ANNAPOLIS, Md., July 14, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- FirstMate Services (FMS) is pleased to announce the launch of its mobile application, a first-of-its-kind within the boating community, designed to help boaters find, review, and connect with local boating companies.
Founded by two avid boaters from Annapolis, a city with deep, historical marine and boating roots, FMS is solving a problem that has not previously been addressed in the boating community: connecting boat owners with companies that have been verified and reviewed by fellow boaters.
"We've spent years talking about the good and bad experiences we've had, asking for and giving recommendations, and trying to manage boat projects without any real insight into the companies we select," says Julianne Hemingway, FirstMate Services co-founder. "It was a real trial-and-error process."
"We recognized a need within the community and from there, FirstMate Services was born. We see it as the equivalent of connecting two pieces of a puzzle for the boating community," continues Hemingway. "Benefits for boaters include the ability to search for companies, read verified reviews from other owners, request quotes, manage projects, and make payments."
On the flipside, companies also seem to face common challenges. "We wanted to help companies too, so we designed the FMS app to enable direct access to current and prospective customers by providing free advertising. It also significantly streamlines the invoicing and cash flow process, meaning companies get paid faster," explains Malcolm Patel, FirstMate Services co-founder. "All of this comes at no cost to the company."
"The FMS app is useful to sole proprietors and large companies, owners of big sailboats and small powerboats, and residents of Annapolis and across the country," says Hemingway.
Currently the FMS app is focused on the Annapolis and Eastern Shore geographic regions, but plans to expand nationally in coming months.
FMS is also looking for help from the boating community. They are asking boaters and those within the community to invite relevant companies to the join the app. In fact, FMS is giving away a $25 credit for each company a user refers through the FMS app (up to $100).
"For me, one of the drivers in creating the FMS app is to be able to find trusted service providers where ever I go," says Patel. "My future goal is to liveaboard my boat and travel, and we'll certainly need reputable companies along the way."
For more information on FirstMate Services, please visit http://www.firstmateservices.com.
SOURCE FirstMate Services
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