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Meet our Staff
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.
Brandon RicciA little about me… I have been in and around boats for most of my life. I began my career in yachting as a young adult, working for a full-service marina in Macatawa, MI starting in 1999. After a few winters of painting bottoms and waxing hull sides, I decided to migrate south during the winter periods to further my career in Florida and the Caribbean. I held a professional crew position aboard a 114' motor yacht, cruising to several ports in the West Indies. The following winter season I began my 100-ton Captain's License studies and worked with mega-yachts (both sail and power) in the port of Ft. Lauderdale. Returning to Michigan each spring, I learned the ropes of sailboat rigging. My passion for providing outstanding customer service matured during the ten years I served as the parts and service manager at the very place my career began. It is this passion that helped me to decide to enter the next chapter of my professional life; yacht brokerage. Yacht brokerage is a people business. I do not take lightly, the importance of developing and maintaining strong customer relationships. I look forward to serving those that I have known, as well as those that I will be privileged to meet. Jamie, my wife shares a passion for boating also, and we look forward to raising our family in this lakeside community.
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Coral Gables Yachts, LLC
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