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Meet our Staff
Captain Josh Van HoweI spent my college years managing the marina at Coral Gables Resort in Saugatuck, Michigan. While working the docks, I discovered that there was a niche market for capable boat handlers. So, armed with a 100-ton captains license and a flexible schedule I became a delivery captain which provided extra spending money to make it through the school year. After graduating from college and working as an investment banker in Louisville, Kentucky, I did not feel I belonged in a corporate environment. I therefore returned to the water - this time in Norfolk, Virginia as a Sea-Tow captain. I wanted to work on a boat that had a "function". After spending time in Norfolk, a full time captain job was offered to me in Holland, Michigan bringing me back to the Great Lakes where I ran a 74' Hatteras (among other boats), and spent my time between the Great Lakes, Florida and the East Coast. After eight years as a full time delivery captain, I went to work for Palmer Johnson Yachts as a yacht-broker when I learned that my wife Stacy and I were expecting a son. Palmer Johnson declared chapter 11 two years later, which prompted me to start this yacht brokerage and service business, Coral Gables Yachts / Southport Marine Group.
Captain Jeremy ShoemakerComing out of college I started my sales work running a Volkswagon dealership in Holland, MI. I soon realized sales was where I needed to be but preferred to take myself away from the auto dealership atmosphere and try something new. Water, boating and travel have always been a huge part of my life and I decided to make a career of it. I started my new career working with a new boat dealer in 1999. I was with them for a couple of years to learn the ins and outs of the business. Once I was armed with the knowledge I needed, I bought into a local brokerage firm. It was a nice place to hang my hat as my personal clientele continued to grow. I sold out of my brokerage in 2006 to make Southport Marine Group the new place to buy, sell or trade your boat. I have been married to my lovely wife Julie for 6 years and we reside just north of Holland. We spend some of the cold winter months in our condo in Cape Coral, FL to get my yearly fix of fishing. We usually do a couple of fall deliveries as a husband and wife team to make use of my 100 ton captains license.
Chad LaMarSouthport Marine Group is a new venture for me after being employed at a local pharmaceutical company for almost 10 years. My experience at my previous post began in the maintenance department and I continued my education focusing on electronics. I quickly evolved into the company’s calibration technician during the last five years, and my responsibilities quickly expanded into acting as project manager on process equipment upgrades. Then, I was presented with the opportunity to become a partner working in the marine industry. This was an alluring offer with a huge corner to turn in my career. But being a boat owner you know there is a passion that follows. So, a leap of faith was taken and I now work with two very good friends in an industry that’s all about fun. Equipped with my current Electrical Journeyman card, Raymarine Certification, and most recently a CDL License, my strong mechanical and electrical background can tackle any service needs you may have. This includes “over-the-road” transportation of your vessel. As an avid boater and enthusiast, I treat every project as though the boat were my own. I appreciate the needs of every client, because I fully understand that while all boating needs are different – they are all driven by the same element: the love and joy we derive from our boats.
Captain Brandon RicciMy yachting experience began working for a large full service marina in Macatawa, MI. After a few winter semesters of bottom painting I began to make plans for warmer yachting seasons in south Florida and Caribbean. My first winter of employment was aboard a privately owned 114’ motor yacht cruising to beautiful ports in the West Indies. The second season I spent my days docking mega yachts at a Fort Lauderdale marina and nights studying for a 100-ton captains licenses. The marina customers always welcomed my return from Florida, eager to start another busy boating summer season. My position demanded extensive knowledge of both power and sailboats along with marina operations. Rigging sailboats and managing a parts/service department for 10 years helped propel my career onto the next chapter. Building strong customer relationships will continue to be my most important goal as I move into the boat brokerage business. My wife Jamie and share a love for boating and look forward to raising a family along the Michigan shore. We hope to see you and your family on the lake.
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Southport Marine Group / Coral Gables Yacht Sales
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