Lexington County, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Mountain Top Marine, a family-run boat dealership in Lexington County, is on the verge of closure after suffering significant inventory damage due to a nearby road improvement project. The business, operated by Sean and Summer Deese for over 16 years, has had 90% of its inventory affected by debris from the construction. With little support from contractors and ongoing financial struggles, the Deese family is now considering selling their property. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has confirmed they will not cover the damage, leaving the family in a precarious situation.
Lexington County – Mountain Top Marine, a family-owned boat dealership in Lexington County, is facing imminent closure due to significant revenue loss linked to a nearby road improvement project. The company, run by husband-and-wife team Sean and Summer Deese, has been part of the community for over 16 years, but now 90% of their inventory has been damaged by road debris during the construction process.
The road improvement initiative, which includes asphalt rehabilitation and drainage enhancements, has caused debris and asphalt to cover more than 60 boats on Mountain Top Marine’s property. Sean Deese expressed frustration that he was not notified of the road project, which is taking place just outside his business. The project, running from Northside Baptist Church to S.C. 6, is being carried out by Blythe Construction, with Griffin Contracting as a subcontractor.
Despite multiple attempts to reach both contractors for assistance, Sean Deese has received minimal communication regarding the damages and is still uncertain about the future of his business. The family has placed signs indicating their intention to sell the 5.5-acre property, a difficult decision for them as they weigh their options amidst growing financial hardship.
Currently, the business is generating some profit through ongoing boat services; however, this revenue is not sufficient to sustain operations through typically slower seasons. The situation has led the Deese family to describe their experience as “purgatory,” feeling caught between limited options.
Mountain Top Marine has filed a claim with their insurance provider, which has sent an adjuster to evaluate the damages. The family is continuously providing necessary information to the insurance company, which has yet to clarify what damages it will cover. Sean Deese has expressed disappointment with the progress of the claims, particularly regarding the contractors’ responsibilities, despite the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) offering to look into the situation.
As of June 3, 2025, SCDOT has confirmed that they will deny Mountain Top Marine’s claim, shifting the responsibility to Blythe Construction. Investigators from SCDOT visited the site last week to assess the damage following the family’s report, further complicating the situation for the Deese family as they struggle to find a path forward amidst mounting challenges.
The looming closure of Mountain Top Marine raises concerns within the Lexington County business community as the Deese family seeks a resolution that would allow them to rebuild their business or find a new direction.
Background Context
Mountain Top Marine has served as a central hub for boating enthusiasts in Lexington County, providing not only boat sales but also essential services. The road construction that has led to the current crises is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving regional infrastructure but has inadvertently harmed local businesses like Mountain Top Marine. The Deese family’s plight highlights the potential negative impacts of large scale construction projects on small businesses and the importance of communication between local governments, contractors, and business owners.
FAQs
What led to the closure of Mountain Top Marine?
A nearby road improvement project caused significant damage and revenue loss for Mountain Top Marine, covering 90% of its boat inventory with debris.
How long has Mountain Top Marine been in operation?
Mountain Top Marine has been operational for over 16 years.
What actions have the Deese family taken regarding their situation?
The Deese family filed a claim with their insurance company and also attempted to contact the contractors responsible for the road project but have received minimal support.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Mountain Top Marine |
| Business Type | Family-owned Boat Dealership |
| Location | Lexington County |
| Problem | Damage from Road Improvement Project |
| Damage Extent | 90% of Inventory Affected |
| Contractors Involved | Blythe Construction, Griffin Contracting |
| Closure Status | Imminent |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WIS News: Lexington Small Business Plans to Shut Down
- Wikipedia: Road Construction
- Lexington Chronicle: Layoffs and Damage Claims
- Google Search: Business Dynamics in Lexington County
- Columbia Business Report: Ember Restaurant Opening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Organization
- Post & Courier: Lexington Voodoo Brewing Taproom Delays
- Google News: Lexington County Business News
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
