When Donovan Marine achieved its hundredth anniversary in 2013, it had a lot to celebrate. From a single location in Uptown New Orleans, Donovan Marine had grown to become the largest privately-owned marine equipment and supplies wholesaler in the country.

When Donovan Marine achieved its hundredth anniversary in 2013, it had a lot to celebrate. From a single location in Uptown New Orleans, Donovan Marine had grown to become the largest privately-owned marine equipment and supplies wholesaler in the country.

In 1913, Donovan Marine began its journey as Donovan Boat Supplies, primarily acting as an outfitter for New Orleans-area commercial fishermen and recreational boaters. The company’s first big opportunity for growth came in 1950 when John Smallpage and Raymond Walker—ex-pilots with a love for life on the water—purchased the company from its founder, John Donovan. Then, so the story goes, they were approached by a local businessman with plans to create work boats to service Louisiana’s fledging offshore oil industry. John Smallpage saw the potential in the man’s idea and provided him a line of credit to outfit the first prototypes. That visionary decision put the company on its course to grow into the industry leader it is today.

Through the 1960s and 70s, Donovan Marine expanded its recreational sales operations from New Orleans to the Florida Panhandle, and the next major expansion began in the early 1980s when John Smallpage’s son, Benton, joined the leadership team. Benton Smallpage narrowed the focus of Donovan Marine to Commercial and Recreational segments and pursued a series of acquisitions throughout the 1980s and 90s, alongside expansions that would transform the company from a regional player to a national powerhouse.

As Donovan Marine has grown its portfolio by acquiring companies, it’s often retained key staff members—leadership and salespeople alike—and many have gone on to have long and notable careers helping fuel the company’s development. In 2013, Donovan Marine began another exciting chapter of its life with the acquisition of Southern Marine, based in Little Rock, Arkansas. This company was a major player in the recreational boating market and Donovan Marine used the acquisition to solidify its dominance. The merging of these two companies was undertaken with great care to keep customer service relationships remained well-served. As former Southern Marine employees adapted to the Donovan Marine culture, Donovan Marine examined its new subsidiary and adopted some of their best practices.

This period of growth and expansion has seen the third generation of family members come into their own as leaders at Donovan Marine. John Benton Smallpage III took the reins of the company as its president in 2013 and his brother Jack heads up commercial and marketing elements. Various other family members also have management roles, but as many team members would say, even if you aren’t part of the family, you feel as though they are.

Through acquisitions during the last decade, Donovan Marine has strengthened its positions in its core inland recreational and offshore commercial marine markets and expanded its offerings in fabrication and service to best serve current and future clients. Donovan’s entry into custom fabrication and improved direct-sourcing methods gives commercial customers the peace of mind that Donovan Marine can fill orders from top to bottom with the level of exceptional customer service, quality and speed that they have come to expect. From Perko beacons and searchlights to manufactured hatches and cleats, and even annual raft inspections, Donovan Marine now offers an exhaustive line of marine products and services to fit the needs of any customer.

While the company has traditionally focused on commercial and recreational boating wholesale equipment and supplies markets, it has developed a service arm to create additional value for commercial customers. Its team of experienced service technicians specialize in electric, hydraulic, air, and mechanical products, and represent even more value to customers who can now trust Donovan Marine to not only supply the parts and knowhow to get a project done, but a skilled service team to keep their investment running at peak efficiency for the life of the vessel.

From its beginnings in New Orleans to becoming the largest family-held leader in recreational and commercial marine wholesaling, Donovan Marine has succeeded by providing exceptional customer service. By treating their clients as though they’re part of the family, providing great prices, and the high-quality products they need, Donovan Marine has become the trusted partner for more than 5,000 small business and large corporations throughout the country.

QUOTES

“Donovan Marine supports thousands of small business owners around the country, and we work just as well with those folks as we do with our commercial customers. They get the same level of service that we’d give to a publicly traded company.” J.P. Sapir, Purchasing

“There’s an entrepreneurial element to every part of this business. It’s always there. Sometimes it’s bigger, and sometimes it’s smaller, and I think that comes from Benton’s vision for the business.” Cameron Gilly

“There’s a lot of entrepreneurial spirit here. We give folks a lot of rein to go out and be successful, and the freedom to pursue leads and grow their part of the business.” John Benton Smallpage III