Greg’s Marine Service is a dealer for Yamaha Outboards, Honda Outboards, Boulton Powerboats, Marlon Boats and EZ Loader Boat Trailers.
“Along with being a Honda and Yamaha outboard dealer, we’re certified to work on them,” Pitino said. “Some of my guys, myself included, have gone to the Honda and Yamaha training facilities. There’s always new products coming out and it’s just important to see the new stuff. We’re trying to maintain standards here to help the community out.”
Pitino purchased Greg’s Marine Service seven years ago after finding it for sale online. “I wanted to be a mechanic when I was younger,” he said. “This business came up and I looked at it. They’d been running it for a long time, and I thought it was a good business. I loved the area, and it was something I needed for [a life] change.”
Pitino said his biggest concern was if the owner’s daughter, Renee Pingel, and mechanics (including long-time shop manager Mark Widener) would leave if the business changed ownership. They didn’t. “I told them: ‘I’m fortunate you guys are living my midlife crisis,’” Pitino chuckled. Years after the sale of the business, Greg’s Marine Service continues to operate on the principles it’s always had, commitment to customer service and safety.
“Greg had a great reputation; he did a great job all these years and that’s why I didn’t change the name of the building because he had a strong clientele from over 40 years of running this business. So, I wanted to make sure that we maintained that. So far, we haven’t embarrassed him as far as I know. We’re going to take care of people first and make sure everybody’s safe.”
Each year Greg’s Marine Service does numerous motor repowers, sells over 100 Yamaha motors, and sells 30 to 40 Honda motors. At peak season, service turnaround time is about two weeks. The business attracts local clients as well as people from outside the area.
“We surprisingly get a lot of people from Washington and the Portland area that will drive over here because they fish in Tillamook Bay,” Pitino said. “Just call us and we’ll schedule a drop-off time.”
Pitino has also kept the business heavily involved as a sponsor of community events. This past year, Greg’s Marine Service supported Garibaldi Days, Garibaldi Seafood and Spirits Festival, Kyler’s Big Heart Benefit Concert, Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad’s Candy Cane Express and donated life jackets to the Tillamook Early Learning Center’s “Diving into water fun and safety” event.
“We try and stay involved with everything. We are a member of the Garibaldi Business Association and we’re trying to strengthen up some of the programs here in the city. All us businesses have been trying to band together to take on some responsibility of those events because it’s a part of being in the community.”
Pitino’s commitment to the community, and his business, is undeniable. So much so that he sold his own boat because his focus is on helping others with theirs. “We’re here for them. We want to make sure that they’re safe and get them out and enjoying the bay here,” he said. “Even if they just want advice on something or have questions, we’ll be happy to help them.”
Greg’s Marine Service is located at 409 E Garibaldi Ave (Hwy 101 S), Garibaldi. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit gregsmarineservice.com.
This series is provided by the Economic Development Council of Tillamook County to highlight thriving businesses in Tillamook County. The EDCTC works to strengthen and grow the economy of Tillamook County by working together with public and private partners. The EDCTC works to attract new business, grow and retain existing businesses while supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. For more information, or to reach out to the EDCTC, visit edctc.com.
