NICOLAS' VISION FOR IGUANA YACHTS, A COMMUNITY OF AMPHIBIOUS BOATERS IN FLORIDA

NICOLAS’ VISION FOR IGUANA YACHTS, A COMMUNITY OF AMPHIBIOUS BOATERS IN FLORIDA

November 14, 2024

This month, we had the pleasure of interviewing Nicolas Price. He is the driving force behind Iguana Yachts’ expansion in Florida and the Bahamas. In this interview, Nicolas shares his vision for building a community of Iguana owners, insights into the boat market, and the game-changing potential of Iguana Yachts for coastal adventurers everywhere.

Read the following interview to learn more about his job.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF

“Before working at Iguana, I was involved in the family business in the medical field. Our company provides in-home care to people of all ages and needs, as well as transportation services to help them reach medical appointments or other destinations. We strive to offer the best possible care for every client.

In addition to this work, I also delivered boats from the Keys to Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and I started my own boat brokerage, selling boats from 25 feet up to 72 feet. The 72-footer was the largest sale I made over five years in the brokerage.

Eventually, I went back to school to study business management and accounting. After that, I returned to the family business, and now I am with Iguana.

I have been fortunate to be boating almost since I learned to walk. Boating has always been a major part of my life. When I was 11 or 12, I bought my first 16-foot flats boat, which confirmed my passion for it.”

“Ever since, I’ve spent every free moment on the water; whether fishing, diving, or just enjoying time with friends. I have had the chance to boat in the Bahamas, Mexico, and Italy in the Mediterranean as well.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IGUANA?

“I discovered Iguana on Instagram one evening and saw that there was now a boat capable of essentially crawling out of the water to access places that traditional boats couldn’t reach. That was my first introduction to Iguana, and from that moment, it became a top interest of mine. I believe it is truly positioned to be a disruptor in the traditional boating industry.”

“As time goes on, I think more people will realize that Iguana has a unique place, and is here to stay long-term. I thought it was a complete game-changer. I fell in love with it after seeing it in action via videos on Instagram and YouTube, and I remember thinking, “Wow, I need to see this in person and experience it myself”, which I have now had the chance to do. I feel lucky to be one of the few, who gets to experience Iguana firsthand and share it with people who have not yet realized they need it. “

“Iguana boats do raise some questions, like how they handle big seas or how the track system performs. But it can handle large waves, like those we encounter in the straits to the Bahamas or the Florida Keys. And it is surprisingly user-friendly. Initially, I had some concerns because it is an intimidating product. But after about five minutes, most people feel confident driving it, doing beach landings, or going to any island they want.

My favorite model is the Iguana Knight, the RIB version. Not to say the others aren’t great, but there’s just something special about the Knight. I took delivery of the blue one, and I really appreciated the experience.”

Our layouts are very family-friendly, with plenty of seating that people genuinely enjoy. Indeed, it is an extremely comfortable boat for hosting people if you have kids. We focus more on the client’s experience than just the machine itself.
Nicolas Price, Florida and Bahamas Manager

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF AMPHIBIOUS BOATS?

“I think one of the main challenges facing the boating industry in the coming years is the lack of space, which has now also become a legal issue. This means that people are increasingly limited to using only marinas or pre-existing docks. Without permission to develop new areas, people can not build additional docks or boat ramps.

I have had experiences myself where this became an issue, like in the Florida Keys.”

“When I went out to the sandbar on Memorial Day weekend. We ended up stuck on the sandbar for hours in the sun, and we got home very late. With an Iguana, I would not have to deal with situations like that. I plan to take clients out, show them boats stuck on the sandbar as I once was, and demonstrate how the Iguana can get them on and off the sandbar regardless of the tide. I think the Florida Keys is an ideal area for Iguana boats, both geographically and practically.”

HOW IS IT TO WORK FOR A FRENCH COMPANY?

“Working with a French brand in the U.S. is a unique experience, and I think the French bring a lot of valuable perspectives to the table. The U.S. team has always maintained open communication, and while there have been challenges over the last six months, I believe we have the right people in place to address them. Overall, it’s been a great experience.

Of course, working for a French company has its unique aspects, especially with the time difference. I sometimes need to wake up early, but that’s just part of the job. Honestly, I really enjoy working for a French company here in the U.S.”

Iguana really helps reduce a lot of stress for boaters, and it just needs more exposure. I believe the more visibility we get, the more successful we’ll be, of course.
Nicolas Price, Florida and Bahamas Manager

A NEW OFFICE IN FLORIDA, A NEW STRATEGY?

“Right now, I am the head of the Florida and Bahamas office. My daily tasks include following up with incoming leads, managing client relations, and assisting clients who may need help with technical issues. For example, if someone needs a new part or requires a technician to explain a system they don’t fully understand, I connect them with the right person to get answers quickly and efficiently.

We have a growth and long-term strategy.”

“The Florida office is fully open for business, and we’ve already had a good number of leads and sea trials with excellent feedback. My main mission is to encourage as many people as possible to adopt the Iguana product, and from there, to build a community around it. The boating culture here is very fishing-focused and family-oriented, and other manufacturers have adapted their approach to fit that. I think this makes sense, so that’s part of my own strategy as well.

I aim to create a community of Iguana owners by hosting events and gatherings where they can connect. I want to keep them informed about new and improved models and provide opportunities for them to experience the latest innovations firsthand. For Florida and the Bahamas.”

“My goal is to get as many Iguanas out there as possible, helping people rediscover boating.

The Bahamian islands and popular spots like the sandbars present unique challenges. People often forget about the tides and end up stuck at low tide, waiting for the next high tide.

With an Iguana, they would not have to worry about that, and I believe it’s a game-changer for the region.”

Interested in joining the team? Check out our latest positions.

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