The Allen family of Volente — Steve, Jodi, Steven and Taylor as seen in this photo from 2011 — earn top honors for the two, Lake Travis marinas they own and operate with Steve’s mom, Janet Caylor.
Dual “Marina of the Year” honors
By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News
Two, family-owned Lake Travis marinas were awarded top, Marina of the Year honors by the Marina Association of Texas, but the accolades have not come without challenges.
The recognition comes after both local businesses have weathered and survived many storms and a historic drought.
“During the five-year drought, which was the worst in Lake Travis history, we had to move the marina docks further into the deeper areas of the lake and out of our protected cove home-base,” said Jodi Allen, manager of Lakeway Marina.
“Of course, occupancy went down from the minor shuttling inconveniences, but we never stopped providing great customer service,” she said. “And the bond with customers, that saw us striving to keep serving our customers, grew stronger.”
Volente resident Janet Caylor and her son, Steve Allen, purchased Riviera Marina in 1998 and Lakeway Marina later in 2008. Allen manages and oversees operations at Riviera, while his wife, Jodi, manages Lakeway Marina a few mile markers away. Lance Looper, Jodi’s brother, also helps manage Riviera.
The Allens have lived near the marinas in Volente for more than 25 years and their children have enjoyed working in the family business. Both of their children, Taylor and Steven, went to Vandegrift and their daughter was part of the first VHS freshman class, and both have now graduated from college. The family has supported local soccer and football teams through the years.
Now these local families are celebrating the top industry recognition for their steadfast work over the years.
Recently Lakeway Marina received the Outstanding Small Marina of the Year award, based on 350 boat slips or less, and Riviera Marina, on the north side of Lake Travis, took the Large Marina of the Year award, having more than 350 slips.
The competition is open to 150 marinas across the state of Texas and is based on overall appearance, quality of facilities and services including launch facilities, food service, ship’s store, gas dock, service and repair area, docks, recreation areas, and special awards for service, promotions, civic affairs, employee recognition, as well as unique community service or educational programs.
“Both of these marinas are an example of what should become the standard for both customer service and cleanliness of the facility,” said Bill Gauspohl, chairman for the annual awards.
Having a fully staffed maintenance and service department is no small feat for a marina. From responding to “distress” calls for customers’ crafts and rental boats to keeping regular moored boats running year-round, having an onsite repair facility is vital. The marinas also offer protection gear, preventative care, regular winterizing and detail programs.
Caylor’s and the Allen family’s hard work and attention to detail shows.
“Over the years, we have strived to make these marinas the best ones on the lake,” said Caylor. “We want to bring happiness to all the families that frequent or visit our businesses. It has been a great challenge as well as a joy to expand the marinas, and make them high-quality operations.”
There are also many regulatory rules and laws that marinas have to follow including those with the Lower Colorado River Authority.
Additionally, the sister marinas are supporters of Central Texas Water Coalition, which helps ensure that the lake levels remain viable to provide drinking water for the surrounding area, and to have sustainable drinking water for the future.
Owning a marina fits Caylor’s passion for being near water.
“I have been a water baby since my parents took me to the beach when we lived on Guam,” she said. “ My son (Steve) learned to swim before he could walk. It was so cute to see that little guy hold his breath and swim like a frog.”
Lakeway Marina was the first of its kind on Lake Travis in 1963. For generations, it has been a beloved stop for people visiting the Texas Hill Country, and the recent accolades will ensure it will continue to be a beloved stop for years to come.
Steve and Jodi Allen earn Marina of the Year awards on both of their Lake Travis marinas.