Duck Key Marina
Duck Key Marina's Digital Transformation: Streamlining Operations with MOLO
AT A GLANCE
Business: Duck Key Marina
Location: Duck Key, Florida
Size: 45 slips (combination of dry dock and wet slips)
Operation: Year-round storage facility
Challenge: Transitioning from basic payment processing to comprehensive marina management after acquisition
The Challenge:
New Ownership, New Needs
When new ownership took over Duck Key Marina, they knew they needed a robust system that could grow with their vision. Initially using Square for basic transactions, the limitations quickly became apparent. The marina needed a solution that could handle not just payments, but comprehensive operations management and seamless accounting integration.
“We knew Square wasn’t going to be robust enough for what the grander vision was,” explains Rafael Ravelo, Senior Accountant. “We’re still planning on expanding our capabilities as a whole, and we feel that MOLO is capable of expanding and growing with us.”
The Solution:
Finding the Right Marina Management Partner
Identifying the right technology partner meant finding a system that could scale with the marina’s ambitious growth plans.
The marina’s needs were clear:
- Seamless accounting integration with QuickBooks
- Professional, enterprise-level operational interface
- Scalable platform for future growth
- Comprehensive reporting capabilities
While Square.com served as a temporary solution during the transition, Duck Key Marina implemented MOLO immediately after the acquisition, recognizing the need for a more sophisticated system.
Implementation:
Swift and Supported
Despite the complexity of switching management systems, Duck Key Marina achieved a smooth transition in just weeks.
The implementation process was remarkably efficient:
- Initial integration completed within 10 days
- Four-week testing period to ensure accuracy
- Two to three comprehensive training sessions
- Parallel operation with Square for about two months during operational staff transition
“Getting MOLO integrated with our accounting software was within a matter of 10 days of my initial contact,” notes Rafael. “We test wrote it for about four weeks where I was checking MOLO versus QuickBooks and making sure everything was going in and cleaning up all the hiccups. It was a pretty seamless transition and really quick.”
Results:
"A Week's Worth of Work Saved"
The impact of MOLO’s implementation was immediate and substantial, touching every aspect of the marina’s operations.
Streamlined Operations
- Automated transaction categorization
- Simplified sales and use tax reporting
- Integrated line-item tracking for ice, fuel, and slip rentals
- Reduced manual data entry and reconciliation
Improved Accuracy
- Eliminated coding errors in transaction classification
- Enhanced accuracy in tax reporting
- Automated categorization of taxable versus tax-exempt items
Time Savings
- Reduced month-end reconciliation by approximately one week
- Streamlined reporting processes
- Faster response to transaction queries
“It has reduced a tremendous amount of work,” Rafael emphasizes. “It’s actually saved me about a week’s worth of work every month, which I am grateful for. Month-end has always been a headache for me throughout my entire career, and for the marina, I don’t find it at all.”
The Human Touch: Support That Makes the Difference
What truly distinguished MOLO was their exceptional support approach, characterized by:
- Responsive support staff
- Comprehensive training sessions
- Screen-sharing tutorials
- Quick resolution of queries (24-48 hour response time)
“Everybody that I’ve met that works for this company has been super friendly, super helpful, really willing to go above and beyond,” shares Rafael. “Within 24-48 hours I’m having an answer back from the support staff. I’m having copies of invoices emailed back and forth to me, and it’s been super easy to work with.”
Looking Ahead
As Duck Key Marina continues to execute their expansion plans, MOLO’s scalable platform provides the foundation for sustainable growth. The partnership has established a strong foundation for future success, with the marina confident in MOLO’s ability to support their evolving needs.
“The MOLO integration from the operations to the accounting side, the transition is pretty seamless. It is really easy, and then the support staff with MOLO has been super friendly, super helpful, really willing to go above and beyond.”
