02/21/2026
Dear Friends,
With mixed emotions, we are announcing that we have sold Hidden Harbor Marina. This is not something we actively sought, but an opportunity presented itself as something good for our family.
We are grateful to have started this journey with Stacey’s parents. Gary and Carol started in 1989 and took us under their wings in 1998. We had no idea where the journey would take us nor how long it would last. Being part of this marina has been more than owning a business. It has been our lives. Work. Play. Family. Friends. Long hard days followed by celebrations. Sweat and tears, yes, but nothing compared to the laughter and fun times. When we started, our youngest, Brandon, now 28, was 9 months old. Our oldest, Sean, whom you all know well, was 10 years of age. All our children have been actively involved at one point in time and many of you have got to know them over the years. We have actively served three generations of boaters whom we call friends. Today, some of you are in your 80’s and 90’s and a fourth generation of boaters have begun. It’s been amazing to share such a significant part of our lives with you. The stories told are endless.
We have so many people to whom we need to express our gratitude. To Sean, we are proud of how you stepped in to manage the marina the way we wanted. With customer focus. Unfortunately, because Sean and we are in different stages of life, our outlook and goals are conflicted. As impacted as Sean is, he fully supports the decision. He wants more than anything for us to achieve the maximum benefit of our 28 years of service, and for us to move forward without hindrance. Our hearts sincerely appreciate Sean’s unselfishness.
Stacey and I have always felt we have had the best employees on the lake. Those that have come and gone, please know that your small part made a great impact. To our core group, Rick, Kevin, Martin, Mark, and Erin, words cannot describe our appreciation. Your dedication to the marina, especially to Stacey and me, has never gone unnoticed. Our marina, once overlooked, is now noticed by all who come to Center Hill Lake. It’s not the biggest nor does it boast the fanciest of amenities, but we are the friendliest and most welcoming marina striving to ensure people enjoy their time on Center Hill Lake. This is not personal bias; look at the reviews of what hundreds of customers say about our great staff. It is a place that people go to because our employees have made it a home. Few know nor will they comprehend what is required to maintain this place year-round. Our group has done it for years every day of the week, in all weather conditions, and at all hours. Thank you.
Thank you, Dale and Kesha. Our venture together is only a few years old, but you have expanded our venue with Fat Boys. Visitors are finding what we knew; what great people you are and how fun you are to be around. May your success continue for years to come.
We thank the people of Dekalb County. Ace Hardware, Curtis Supply, B&G, Napa. Our go to places to keep us operational. The Fire and Ambulance Department who came to us in times of need. The Sheriff’s Department who patrolled our area. We thank TWRA. Special thanks to Ben Franklin, the late Tommy Stocklin, and Tony Cross. Thank you, Corps of Engineers. Our first ranger Mike Adcock. Lake Managers, the late Mr. Puckett, Tim Dunn, and Kevin Salvilla. Last, thank you to the other marinas on Center Hill Lake.
To our lake family, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your love and support. For the last 28 years you have been a very important part of our family. From those within the marina and traveling from the other marinas. Traveling from as close as Smithville, TN to as far as countries around the world. We could not have asked for better friends. In many ways this has not been our marina but yours. It has been a privilege to be your steward.
I apologize for the lengthy letter, but we feel we owe it to you. This has certainly been one of the most significant decisions in our lives. One that involved sleepless nights, one or two disagreements (okay, maybe a lot), and unending prayers. It will feel unnatural to us for who knows how long, but we look forward to the next chapter in our lives and hopefully will see you out on the lake! May God Bless you for being so good to us.
Brian and Stacey
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