Lexington, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Mountain Top Marine, a family-owned boat dealership in Lexington, is closing after suffering significant financial losses due to damage from a nearby road construction project. Over 60 boats on the lot were covered in asphalt and debris, leading to a substantial impact on their inventory and revenue. Owners Sean and Summer Deese have sought compensation but have faced communication challenges, resulting in the heartbreaking decision to sell their property.
Lexington, South Carolina – Mountain Top Marine, a family-owned boat dealership that has been serving the community for over 16 years, is set to close its doors due to heavy financial losses stemming from an unforeseen road construction project. The dealership, operated by husband and wife Sean and Summer Deese, has suffered extensive damage to its boat inventory as a result of road debris and asphalt sprayed during construction activities adjacent to the business.
The difficulties began when a road improvement project, consisting of asphalt rehabilitation and drainage enhancements, was conducted along the road stretching from Northside Baptist Church to S.C. 6. Over 60 boats on the dealership’s lot were impacted, leaving a thick black coating of asphalt on approximately 90% of their inventory, including upholstery, carpets, and seating. The owners assert they were not notified about the project prior to it commencing, leading to significant financial repercussions.
Despite the challenges, Sean Deese has actively sought solutions by reaching out to both Blythe Construction, the main contractor, and Griffin Contracting, the subcontractor, regarding compensation and accountability. Unfortunately, his attempts have mostly gone unanswered. The couple has since placed signs on their property indicating that it is for sale, marking a painful decision they describe as necessary to “stitch our wounds and move along.”
The dealership spans a total area of 5.5 acres across three parcels, and the Deese family now finds itself in a bleak financial situation. Currently, the only revenue generated by Mountain Top Marine comes from boat service operations, which are insufficient to maintain the business during slower months. Sean Deese expressed a growing sense of despair, stating that the couple does not see a “light at the end of the tunnel” and feels they can no longer invest in a failing situation.
In response to the damages, Sean Deese has filed a claim with his insurance company, which has dispatched an adjuster to evaluate the losses. Although the adjuster spent a full day on-site assessing the damage, Sean Deese continues to provide supporting documentation to the insurance company as the claims process remains ongoing. Communications from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) indicated that they would deny the claim and instructed Deese to direct his complaint to the contractors instead.
The SCDOT has clarified that Mountain Top Marine is required to submit the damage claim, along with the necessary documentation, for their review. Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding the insurance claims and the lack of responsiveness from the contractors has left the Deese family feeling vulnerable and concerned about the future of their business.
The impending closure of Mountain Top Marine serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen impacts that construction projects can have on local businesses, particularly small family-owned operations that depend on their inventory to drive revenue. As the Deese family prepares to sell their property, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can ease the burden faced by this local establishment.
FAQ
What happened to Mountain Top Marine?
Mountain Top Marine is closing due to damage to their inventory from a nearby road improvement project, which covered their boats in asphalt and debris, leading to a significant loss of revenue.
Who owns Mountain Top Marine?
Mountain Top Marine is a family-owned business run by husband and wife Sean and Summer Deese.
How many boats were damaged?
Over 60 boats in their inventory were affected by the road debris and asphalt.
What is the size of Mountain Top Marine’s property?
The dealership covers a total area of 5.5 acres and consists of three parcels.
What steps has Sean Deese taken regarding the damage?
Sean Deese filed an insurance claim for the damage, but communication with the insurance company and contractors has been lacking.
What alternatives do they have for generating revenue?
Currently, the only revenue generated comes from boat service operations, which is not enough to sustain the business.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Type | Family-owned boat dealership |
| Years of Operation | Over 16 years |
| Property Size | 5.5 acres across three parcels |
| Impact from Project | Over 60 boats damaged from asphalt debris |
| Current Revenue Source | Boat service operations |
| Future Plans | Listing property for sale |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mountain Top Marine Closes Due to Road Project Damages
Lexington County Small Business Faces Closure Due to Road Damage
Mountain Top Marine Announces Closure Due to Construction Damage
Lexington County Faces Small Business Closure Amid Road Project Damage
Columbia University Confronts Financial Strain from Immigration Policies
Mountain Top Marine in Lexington County Faces Closure
Additional Resources
- WISTV: Lexington Small Business Plans to Shut Down
- The State: Local News Article
- Cola Daily: Alltape Investing in Lexington County
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Charleston Business: Lexington Landscaping Company Expands
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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