How Nine Marina Builds a World-Class Guest Experience: Training, Events, and Stewardship

In this Dockside Chat segment, Wendy Larimer (Senior Editor, Marina Dock Age) talks with Barry Hadlock, CEO of Nine Marina on Lake Eufaula, about the behind-the-scenes systems that create a standout marina experience: mandatory staff training, signature events, and everyday environmental discipline.

Barry explains why every employee participates in a start-of-season training day—so the full team operates “as a team of one” and customers always feel helped the moment they arrive. The training focuses on safe, consistent dock execution: handling incoming boats, protecting customer assets during fueling, preventing spills, responding correctly if a spill happens, and tying boats properly with fenders and cleat work.

He also shares how Nine Marina recruits seasonal dockhands locally, builds a strong returning team year after year, and keeps morale high by setting clear standards at the start of the season.

Beyond operations, Barry describes how events help Nine Marina function as a destination—not only for slip customers, but for anyone visiting Lake Eufaula. The marina hosts recurring activities and seasonal traditions like Burning of the Socks, plus entertainment-driven nights like glow parties, karaoke, and live music. On-site options like Roja’s Taqueria & Cantina and Nine Scoops Ice Cream round out the experience for families and groups.

Finally, Barry talks about protecting the waterway through careful product choices, fueling-system diligence, and facility practices that keep the marina clean and well-maintained—efforts that align with the broader “Clean Marina” mindset common across many state programs.