Willie Urish: What is Burlington Boatyard? Where and when did you get the idea?

Guy Mitrano: Burlington Boatyard is Vermont's only exclusive online marine marketplace. From selling boats and parts to sharing stories and tips, our users can interact in many different ways. Sure, our site offers affordable advertising for those looking to unload their vessel, but our services go beyond that of the average classified provider. We promote community involvement through our event page and newsletter, encourage dialog among our users through our blog and forum, and offer fellow small businesses a helping hand through our website management services.

The idea for creating an online classified for boats started while in college at the University of Vermont. What began as a small project soon began to transform into a business committed to the marine community within the Champlain Valley and beyond.

WU: What can BBY do for anglers in the Vermont area?

GM: Although the theme of our site highlights the boating industry, we certainly acknowledge that boating and fishing go hand in hand. The bond between boaters and anglers is strong, and our site offers an outlet for members of both communities to share their passion for the water. Our events page is stocked with local derbies and tournaments, and our Forum has fishing related sections so anglers can share help, hints or stories of their latest catch.

Also, a rather new happening, we have been privileged to affiliate with Captain Mickey Maynard, a reputable resource and expert on Lake Champlain fishing and boating, and who has many accomplishments that range from his publishing outdoor-life related articles locally and nationally, to his positions on various boards and associations that promote awareness and conservation. “Capt. Mick” will have an exclusive Blog spot on Burlington Boatyard, where he will contribute his great works for local boaters and anglers so they remain informed of the many issues that we face here in the area.

WU: Does BBY have any big future plans?

GM: We are currently in the process of finalizing our partnership with Lake Champlain International, one of Vermont's most respected organizations renown for their contributions to the conservation and preservation of Lake Champlain. Together with LCI we hope continue our efforts to raise awareness and appreciation for the issues facing the lake communities across the state of Vermont.

Aside from our partnership with LCI, we plan to continue our mission by providing unparallel service to our users. In time, we hope to expand our services, features, and develop our growth strategy to ensure our presence will benefit each of Vermont's boating, fishing, and small business communities.

WU: It seems that BBY contributes a lot to the community?

GM: Devoting our efforts to the community is our way of thanking those who have helped us make BBY what it is today. We recently volunteered at the 27h Annual LCI Father’s Day Fishing Derby, and were sponsors at LCI Angler Night at Centennial Field. We have plans to contribute to numerous other events by summer's end. It's amazing to see the passion the community has for boating and fishing, and it inspires us to continue to stay true to our motto of being Anchored in Vermont.

WU: What is your opinion of Outdoorfreaks.net and how did you become interested in the site?

GM: OF is a site that has two major aspects about its business model and overall mission that ensure its success going forward.

One, the founding members such as yourself Willie, have started this because you are Outdoor Freaks! You are not exclusive computer whizzes trying to make a website for hunters and anglers…you guys LOVE this stuff and live it daily. That experience turns into intelligent decision making and thus the ability to grow your business in the direction you and your users will benefit from.

Two, your user base does not visit OutdoorFreaks.net because of some glamorous product, or lavish expensive service, but rather because they have a sense of connection with everyone else they meet there. The sense of community is built when they have the ability to stay in touch with one another and believe in the mission that OF strives for everyday. Users are making a personal investment in this service, not a large monetary one, and that is what success is truly measured in…do what you love and success will follow.

As for how I became interested in OutdoorFreaks.net, well it was kind of coincidence wouldn’t you say Willie? We both connected via a young entrepreneur forum and I offered to chat with Willie about his upcoming launch as well as the relationship OutdoorFreaks and Burlington Boatyard can have now and in the future. Sure, we are “Anchored in Vermont”, however the best part about outdoor freaks and boaters are that they are one in the same; they are individuals that take pride in a subculture in which everyone knows where the other is coming from. They come together for fun fishing trips and hunting expeditions just as much as they all show up for a council meeting regarding lake health or hunting laws. There is plenty both of us can benefit from as time goes on, that’s for sure.

I am excited for everyone at OutdoorFreaks.net, and look forward to learning more as I stay touch. On behalf of the guys at BBY, we wish you all the best and please know you will always have a place in Burlington, VT to get out on the water, throw out a few casts, and spend time being Outdoor Freaks!