Founder, Outback Yachts
President, Luke Brown Yachts 1978 – 2020
President, Freedom Waters Foundation 2005 – 2020
Founding member, International Yacht Arbitration Council
Former President, International Yacht Broker’s Association
Former Director, Yacht Architects And Brokers Association
Former Officer, Southern Yacht Broker’s Association
Original Member, Super Yacht Network
Andrew’s industry awards include:
Broker of the Year presented by the Florida Yacht Brokers Association
Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the International Yacht Brokers Association
Golden Anchor Award in recognition of a lifetime of industry contribution and achievement by the Marine Industry Association
Andrew Grego was born and raised in the South Island of New Zealand and developed a love for boats at an early age. He purchased his first boat at age 15 and began racing jet sprint boats at 17. His early career as a chef took him to the adrenalin capital of the world, Queenstown New Zealand. As a side job, he did two seasons driving the world-famous Shotover jet boats.
After working in hotels and restaurants in Europe and Australia learning silver service by catering to Royalty and celebrities, Andrew went back to New Zealand in 2000 during the first Americas cup. It was then that he was finally able to combine his two passions and was back on the water. The first position on a yacht was on a 53m Perini Navi sailing vessel doing a circumnavigation. Keen to learn, Andrew was on the deck or in the engine room as often as possible.
Andrew completed the U.S.C.G 100 ton license in 2002 and was employed as a Captain a week later. Now a U.S citizen, he’s run vessels up to 210′, he’s done a refit and reconfiguration of several 112′ Westports as well as the extension on a 100′ Palmer Johnson. Andrew now holds 3000-ton licenses in 4 countries and has extensive knowledge of design and systems.
Andrew has also built a boat. He fulfilled a dream by designing and building a handicap accessible 37′ center console he named “Warrior”. He used this purpose built boat for the nonprofit he founded in 2014 to enable access to boating and water activities for wounded U.S veterans and other special interest groups.
Andrew can be found helping clients find the right yacht or taking them fishing and snorkeling from his boat “Southern Son”.
“If I’m not working on the water, I’m playing on it.”
Born in Fort Lauderdale with the open ocean in his sights and the wind at his back, Capt. Ben Stanley graduated from Maine Martime Academy (YOBM) IN 1989. A licensed captain for over 30 years, Capt. Ben treats every boat like a precious commodity. From the bilges to the burgee, his attention to detail, wealth of knowledge, and professionalism are unparalled.
Capt. Ben is a licensed yacht broker with Luke Brown Yachts.
Born near the banks of the Mississippi in New Orleans in 1946, Dana has always lived, worked, and played near or on the water. After finishing college at LSU and Tulane University he began his career in sales and product development with Daimler-Benz Corp. which spanned the next two decades. During this time he owned, raced, and cruised several sailboats in Lake Ponchartrain then extended his horizon out to the Florida gulf coast and eventually the Bahamas and Caribbean aboard his 40 ft. cutter, where he cruised with his wife for almost three years. Dana obtained a 100 ton captain’s license in October 1982.
Returning stateside he settled in Fort Lauderdale and took the natural next step to pursue his love for blue water cruising, related yacht design, and yacht sales. Dana enjoys the long term relationships he has shared with his clients and looks forward to new and interesting challenges in the future. He tries to pass on a little “lagniappe” to each client (Cajun for “something extra”). Many customers are “sold” boats….Dana prefers to “help” his clients find the right boat for the cruises they have dreamed of; he knows there is a big difference. Dana Cambon focuses on boats that can go the distance in blue water in comfort and safety for their owners and their family, while representing a good value for the client.
Greg grew up boating in Michigan as a boy. He moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1974, purchased a 26′ sailboat and set sail to the Bahamas. He was hooked! He later became the dealer for Islander and Tartan sailboats…. and the rest is history!
In 1985 he opened his Rampage dealership, which also represented Four Winns, Contender, Sunseeker and Nordic pilothouse yachts. In 1993 he became the east coast distributor of Offshore Yachts and built custom pilothouse motor yachts at four boatyards in Taiwan ranging from 48 – 90′. He made numerous trips to the factories overseeing all phases of construction including layout, electrical, plumbing, hydraulic, decor, etc. Supervising all of these elements gave Greg the understanding and incredible knowledge of all phases of yacht construction.
Fast forward fifteen years and Greg branded a new line of custom yachts he named “Out Islander”. His obsession drove him to build the perfect cruising yacht a couple could owner operate. Cruising with his family for all those years gives Greg the hands on experience and knowledge of a seasoned captain, and many of the well thought out designs and systems in the boat reflect that.
Teaming up with Luke Brown enables him to bring his knowledge of new build construction and brokerage to the table.
Jason Dunbar was introduced to the marine industry while working in an Ohio boatyard through high school and while attending Heidelberg College where he earned two bachelor’s degrees. In 1992 he moved to Florida and began working at the Miami Beach Marina as a yacht broker and licensed captain.
In 1996, Jason moved to Ft. Lauderdale to work for Luke Brown Yachts & Andrew Cilla, affording him the opportunity to work with a wide range of yacht sizes, both sail and power. The yachting industry has enabled Jason to become familiar with the waters of the Americas, Caribbean and Europe.
