31 seasons and still going strong.. Elite rowing inc. by Alessandro Selvig is like wine. The older it gets, the better and more interesting it becomes. Our historic american dealer celebrates its anniversary by announcing that Andrew Rouse, assistant coach at Stetson University in DeLand, (Florida) in 2021 , has joined the Elite rowing family, based in Weston (Massachusetts) . Rouse will be the reseller for Georgia, Alabama and Florida and will soon offer the customers the opportunity to test Filippi boats on site. The other reseller for Washington area,Oregon and Idaho is Scott Holmgren, currently coaching Everett Rowing Association. Further resellers should widen the sales network later on. In the meantime, let's ask Alex about his plans and points of view, at the dawn of the new rowing season ..
Hi Alex, long life to you and your company ..
I started in 1991, so it'll be 31 wonderful years! Time DOES fly when you're having fun!
Where are you based exactly ?
Weston, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. We do have a little bit of rowing here.
Is it true that you are working to widen your coverage of USA rowing market ?
I am the President, and handle all operations of the corporation. We also have regional resellers in Washington state and Florida, with more coming soon.
Can a customer try all the Filippi's range of moulds where you are ?
We do have small boats for test rows in Boston and at regattas, and typically arrange to deliver larger boats directly to boathouses.
Have you been an international rower and coach ?
Sadly, never an international rower. I trained very hard in the late 80s / early 90s with Boston Rowing Center, a National Team training center. I came in second at Trials more times than I care to remember.
I have been honored to help the US Senior and Junior teams at Worlds and the Olympics as team boatman for several years.
Could you anticipate to your customers the main national regattas you will attend ?
Too many to list here, but among the more well known are all US Rowing Championships, US team trials, Head of the Charles. Our resellers will be at regattas in their areas, as well.
We are coming from a couple of terrible years in terms of business..
Elite Rowing, Inc., keeps growing financially and in terms of market share. That said, I reflect most on how much fun we've had. The most intense and rewarding experience was 2017 Worlds in Sarasota. There were nine full containers of Filippis on the race course, and it took five fully loaded trailers to deliver them to their new owners. Try loading boats non-stop for four days under the hot sun in Sarasota!
What does a customer find, ringing Elite rowing ?
The local dealer should be a resource, not only for the established client, but also for the prospective one. Patience, knowledge, and being accessible are all required qualities. It's vital to have a stock of spare parts available for immediate shipping, and to promptly return emails and phone calls.
How can Coastal improve the image of rowing ?
Coastal is certainly more exciting to watch. Non-rowers would find it easier to enjoy, and that would make TV audiences more interested. It would possibly create more "rowers", but my experience is that coastal and flat water rowing are quite different. A road cyclist may not enjoy mountain biking, or a skier may not enjoy snowboarding.
Why should a customer choose Filippi ?
The durability and quality of construction are exceptional. They are beautifully built, and the top choice of about 2/3rds of the world's elite athletes. Our price point is comparable to other boats with a less impressive record.
2nd photo: Alex Selvig with the Filippi 8+ displayed at the Logan Boston Airport in 2017
Alex Selvig
Website: www.EliteRowing.com
Email: Alex@EliteRowing.com
(w) 617-783-8442
Filippi
The Choice of Champions
24 out of 42 medals, Tokyo Olympics
