I was first introduced to boating in 1957 when my Father purchased the first of a string of Chris Crafts ranging in size from 28’ to 32’, all with Commanders or 327 Chevy engines. His last boat was a 43’ Pacemaker with twin 653 GM diesels. My Father taught me the importance of proper care of a boat’s power plant and exterior to ensure worry-free hours of enjoyment, as well as a higher resale value in the future. I spent many an hour cleaning and maintaining our boats and that experience has proven invaluable.

Skiing is my passion. While some people like just one form of water sport, I love them all: slalom, kneeboard, wakeboard, barefoot, and show skiing. As long as I am in the boat, or on the water, I am happy, content, and relaxed.

My wife, Clide Forte (pronounced Clee’-day), and I have been married for 29 years. She has a degree in mechanical engineering, and has worked in the power industry for 28 years. She also skis, wakeboards, and kneeboards with our family. She is quite capable---she has to be in order to juggle a career involving travel, and a family of four. Both of us realize the importance of “family play time” which is why we both devote our weekends to “playing with the kids” on the water. Also, being members of the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team enables us to be involved in our children’s lives.

Our two boys, Chris and Tony, 19 and 15 respectively, are both very talented skiers. You may have seen Chris in the Cypress Gardens ski shows and both he and Tony at the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team shows in Oldsmar, Florida having a blast testing their skills and hamming it up in the shows. In our research and testing of boats, they have been a valuable source of information as to the wake shape, turbulence on the table, and the overall performance of the boats.

Beth Hiem - Office Manager

Hi, my name is Beth Heim, and I handle Forte’s Inboard and Auto Connection’s office management. I have worked for Forte’s Auto Repair for 26 years scheduling appointments, estimating, purchasing, and overall bookkeeping.

Larry, my husband of 32 years, grew up with Dom so our families go way back, actually to the late 40’s, after WWII when Larry’s Grandfather first had Mr. Forte Sr. work on his vehicles. Larry has been in law enforcement for twenty eight years, and we have two grown girls, Aimee-26, and Peggy-23. Aimee and her husband, Dan, live in Tampa and have two children. Peggy has finished up her undergraduate work, and working on a PHD in physical therapy. Both girls used to come to work with me when they were just toddlers. My, how time flies!

Kevin O'Connell - Service Manager

Hello, I am Kevin O’Connell, the lead Technician for Forte’s Inboard and Auto Connection. I have thirteen years of power train experience, five of which for Dom, at Forte’s Auto Repair. I grew up on Lake Keen in Lutz, FL, and have done my fair share of skiing over the years behind such boats as Tige’s, Master Crafts, Nautiques and various outboard boats. My wife, Leslie, and I have been married for ten years and have a beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn, who is 5 years old.

We are enjoying raising Kaitlyn to respect and enjoy the water as much as we do. We have recognized what a great family sport this is and have been spending time on the water kneeboarding and skiing. I am looking forward to helping you share that experience.

Steve Dollar - Sales Associate

When I am not working I am waterskiing. My wife Lisa and I always enjoy our time together on the water. I love to break glass on the slalom ski and Lisa is my #1 boat driver.

What I found to be the Forte's difference is the commitment to customer service. It was 20 years ago when I first brought my 1967 Mustang Convertible to Fortes for some troubleshooting. Not only did Fortes correct my problem but I found an honest, reliable and trustworthy mechanic and a friend for life. What I found is Fortes is all about relationships. For me what is really important in life is my relationship with my Heavenly Father, my wife Lisa and my family and friends. I look forward to helping you experience the Fortes difference.

See you on the water soon!