Our greatest strength and asset is our staff. With over 185 years of combined experience to draw from we are able to provide our customers with the very best knowledge and customer service in the region.
Don Lewis
Co-Owner and General Manager
43 years experience
Don is co-owner and founding partner of Aurora Marine and Trailers, his career in the marine industry has spanned more than 43 years.
Don was born in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up around boats. At the age of 14, Don began his career working for a boat dealer on Lake Erie part time during his school years. In 1973 he received a degree in education from Bowling Green University. In 1974 Don moved to Denver and went to work for Kenney's Marine, the largest boat dealership in the rocky mountain region. For 10 years Don was their parts manager and in 1984, he, along with Mark Kieft a co-worker, formed their own company, Aurora Marine.
In addition to his responsibilities as co-owner of Aurora Marine since it's inception in 1984, Don has also been very active in contributing to the boating industry at large on a regional and national level. Don has been the president of the Marine Retailers Association of America, M.R.A.A., a national organization and has served as the president of the Colorado Marine Dealers Association two times. Don's experience and knowledge of boats and boating has made him a valuable asset to the marine industry and he has served as a board member of several dealer counsels that advise manufacturers, private, public and govermental organizations of the issues, trends and policies that affect the marine industry.
Mark Kieft
Co-Owner and Sales & Service Director
33 years experience
Mark is co-owner and founding partner of Aurora Marine and has over 32 years of marine experience.
Mark is a native of Colorado and began his career in the boat business in 1974 working for Kenney's Marine, in Denver, which at the time was the largest boat dealer in the rocky mountain region. Mark gained a wide range of experience and know how working for a large dealership. His work experience over the years included parts, accessory and boat sales. With 10 years of marine experience, Mark along with Don Lewis co-founded Aurora Marine, Inc. Over the years Mark has logged thousands of hours behind the helm. He knows boats and boating!
Mark is the Sales and Service Director of Aurora Marine and Trailers. Mark oversees the sales, financing, titling, insurance and delivery of boats, motors, and trailers. He also directs the service department. Mark's knowledge and experinece as well as his hands on management style assures that our customers receive the very best in products and service!
Royce Powell
Sales Department
28 years experience
Royce began his career in 1979 working for Phil Dill Boats, at the time the largest boat dealer in Dallas, Texas. Intially Royce was the parts and accessory department manager and oversaw the building and managing of what was then and is still today one of the largest boat accessory stores in Dallas area. He then completed Mercruiser and OMC factory service training and then served as a service adviser. In 1988 Royce became national sales manager for a water ski manufacturer and traveled the U.S.. He helped design and test the very first commercial wakeboard and he also competed in several amateur kneeboard tournments. In 1991 Royce took a position with Travis boats & Motors as their parts and service manager.
In 1995, Royce joined our staff at Aurora Marine and has become the lead salesman since 1998 with individual sales exceeding 1 million dollars annually!
Allen Cooke
Parts Manager/Service Technician
13 years experience
Allen is from Virgina Beach area and has extensive experience in the marine industry. In 1995, Allen joined Norfolk Marine Company as a parts and accessory assistant manager, in 1996 he was promoted to assistant service manager. He then became their rigging manager and buyer in 1996. Two years later, Allen was promoted to the Customer Service Manager for their Grady White boat line. In 2002 Allen started a boat/marine engine service company at Marina Shores Dry Storage. Allen has a vast knowledge of the marine business and is a great resource to Aurora Marine. Not only does Allen act as our Parts and Accessory Manager but also works as a technician in the service department.
Kevin Beall
Webmaster
33 years experience
Kevin began his marine career in 1974 working for Kenney's Marine. He has gained extensive experience and know how in the marine business. In 1986 he joined Aurora Marine and has assisted us in many areas of our business, Kevin's knowledge and experience helps us serve our customers better!
Gary McKinnon
Service Manager
Certified Marine Technician
15 years experience
Gary began his training for a marine career in 1989 attending Washington County Technical College where he studied boat building and design. In 1990 he entered Southern Maine and received a Nautical Science Degree, he studied Marine Engineering, Navagation and Seamanship. In 1992, Gary worked offshore as a mate responsible for navigation, maintenance and piloting of 100 foot plus commercial boats serving oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Gary returned to school in 1998 attending American Marine Institute and was trained as a outboard, sterndrive, marine generator and marine-electronics technician.
In 1998 Gary joined Aurora Marine and has continued to update and build on his training and experience as a marine technician. His current factory certifications include-Johnson, Evinrude and Suzuki and he is currently working on completing his Mercrusier sterndrive certification. Gary's know-how and attention to detail allows us to provide the highest quality of work on our customer's boats.
Justin Shefalo
Marine Technician
3 years experience
Justin has an automotive and electrical background and has stong mechanical ability. Justin sets up the boats, motors and trailers and installs accessories. Justin is a Lund boat owner and loves fishing!
Brad McFeeters
Customer Service Advisor
14 years experience
Brad started his marine career working for Pacemaker Yachts in their production scheduling department. Brad attended Pikens Technical College and studied marine engines, and has received factory training from Mercruiser, Mercury, Mariner, Johnson, Evinrude, Chrysler/Force and OMC/Cobra service schools.
He joined Aurora Marine in 2000 and is the Service Advisor for the service department. His technical training, customer service skills and sense of humor help to make the servicing of your boat a pleasant experience.
Beau Myers
Technician
Service Department
Beau attended Denver Automotive & Diesel College and has an Associate of Applied Science Degree and graduated (Cum Laude).
Beau also has been receiving training from Mercury Marine service school and is working on his Mercury/Mercruiser Certification.
Dennis Colwell
Service Department
Technician
Dennis attended Denver Automotive & Diesel College and has an Associate of Applied Science Degree and graduated (Summa Cum Laude)
He also attended T.H. Pickens Technical School during High School and received their
Technology Award.
Dennis also has been receiving training from Mercury Marine service school and is working on his Mercury/Mercruiser Certification.
Puddy
Public Relations/Pest Managment
17 years experience
Puddy has been with us since 1990. She was a wild cat that lived in an abandoned house across the street. She was starving and we started feeding her. Puddy eventually became very tame and took up residence at Aurora Marine full time. She specializes in mice, snakes, and grasshoppers. She works closely with Mark and likes to help him with his paperwork!
Don Lewis
Mark Kieft
Royce Powell
Gary McKinnon
Justin Shefalo
Beau Myers
Dennis Colwell
Puddy