The History of Belk's Marine Supply, Inc.
A dying breed of business, the Family Owned Business, has stayed alive through three generations of Belks. The founder, Thomas Belk Sr., started the business from his home on Amosland Road in Holmes in 1953. After one year, the business had grown enough to need a larger site. Moving to the now current site. His two sons, Thomas Belk Jr. and Richard Belk joined Tom in the business. As the business has grown, so has the store adding on five more times to the back of the building doubling the original space of the store. Belk’s known as "The Big Store with the Little Front."
The present and third generation (Judy Belk, daughter of Tom Belk, Jr.) has taken the helm and re-modeled each addition bringing it into the 21st Century. The boating bug caught her and she started working in the store along side her father while in high school After high school she started working full time learning the different aspects of the business. Later becoming Parts and Accessories Manager, following the death of her Uncle Dick and her father wanting to retire, she decided to keep the family business in the family. So in January 1997 the business was sold to Judy.
The lines of boats that we have handled over the years have changed but we have tried to accommodate both the fisherman and the family. Our aluminum boats made by Lund offer almost everything a fisherman’s heart desires. Lund offers something for the first time buyer as well as the experienced tournament fisherman. Our fiberglass line made by Caravelle offers fishing, fun and performance. All the family from the very young to the senior citizen can participate. Mercury and Mercruiser sales have been the main stay in this business since day one. We offer Load Rite and Venture Trailers. |
