Marcum Tour

[Scott M]

I almost forgot to post this...was with my brother in law about a month back on the day we were leaving for the BWCAW. I needed a new DCS for my LX-5, so we swung into MarCum at their Golden Valley Versa Electronics Headquarters. I was really impressed when my DCS was replaced at no charge when my warranty had been expired for years. Even better still, the brand manager, Jon Marshall, invited us to come inside and take a tour of their facilities.

We followed Jon through the back door and saw where the magic happens. I was surprised there weren't any oompa-loompas or a frozen ponds to test equipment on We got to see instead a static free zone where we could not enter (standard procedure with high end electronics), warehouse shelving full of all the goodies, some conceptual ideas for the LX-7 (no beta versions however), the pour zone where the transducers are made, and a look at some transducer crystals. We also kicked around what we'd like to see in future MarCum products and where the industry is heading. While we couldn't take any pictures (proprietary secrets), we got a chance to see the inner workings of a Minnesota company and chew the fat with a muckity muck. So many flasher producers are knocked for being foreign companies, but your Marcum flasher is assembled right here in Minnesota. Obviously components are manufactured overseas to be competitive and maintain price points, but we got to see the technicians assembling products behind the static free zone.

Jon didn't know me and my brother in law from Adam. I didn't demand anything special or drop any 'HSO Pro Staff' titles. He just used his lunch break to show a couple fishing enthusiasts around. He mentioned he's been doing some tours for folks that have stopped by for service or products and while he's not in the business of giving tours, it is nice for him to show a few customers around. He explained that Marcum started out as a small company and got by on word of mouth. They are growing larger in the market share today and put out a great product, but that their "word of mouth" reputation will serve them better than any advertising campaign.

Thanks Marcum and thanks Jon for giving us a view from the inside. Thanks for the great support and great product.

[TruthWalleyes]

Great story!

They worked on my marcum for free also this past winter with an expired warranty.

Great Customer Service!

[Jim Almquist]

Very Cool !!!

Makes me almost want to break something just to get a tour

[CaptainMusky]

Very Cool !!!

Makes me almost want to break something just to get a tour

My DCS crapped the bed too, maybe I need a tour! LOL

I wouldnt expect anything free, but I am a sucker to see the inner workings of how the products I purchase come together. I hear roadtrip!!

[Northlander]

Ya John M. is a good egg!

[Dark Cloud]

I got to work an Ice Show with Jon and have a few meals with him... Top Notch all the way!

Some day i'll get out west for a grand tour...

[Mr.Seaguar]

Well that was nice of them.

[harvey lee]

My DCS went bad and I e-mailed and called Jon and left a message approx 3 times about replacement and had no response.

Great to hear your item was warranted. I must have called the wrong Jon.

Now I am a happy Bird owner.

[Random guy]

Actually you need to call the direct line 888-778-1208 or email Versa at [email protected]

Now as far as the tour I was able to make the rounds with Jon Marshal and sit down with Rocky a bit and play with LX-7 some more yesterday. I even got a good look at some of the accessories that will come with the LX-7. Now as for the unit I liked the final make up as they answered every concern many of us had; this includes transducer storage, buttons and even little things like handles and Velcro . The LX-7 is loaded up with wicked features in well put together package.

I did come to a bit of a realization as I was talking and walking with Jon Marshall; this unit IS made in the USA. I often figured ya sure most of it is put together stateside but really? Yes Really! One guy was forming up transducers, a couple young ladies where soldering wires, a few others where creating circuit boards and a whole bunch of workers were doing about a thousand tasks to make a truly USA built electronic tool. Guess I seldom got past the ice side of it to truly look at and appreciate he production end that closely. It was good to see all those jobs in these times.

[Northlander]

I agree its great to have a American made product. I cant wait to get my new LX-7 in my hands. Im excited to use it in the boat as well.

[harvey lee]

Thanks for the contact info Jonny but, I know the number and the e-mail and I know it is correct.

Just do not understand why.

[Random guy]

Things changed through the years as Marcum grew bigger and bigger and that is why Versae/Marcum channel all the customer calls through the service line so everything stays organized and is taken care of. The days of calling the engineers and brand managers directly to ask questions or requesting service is long gone; they are busy building LX-7s and working on the next step in Ice sonar or underwater viewing. Now they have dedicated people with systems including RA #S (return authorization numbers ) to efficiently handle this as the call volume of course grows as does product ownership. Just think how many people have Marcum’s or Showdowns now verses five years ago? It’s a pretty staggering number.

Either way when you buy a Marcum there is numerous places that the correct customer service contact info is available as it is also posted on the Marcum webpage.

[harvey lee]

Jonny, I had the number for the correct person.