state and out of state if they have places on the lake. People are now looking for fun that is “family orientated. They want to take the whole family out for the whole day, be it snowmobiling or taking the whole family on the lake. They’re not looking for crazy rocket machines,” Daigle said. 

“We have an excellent reputation,” said Brenda.  “Come here. If anyone knows George Gherardi, they can feel we’re being honest with them. We’re nice to people and greet them in a nice manner.” 

The newest item is a Stingray deck boat, which is the best of both worlds, a cross between a speedboat and a pontoon boat. They also have outboard motor sales for someone looking to upgrade their boat, said Daigle. 

Sales of all of their machines can be done year round. They also carry and are looking to expand their winter clothing lines. 

“George and Brenda are like working for family. They are loyal and compassionate,” said Daigle.

Soon George and Brenda will turn the business over to their daughter Sally and her husband Tim. The company employs six full-time and one part-time staff including the owners. All of the staff are “long-term” Brenda said. Tim, head marine service manager, has been working at White Rock Outboard since he was 16. Brian, the automotive tech has been there 20 years and Daigle has eight years on and Bill, a service tech, has been there four years. 

White Rock Outboard was awarded the snowmobile dealer of the year award by Maine Snowmobile Association. They have a fully-stocked inventory for everything they carry.

Test drives can be set up by appointment. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Sundays they are closed. For more about any of the products they have, visit www.whiterockoutboard.com, email whiterockoutboard@maine.rr.com, or call 892-9606.