I just wanted everyone here to know about the great call I had today. My cell phone rang and a number I didnt recognize. I dont carry it in the day so I almost didnt answer.Rick: helloCaller: Rick Rick: YesCaller: This is Ralph Maloon, CongratulationsRalph Maloon is the son of the founding Maloon Family, which founded Correct Craft. It was an amazing honor and humbling to hear from this man who has a major piece of history in the marine industry. He wanted to get to know us and welcome us to the group. Ralph mentioned he would love to drive up to visit the factory and see the buildings, though his health just wont let him. “Im 97 now and… these last two years I dont drive” He mentioned he no longer goes to Correct Craft daily, the last few years he goes in and visits two or three times a week. We heard Ralph Maloon speak at the IBEX show two years ago when he was 94. They honored him and Correct Craft with a Lifetime Achievement award. He spoke from a wheel chair and gave the most inspirational speech I probably have heard. It was not supposed to have been the inspirational speaker, though he was. He was followed by Louisville Basketball coach Rick Petino, which was supposed to have been the motivational speaker. Honestly four of us from BCB left the breakfast feeling like the NMMA got jilted by Petino and honored to have heard Ralph Maloon. Of course I knew the heritage, quality, story and patterns of Correct Craft through Nautique receiving those awards. His family was no longer owners, though remains deeply entrenched in Correct Craft management and operations. Little did we know our paths would cross in this manner two (2) years ago. Through the entire call “Ralph” frequently mentioned how it was all through the Glory of God. Their family church was across the street from the Correct Craft factory and early on the his father and partitioners would depart church and drift across the street to talk boats or just visit. After a while his father just refused to open the door to members on Sunday and dedicated that day to family and God. The message was clear and his commitment was not hidden. Throughout the conversation which was quite lengthy my respect for Ralph and the Maloons grew. He is still quite an individual at 97 and we share much history in similar fashion. We both started young and he is a very unique man who has been on almost every body of water in the USA and visited 91 countries. The only member of his parental family with a high school education. It was an honor for him to have thought to make the call and the respect just notched up for him. No matter the outcome of the decisions we have made to extend these brands, we are now connected with extremely high ethics and morals and many of you know we share those feelings.I will see you guys at Rayburn! I am bringing two Flags, one the LSU for Sam again, and one for Gary and Doug in Arkansas Razorbacks style. Texas will just have to understand that one. But the boys from GAF will be represented. RickLast edited by Rick Pierce on April 1st, 2015, 4:05 am, edited 2 times in total.
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