Episode 51 - Powerboat Talk with Ron Gordon Founder of American Turbine Jet Drives
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Gordon: Pioneering Jet Drive Innovation with American Turbine
Founded by Industry Leaders
In 1989, Ron Gordon, General Manager and Vice President, co-founded American Turbine with his boyhood friend, Bruce Simmons. With decades of experience in the jet drive industry, Gordon's journey began in 1968 when he first worked on his family’s Glastron V174 jet boat.
Industry Milestones and Innovations
Gordon's official career in the jet drive industry started in 1976 when he and Simmons launched Dominator Jet in Lubbock, Texas. After 12 successful years, they sold the company, but Gordon remained as manager before eventually departing to establish American Turbine.
Many of American Turbine products were developed from scratch, incorporating Gordon's innovative designs and proven concepts from his years at Dominator. Gordon introduced key industry innovations, including:
- Shouldered wear rings
- Energizer kits
- Larger impeller sizes (AA to 9½ inches)
- High-performance intakes
- High-flow bowls
- High-quality investment cast impellers
Commitment to Quality and Precision
In 1993, Gordon sold American Turbine to Travis Garske, owner of Travis Pattern & Foundry (TP&F). This acquisition guaranteed top-quality production through TP&F's aluminum foundry and CNC machine shop. Despite the change in ownership, Gordon continues to oversee the machining and hand-finishing of every impeller, ensuring that precision and craftsmanship remain a hallmark of American Turbine.
Continued Leadership and Growth
Under Gordon’s leadership, American Turbine has consistently pushed the boundaries of jet drive technology. The company acquired Dominator Jet in 1998 and Legend Jet in 2007, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. With over 48 years of experience, Ron Gordon and his team continue to deliver unmatched quality, expertise, and innovation in jet drive technology.
This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com
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