STENTEN'S GOLF CART ACCESSORIES CELEBRATES 20 YEARS LEADING THE INDUSTRY

Any business with real staying power has undoubtedly learned that maintaining top market position means mastering the ability to accurately forecast your customers' needs and successfully deliver the products to meet them. For Marilyn Stenten, owner of Stenten's Golf Cart Accessories, this notion comes naturally, as it is clearly her nature to apply her out-of-the-box thinking to develop and supply innovative products her customers want. It is this business approach that has enabled Stenten to build a company that has stood the test of time and products that share that same longevity.

"The first product I ever designed was a folding windshield because I saw the need for a pane that could be raised during inclement weather and lowered during sunny days. There wasn't a product on the market like this, but I didn't let that stop me," shares Stenten. Today, 20 years later, her company sells over 10,000 of these windshields each year, proving Stenten's ability to tap into what her customers want and do whatever it takes to deliver the goods, even if that means forging new ground.

Since manufacturing her first product, many subsequent designs have followed, including wire cooler basket, state-of-the-art lighting kit, and an industry-exclusive speedometer. Stenten's determination to be innovative keeps the industry wondering what's next for her company.

Following A Successful Tradition
"Today's golfers want a higher level of sophistication surrounding their game. For us that means a golf cart that performs on the course while at the same time offering luxuries that can be enjoyed by the golfer while playing," shared Stenten. "Our corporate vision remains the same today as it was 20 years ago and that is to deliver quality products that enhance the golfing experience." Over the years, Stenten's Golf Cart Accessories has delivered on that promise. Stenten started her company using her personal credit card and her tiny condo as corporate headquarters. A result of determination and business smarts, the then one-woman show is today a successful company employing 13 associates operating out of the 11,000-square-foot building she owns. Stenten relies on her staff to help innovate and encourages them to stay on top of the golf cart accessories business by attending seminars and training programs.

Because it is a small business, her employees wear many hats ­ selling, servicing, shipping and even publishing a dealer newsletter. "We have weekly staff meetings where we preview new products and discuss established accessories so we're all working from the same page and work together to make improvements," stated Stenten. It is this united front that is so valuable to the company's customers.

Leading By Example
What sets Stenten's company apart from the competition is the corporate culture that fosters the next "big idea" that she and her employees embrace. "Because we work as a team, each of us takes ownership in the success of the business whether it be through designing a new product or by providing professional one-on-one customer service," observed Stenten. The company's practice of convenient, immediate delivery is the icing on the cake for its 3,000 plus dealers throughout the United States and abroad.

Product is sold, serviced and shipped to dealers every day. The company's inventory includes such products as golf cart canopies, hinged windshields, all-weather enclosures, storage covers, radios and consoles, seat covers, wheel covers, heaters, fans, lighting packages, seat belts, and speedometers. If it has anything to do with accessorizing a golf cart, you can bet Stenten's company has it. "For years, dealers have come to us for the hard-to-find products, knowing we'll be able to supply it for them. If the product is available, we'll deliver it," commented Stenten.

In recognition of Stenten's amazing career in an industry typically dominated by men, she was recently awarded the Woman Entrepreneurial Excellence Award in her hometown of Sarasota, Florida. "I was surprised by the award; it was totally unexpected. I run my business the way I do because it feels right to me and because it has worked so well for me over the years," shared Stenten.

"To get professional acknowledgement for doing your job well means a lot to me and to my employees." Because women are a minority in this industry, Stenten has no doubt worked hard for what she has achieved and has surrounded herself with a top-notch staff to help her achieve her success. "This recent award and the last 20 years of business success wouldn't have been possible if I didn't have the support and professional partnership of my team of employees," stated Stenten. A testament to the loyalty of her employees is seen in the tenure of their service. In fact, her first employee still works for her!

The past 20 years of business success would mean little to Stenten if she hadn't done equally as well on the philanthropic front. A proponent of giving back, Stenten makes a point to contribute to those causes most important to her in an effort to share her good fortune. "I believe that life is all about balance and giving back. When you recognize business success like I have, I think it's all that more important to help others," Stenten shared.

Moving Forward
Looking ahead, Stenten promises the same drive we've seen from her company the past 20 years, with undoubtedly more innovations and continuing superior service. While this company continues to experience business success, it's certain the next 20 years won't take it far from its roots. With Stenten in the driver's seat, the entrepreneurial spirit and ethical practices that have served her, her employees and her customers so well will continue to fuel her company's growth.

For more information on Stenten's or their extensive product line call (800) 541-8333 or visit: www.stenten.com.