Unrivaled Passion for Boats.
A founder story rooted in boating, engineering, entrepreneurship, waterfront communities, and professional asset stewardship.
Founder Story
My connection to the water began long before the creation of 17 Marine & Aquatics.
Growing up between Charlevoix, Detroit, and Marco Island, boating was more than a pastime—it was a way of life. Many of my earliest experiences on the water came through sailing on Lake St. Clair and the Great Lakes, spending time at North Star Sail Club, Bayview Yacht Club, and Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Those experiences fostered a lifelong appreciation for boating, waterfront communities, and the discipline, teamwork, and stewardship that come with life on the water.
After earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I began my professional career in manufacturing and process engineering, where I developed a strong appreciation for systems, documentation, efficiency, and accountability. Those principles continue to guide our company today.
While engineering provided valuable experience, my passion remained on the water. Over the years, I became involved in multiple aspects of the marine industry, combining entrepreneurship, vessel operations, marine services, and waterfront development.
Prior to founding 17 Marine & Aquatics, I was involved in several marine-focused ventures, including Action Water Sports, where 17 Marine served as a partner and satellite MasterCraft dealership on Lake Charlevoix. Those experiences provided valuable insight into boat sales, client service, vessel ownership, and the expectations of discerning boating enthusiasts.
Beyond the Dock
For me, boating has always represented something greater than vessels alone.
One of the ventures I am most proud of was founding both the Little Traverse Bay Foundation and the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company, where I served as Chief Executive Officer. What began as a vision to reconnect Northern Michigan's waterfront communities evolved into a collaborative effort involving local governments, waterfront businesses, community leaders, and regional stakeholders.
Through the Foundation and Ferry Company, our team worked to restore passenger ferry service on Little Traverse Bay, reviving a historic transportation concept while creating new opportunities for residents, visitors, and waterfront businesses. The initiative focused on improving waterfront accessibility, strengthening regional connections, and enhancing the relationship between Northern Michigan communities and their waterways.
During the China virus pandemic and resulting global supply-chain disruption, I founded and operated a medical supply company that supplied critical products to municipalities, state agencies, universities, healthcare organizations, and major retailers, including Costco. At a time when organizations across the country faced unprecedented shortages and uncertainty, our team worked tirelessly to source and deliver essential products where they were needed most.
Equally important, the venture allowed us to keep our marine and ferry employees working during a period when many businesses were forced to reduce operations. Rather than laying off valued team members, we created opportunities that enabled us to continue supporting employees and their families while serving communities and institutions across the country.
Those experiences reinforced principles that continue to guide our company today: leadership, adaptability, accountability, communication, logistics, and a commitment to finding solutions when challenges arise.
Valuable assets deserve professional stewardship.
The Birth of 17 Marine & Aquatics
17 Marine & Aquatics was founded on the belief that yacht owners, waterfront property owners, and aquatic environments deserve more than reactive service. They deserve proactive management, clear communication, meticulous documentation, and professional oversight.
Today, 17 Marine & Aquatics provides professional yacht management, marine services, and engineered water solutions throughout Florida and Michigan.
The waters of Northern Michigan, Southeast Michigan, and Southwest Florida helped shape who I am. 17 Marine & Aquatics exists to serve the communities, vessels, waterfront properties, and aquatic environments that make those places so special.
Unrivaled Passion for Boats.