Einstein’s Ship StoreEinstein’s Ship Store owner Dean Einstein has always harbored a love for boats.


Although he worked in the retail industry as a store manager for a New York grocer for much of his life, Einstein and his wife always found time to hit the open water. Access to the Erie Canal allowed the couple to take lengthy boat trips to the Thousand Islands, Michigan and both ends of Niagara Falls.


“We were the first ones to have our boats in the water and the last ones to take them out,” Einstein said. “We wanted to boat year-round. So we thought we would try Texas.”


The couple moved to Willis in 2005, with Einstein working as store director at Brookshire Brothers for nine years. In 2014, he came across an ad seeking a new owner for the old ship store in Walden Marina, which is tucked into the Walden community in Montgomery.


Einstein said roughly 30 years of retail experience—along with his hands-on boat knowledge—made taking over and revamping the store a no-brainer.


Einstein now spends most days helping others explore their sea legs. The one-stop shop offers Lake Conroe visitors easy access to food, beverages, beer and wine, live bait and tackle, gas, and a plethora of boating sundries.


Under Einstein’s ownership, the store’s hours were extended, the shop began selling alcohol and offering boat rentals. A new 50-foot dock made its debut in July, offering 16 more boat slots in the marina, which Einstein manages. 


With numerous marinas scattered around Lake Conroe, Einstein said he keeps the Walden Marina competitive by providing good customer service and keeping quality merchandise stocked.


“The one thing we have that no one else has is a hurricane breaker wall that surrounds the whole marina,” Einstein said. “So even when the lake is rough, there are no waves in here.”


Looking to the future, Einstein said he plans restroom and shower upgrades, and wireless internet service will be added to ensure Einstein’s Ship Store continues to stand the test of time. Until Einstein and his wife can hit the open sea again, he said he is happy in his lakeside office.


“The most rewarding part [of running the Walden Marina] is the freedom it gives you,” Einstein said. “I have a really great view every day.”


Einstein’s Ship Store
12050 Melville Drive, Montgomery
936-582-7308
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
www.waldenmarina.com/amenities/lakeside-dining/