Cigarette Racing Featured on Nightly Business Report

ByJason Johnson

When PBS TV news program, Nightly Business Report (NBR), decided to report on the state of U.S. marine manufacturing, they chose Cigarette Racing Team as a key indicator of the luxury boat market.

Cigarette Racing president Skip Braver was recently interviewed on Nightly Business Report.
Cigarette Racing president Skip Braver was recently interviewed on Nightly Business Report.

Anchorman Tom Hudson and his crew interviewed Cigarette President and CEO Skip Braver at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show where the company, as the anchor of the “HI Performance Village,” displayed a range of models including the new 42-foot Huntress performance center console. Hudson then visited the Cigarette factory to see firsthand how the custom boats are built.

In the NBR interview that aired on Dec. 14, Braver explained how when the economy got tight and most of the marine industry contracted, Cigarette invested in new tooling, new models and kept its factory and employees busy to grow the Opa-locka, Fla., company, preparing for the better times ahead. The strategy worked for Cigarette as it has continually enjoyed excellent sales.

Hudson reported on the process of boat building at Cigarette and Braver explained that the company’s loyal customers are “lifestyle addicts” who enjoy the premium luxury lifestyle brand, which has expanded and refined under Braver’s 10-year tenure. The NBR segment, which also includes Trinity Yachts, can be seen here at www.NBR.com.  The interview with Braver starts around the 20-minute mark.