Superior Marine Service Celebrates 25 Years of U-Haul Affiliation
MICHIGAN CITY, IND. (Feb. 25, 2015) – The U-Haul® fleet at Superior Marine Service Inc. can trade in its famous orange paint for a shiny silver coat.
After 25 years of dedicated service as a U-Haul neighborhood dealership, owner Roy Cohen is simply looking forward to what comes next.
Roy and his late father, Gerald Cohen, added U-Haul to their boat-engine repair company in February 1990. Superior Marine Service offers the South Shore community an array of U-Haul products including trucks, trailers, towing equipment and pre-tow inspection, rental support items, boxes, after-hours drop-off and more.
Just one mile from the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan, Superior Marine Service is located at 4405 E. U.S. Hwy. 12. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Reserve U-Haul items here by visiting http://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Michigan-City-IN or calling (219) 879-3953 today.
Like many other U-Haul dealers, Superior Marine Service originally partnered with U-Haul as a way to offset financial expenses that come with a family-owned business.
From left to right: Craig Wilson, U-Haul Marketing Company President, Owner Roy Cohen, wife Jackie Cohen, and Area Field Manager Paul Roberts.
“From the beginning, we told U-Haul we would be here for the long haul – not just the short run,” Roy said.
In 1995, the Cohens purchased the property next door and turned it into a storage facility. After meeting customers’ moving needs through U-Haul rentals, the Cohens figured it only made sense to provide storage as well.
Golden Sands Store & Lock offers 192 storage units of various sizes.
“I’ve already seen how wonderful Roy is,” said U-Haul Area Field Manager Paul Roberts, who has assisted Superior Marine Service for the last six months. “He loves U-Haul and he’s so committed to his business.”
While Roy has been the face of Superior Marine Service since Gerald died five years ago, he can’t take full credit. Jackie Cohen, Roy’s wife, keeps the business running like a well-oiled machine.
“I do a lot of the outdoor work and Jackie pretty much beats the keyboard to death,” Roy said with a laugh. “When we have U-Haul rentals, she takes over the paperwork so I can help the customer get the trailers and equipment set up.”
Not only is Roy recognized for his customer care, but he is active in the South Shore community and lends a helping hand whenever possible.
“Roy does a morning radio show every once in awhile,” Roberts noted. “He talks about boating and all sorts of stuff.”
Roy’s next-door neighbor worked for the radio station in the 1950s. Roy’s parents were often busy supporting the family, so Roy would hang around the station with his neighbor.
“It’s like going home in a way,” Roy said. “We talk about everything from soup and nuts to news and weather.”
Roy also is the guy who “jumpstarts” the station after a storm and keeps the snow plowed during the winter months. Tune into WIMS AM 1420 or listen online at http://www.wimsradio.com/.
Another way the Cohens make a difference in their community is by supporting Rittenhouse, which is an assisted living and retirement community just off Highway 20. Jackie’s mother suffers from Parkinson’s disease and lives at Rittenhouse, so the Cohens do anything they can for the tenants. Recently, they supplied the main course for the sixth annual bazaar and breakfast.
Stop by the oldest U-Haul neighborhood dealer in Michigan City for in town rentals.
“Jackie has about 150 chickens in the backyard,” Roy said. “The last two years we’ve supplied the eggs so Rittenhouse doesn’t have to purchase them.”
Since Roy’s mother has Alzheimer’s disease, the Rittenhouse fundraisers hold significance for the entire family. With the help of the Cohens and other caring community members, Rittenhouse was able to raise thousands of dollars for the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana this year.
The Cohens are dedicated in every aspect of their lives, from charities and community to boats and U-Haul trucks. Stop by Superior Marine Service and celebrate its silver anniversary with U-Haul by letting the Cohens help you. Whether you are in need of engine work on your watercraft or just some moving supplies, Roy and Jackie have the answer.
“I really love U-Haul and what it has helped my family accomplish,” Roy said. “It’s better than being cooped up in a cubicle.”
Superior Marine Service is a great place to become U-Haul Famous. Take your picture in front of a U-Haul product, send it in and your face could land on the side of a U-Haul truck. Upload your photo through Instagram using #uhaulfamous, or go towww.uhaulfamous.com to submit photos and learn more.
About U-Haul
Contact:
Andrea Batchelor, Public Relations Intern
Jeff Lockridge, Public Relations Specialist
E-mail: jeff_lockridge@uhaul.com
Phone: 602-760-4941
Website: uhaul.com