MATTAWA - Most people who move from western Washington to Desert Aire do it for two simple reasons - sun and retirement.

Not Curt and Tammy Connor. They came for opportunity. They launched there own business - Sand Bar Marine - here.

"This our retirement," Curt said with a laugh.

Curt has been in the boating industry all his life. Not only did his family own a variety of boats throughout his childhood, but his grandfather had the first Cris Craft boat dealership in Newport Beach, Calif.

Curt eventually ended up in the Seattle area working in the industry. After talking to several of his customers who boated in central Washington, he found there was a need for a full service shop.

"We discussed the possibility of opening our own and figured why not. The kids were grown and on their own," Tammy said.

The Connors took a long weekend trip and drove to various areas along the rivers and lakes his customers had recommended. They liked Desert Aire the first time they saw it.

"We decided this is where we wanted to settle down and open our business, and we never looked back," Tammy said.

Sand Bar Marine - a service shop mostly - had its official opening on Memorial weekend 2010. It has experienced 35-40 percent growth each year.

"We love the community here, and our customers are the greatest," Tammy said.

This year the Connors decided to offer customers something outside of boat service, sales and storage. It's called the Wake Zone. The Connors offer rentals on various water toys - paddle boards, wake surf boards, wake boards and tubes.

Curt had an uncle who opened a boat dealership in Costa Mesa and went on to race off shore power boats until his retirement 10 years ago. Curt helped his uncle fix the boats and discovered his passion.

Curt attended a trade school. After graduation, he went to work for Hardin Marine in Anaheim as an engine builder.

The Connors moved their family to Washington in 1993, and Curt became dock master for two separate marinas. He then moved into the position of service manager, responsible for five shops for a major boat dealership in western Washington.

Curt has continued his formal education to this day. He goes to school every year to keep up his certifications for the various boat engine manufacturers with which the Connors have dealership agreements.

"I guess you could say I have been in the boating industry for at least 30 years as Curt's wife," Tammy said. "I have accompanied him to schools, had my garage filled with various boats and accessories over the years. Boats have been a constant in our lives."