Selling and operating yachts has kept Jason close to many of the people that contribute services to the yachting industry. Like all yacht brokers at Luke Brown Yachts, he aggressively works to provide ethical and fair service to the customers that make Florida the Yachting Capital of the World.
Legislative Work
In 2008 Jason and colleagues in the FYBA and MIASF spearheaded the legislative change in the Florida tax code on the sale of yachts. In March 2010, he testified in front of the Florida Senate on behalf of the Florida Yacht Brokers Association, Marine Industries Association Florida and the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. In June of 2010, the Florida legislature capped sales and use tax at $18,000.
In 2014 Jason was asked to lead the legislative affairs team at the IYBA, spearheading Federal changes to the US duty and importation of yachts in the United States. By 2015, the IYBA had a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives eliminating the 1.5% US duty on yachts entering America. The bill has yet to be brought to the Senate floor.
Expert Witness & Court Appraisals
Jason’s study of yachts began in 1993. Using more than 20 years of personal sales data, and the Luke Brown Yachts’ proprietary database on the engineering and selling prices of yachts, he has been hired as expert witness and testified on the value of yachts in several State and Federal Court rooms.
Testimonials
“In the 33 years that I have owned this firm I have never witnessed a broker who has worked harder or done more for the marine industry than Jason Dunbar.”
-Andrew Cilla, President, Luke Brown Yachts
If it weren’s for Jason Dunbar’s vision, tenacity, and political acumen, I do not believe the Florida State Legislature would have ever passed the sales tax cap on yachts.”
-Bob Saxon, International Yacht Collection, past Executive Director Florida Yacht Brokers
Credentials
Licensed Florida Yacht Broker
Certified Professional Yacht Broker
Marine Industries Association of South Florida Board Member 2010-2012
Chairman of Government Relations, 2010-2012
Florida Yacht Brokers Association Board Member 2006-2014
USCG Licensed Captain 1994-2016
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices Certified
Born in Miami, Florida in 1961 my family moved to Bermuda when I was 3 where my father domiciled the international sales office of the family’s business. My father, a lifelong Snipe sailor and Cuban National Champion before being exiled, was a passionate sailor and wanted his kids to share the passion. To that end he started the Optimist Pram class in Bermuda and helped my older brother and I build the first boats KB 1 and mine KB 2. By age seven I was sailing competitively. Prams evolved to Snipes in which I was thrilled to represent Bermuda at two Snipe Western Hemisphere Championships as Bermuda Natl. Champion Runner Up, in Porto Portugal 1983 and San Bernardino, Paraguay 1984, and as Bermuda National Champion at the Snipe World Championships held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1985.
Snipes evolved into having a Nautor’s Swan 46 built to fulfill a dream to sail around the world alone. Immediately upon delivery my planned shake down “cruise” was the 1987 Marion To Bermuda Cruising Race. We motored her for the first time from Newport to Marion 24 hrs before the start and the sails were delivered two hours before the race started. The crew and boat proved to be up to the task as literally out of the gate we broke the standing transit record, Third across the finish line, First Bermuda Boat, First In Class A, and Second Overall. Great Memories… The around the world dream was modified 1987. A couple of weeks after the race I married the girl that incredibly I knew was going to be my wife the moment I laid eyes on her many years prior at the ripe old age of 15. Around the world instead turned into living aboard the Swan and more than 18,000 ocean miles including cruising the East Coast, Bermuda, Bahamas, Caribbean, through the Panama Canal West and back East bound, and North and South along the Pacific Coast of Central America to and from California.
Finally settling down in Ft. Lauderdale in 1991 brought kids and an adjustment to a more scheduled lifestyle. Realizing that we were having a harder time getting out to sail, in 1996 we sold the Swan and purchased a new 33 Tiara express cruiser to meet the more limited cruising windows available with young kids in school. This change has led to cruising the Bahamas, mostly the Abacos and Exumas, with the kids almost every summer since.
Having been brought up sailing and boating I have a great appreciation for all the positive life experiences that the lifestyle gave me as you can tell from the few experiences I have shared. In turn I have enjoyed seeing the lifestyle mold and give my kids a love for travel and the oceans.
There is no greater satisfaction as a yacht sales professional than helping dreamers like me find the perfect vessel to take them to theirs. To that end I believe that there is no better service I can provide than listening very carefully to ensure the boat you buy is the one that best matches your vision.
Lately as the Selene Brand Manager at Luke Brown I enjoy meeting truly passionate cruisers that also love the lifestyle and their Yachts that have helped them live the dream.
All dreamers are welcome! Let’s work together to see how we can make cruising the oceans your reality.
Luke Brown Yachts has earned the trust of yacht owners and buyers through decades of commitment and service unparalleled in the industry. Our in-depth knowledge of the market continues to serve our clients through all facets of the sales process.
Matthew Ramos developed a passion for the maritime industry from a young age. At the age of 17, he purchased his first boat, which became a platform for practical learning and hands-on experience in various tasks. Matthew honed his boating skills by rebuilding engines, working on fiberglass, rewiring electronics, as well as replacing throttle and steering cables.
