Our History & Culture
Tom & Nancy Smith
Before Colorado Boat Center, we were just a family who loved boating. Everything we’ve built started right there.
Origins
History & Culture
1990's:
Foundations
1990: Established
Tom Smith, with 21 years of business experience in the grocery industry, started a company making custom canvas boat covers, addressing a personal need he had as a boater.
1993
Invader and TMC pontoons were CBC's first new boat brands.
1996 – Present
The iconic "Your wife called and said it was OK to buy a boat" sign was hung, followed by "your kids are texting too"
1997 – 2017
The red Glastron is hung in front of CBC and becomes a landmark off of the I-25 corridor.
1999
CBC purchased property of current location.
2000's:
Growth & Recognition
2000 – 2008
Tom Smith was an active member of the Glastron dealer board and contributed to many of the innovations and success behind the brand before it was sold. To this day, CBC displays an availability board of current inventory offering No hassle, No haggle pricing for CBC boat buyers.
2005 - Present
CBC offers first Women Making Waves class. Followed by Men In the Know in 2006.
2005 – Present
CBC achieves Marine Industry Certification.
2006
CBC was named a Boating Industry Top 100 for 15 years - recognizing excellence in customer experience, team culture, and industry leadership. CBC later chose to step away from the application process, allowing them to stay focused on what matters most: Our customers and our team.
2006 – Present
Tom Smith, active member of the Colorado Marine Dealer's Association (CMDA).
2008
Boat and Motor Mag names CBC Dealer of the Year.
2008-2014
CBC Vice President Nancy Smith serves on the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRRA)
2009
Nancy Smith is awarded the Darlene Briggs Marine Industry Woman of the Year Award. Awarded annually to an outstanding woman who is actively involved in the marine industry.
2009 – 2013
Eric Smith serves on and initiated the Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC) representing the needs and thinking of the next generation of marine retailers to the MRAA.
2010's:
Expansion & Excellence
CBC consistently recognized as a top dealer and customer satisfaction (CSI) rankings by multiple manufacturing partners throughout the history of the company
2012 – Present
Bucky becomes CBC's official shop greeter, later joined by her brother Rizzo and her sister Macy
2017
Next Generation Leadership
February
Continuing the Legacy, Siblings Eric and Ashley sign on for succession into CBC
MAY
CBC moves into new building housing all departments under one roof.
JULY
Ashley Smith is awarded the Boating Industry's 40 under 40 Award. Young professionals leading the pack in the boating industry.
2019
Boating Industry names CBC Top 100 Dealer for the 15th year. Naming CBC the 14th best dealer in the nation.
Ashley is awarded Western Region Volvo Penta Salesperson of the Year and also earned Western Region Chaparral Salesperson of the Year, becoming the first female recipient in Chaparral history.
2020s:
Modern Era
2023 - Present
CBC was one of 22 national dealers to be awarded "Great Dealership to Work For" by MRAA.
2024 - Present
Eric Smith serves on the MRAA Board of Directors and Dealership of the Future Taskforce
Meet The CBC Family
At Colorado Boat Center, we've learned over the years that while skills can be taught, the right mindset and culture can't. That's why we've built a team of people who genuinely care about each other and about the families we serve. Every person here brings their own personality, expertise, and passion to what they do, and together, that's what shapes the experience you have with us.
Tom Smith
President
Nancy Smith
Vice President
Eric Smith
GM & Co-Owner
Ashley Read
Sales / Co-Owner
Tara Brisby
Bookkeeper
Scott BonGiovanni
Service
Cable Simpson
Technician
Jamie Click
Technician
Mitch Richards
Rizzo and Bucky
CBC Greeters
What makes our team different
- A culture where people show up for each other and take pride in what they do
- Leadership that's present, supportive, and willing to get in it with you
- Opportunities to grow, take ownership, and build something meaningful
- A shared standard of doing things the right way, for our customers and each other
- A workplace that feels like a family… not just a job
Join the Family
We're proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work by the MRAA. An award based on honest feedback from our team and the leadership that supports them every day.
At Colorado Boat Center, we believe when you take care of your people, everything else follows.
Apply Today