About Us
Formula Propeller and Marine is your full-service propeller shop!
We are staffed by experienced and knowledgeable craftsmen whose only goal is to ensure you leave our shop completely satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a new propeller or used propeller, or need a repair, we can get you back where you belong—out on the water enjoying your boat.
Call Now! Our Name
Formula is more than a name.
Our business name actually reflects the philosophy we use when choosing propellers for our customers. First, we ask specific questions about how you use your boat and what your performance goals are, and then we recommend the perfect propeller based on the following formula.
Maximum RPMs = delivers horsepower = relates to propeller
Pitch = speed and overall performance
Our History
Formula Propeller & Marine was founded by John Hesse, who sadly passed away on October 17, 2011. John was a pioneer in the boat propeller industry and will truely be missed by his family, as well as many others.
In 1972, John purchased his first bass boat and was not happy with the way it performed. After talking with several boat dealers, and finding no answers to explain the boat’s performance, he decided to seek his own answers. So, he got out the garden hose, and watched the water move over the silvery blade. He looked for the point where the water left the blade by observing the leading edge and the trailing edge. He took a couple of stainless steel propellers and modified them based on his observations. He tested his theory, and found that by making these modifications to the propellers, he increased the top speed of the boat by a surprising 12 miles per hour.
In 1976, John modified and rebuilt the blades of his first Chopper stainless steel propeller and started the super speed bass boat trend. John continued to carefully hone his craft while gaining customers, and grew the business exponentially. Since then, Formula Propeller and Marine has become the largest propeller dealer in Minnesota.
Fortunately, his knowledge in the business was passed on to his wife, Linda, and their two children, Todd and Jodi, and we have all three decided, as a team, to continue growing our business. We have always been and will continue to be family-owned with 40 years experience selling and repairing propellers. The bottom line, Formula Propeller & Marine is more than a prop shop. We are a propeller engineering shop, committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations and building longstanding relationships with our customers.
Linda
Owner & CEO
I oversee all aspects in our business with the support from Todd and Jodi. I handle financial, human resource and administrative functions. I also often work directly with customers. I love the fact that my family and I work as a team. I enjoy the people contact and enjoy resolving problems for our customers.
Todd
Operations Director
I’ve been around boats my whole life, and have worked in the shop with my dad since I was 16. I probably have as many miles behind a boat as most people at middle age have behind the wheel of a car. I'm in charge of the shop operation as far as ordering inventory/product and sales of propellers and electronics.
I also oversee the repairs shop to be sure deadlines are met. I enjoy doing custom work and making our customers happy. I love a good challenge and especially enjoy helping customers through a tough problem. My reward is seeing a happy, satisfied customer.
Jodi
Administrative Director
I’m responsible for administrative tasks like opening mail, accounts payable and receivable, billing, customer service, managing our website, and other marketing-related tasks.
Although I have a certificate in childcare, I love working here with my family. We have a lot of fun together! I enjoy working with our customers and love seeing them satisfied. I make sure our customers are well taken care of.
Blue42.