For the past 10 years, Matthew has been an integral part of the yachting industry. He started his journey as a yacht chef and first mate, accumulating a wealth of experience and earning more than a dozen maritime certifications. Embracing a freelance career as a yacht chef, Matthew had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of yachts, constantly expanding his knowledge and skill set.
During his time in the yachting industry, Matthew collaborated with engineers on various projects such as servicing water maker membranes, replacing alternators on MTU main engines and cleaning and servicing the sea strainers. Leveraging his diving certification, he dedicated two summers to bottom cleaning yachts of all sizes and performing tasks such as changing props and zincs.
With his maritime background, Matthew now serves as a yacht broker, where his expertise proves invaluable. His comprehensive understanding of galley accommodations enables him to offer expert advice on optimizing a yacht’s culinary capabilities, enhancing the onboard experience for potential buyers. Matthew’s extensive experience in different galley options allows him to provide guidance on food service, including layouts, kitchen equipment selection, functionality, space optimization, ventilation, refrigeration, and storage considerations.
Matthew’s natural charisma, excellent communication skills, and keen business acumen contribute to his ability to connect with clients, understand their specific desires and guide them through the yacht purchasing or selling process with confidence and ease. Matthew’s personable approach ensures that his clients feel heard and supported throughout their journey, fostering lasting relationships built on trust.
Michael is a native Texan who grew up spending time on the Gulf Coast. He has experienced some of his best moments in life on the water, from fishing the deep water rigs off the Texas coast in the summers as a young man to getting married in Harbour Island, Bahamas.
After graduating college he moved to Austin, Texas, where with his upbeat attitude and first class customer service he flourished as a realtor. But traveling to Florida, Cabo San Lucas and the Bahamas in his spare time just wasn’t enough. “You always have that feeling leaving the boat after a great weekend, and I knew it was time for a change.”
While in Austin, Michael, who has experience building boats with his dad, worked at Sail & Ski, the local Sea Ray and Boston Whaler dealer.
Moving to Fort Lauderdale has allowed him the opportunity to share his experience and enjoy boating year-round – in his spare time, he can be found fishing and going to the Bahamas on his custom Revenge Sportfish.
Having spent time cruising, traveling and living aboard, Michael looks forward to helping you find the perfect vessel for your needs and will go out of his way to make the transaction an enjoyable experience.
After graduating from The University of Missouri Michael worked in the insurance industry, which led to an opportunity to relocate to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he established an Allstate Insurance Agency. Shortly after selling his business in 2009, Michael joined Merritt Yacht Brokers where he worked closely with the company’s founder Richard Merritt. After two successful years, Camper & Nicholsons International recruited Michael to join their office in Fort Lauderdale. During his tenure at CNI, Michael worked with the industry’s largest yachts.
In the summer of 2013, Andrew Cilla invited Michael to join the team at Luke Brown Yachts. Andrew Cilla’s team environment of shared knowledge and work has been a perfect fit for Michael. The marine industry has afforded him the opportunity to tour many of the shipyards located in North America and beyond. Michael recently participated in the Monaco Yacht Show and traveled to iconic port cities, shipyards, and yachting companies across the Mediterranean.
Michael enjoys spending leisure time cruising with family and friends. He serves on Freedom Waters Foundation’s Board of Directors, is active in The Florida Yacht Brokers Association, and is a member of Young Professionals in Yachting.
“Michael has worked in shipyards located in Hong Kong, Zhuhai China, France, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, plus many located along the eastern seaboard. Through these experiences Michael has built friendships and relationships with industry contacts that benefit his clients immensely.” — Jason Dunbar, Luke Brown Yachts Vice President
As a child, Pam spent her summers sailing and racing one design sailboats on Long Island Sound. At the age of 16, she clandestinely answered a “Want Ad” in “Yachting” for a cook on a 75′ ketch for charter in the West Indies. Needless to say, her parents put an abrupt stop to her plans and it was not until many years later, after four years of college and a tour of teaching in Africa, that she finally ended up working on a charter boat in the Virgin Islands. From chartering, Pam went on to crew and cook on ocean racing sailboats, do deliveries on yachts (power and sail) to various parts of the world, and to cook and crew on research vessels. At one point during this time, she spent six months helping to build a cold molded One Tonner in New England.
Pam’s “on-the-water” and “hands- on” experience on boats has given her the ability (since becoming a broker in 1979) to help customers determine and find the proper yacht for their needs. She enjoys providing service to her clients, whether in the form of coordinating after purchase projects, finding suitable crew, or taking care of a myriad of miscellaneous details. Her respect for the sea, appreciation of quality yachts, and willingness to go the extra mile, adds another dimension to the Luke Brown team.
Ron was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale – the “Venice of America” — his life always been centered around the water. As a youngster, Ron ran everything from a 9’ Johnboat to a 90’ yacht. He ran a thriving live-bait business during his high school years which had him catching bait in the wee hours to sell to local fishermen, and often spending his days aboard those very fishing vessels helping guests catch fish using that same bait!
He began detailing boats and doing repairs, and his high energy, attention to detail and desire to make his customers happy, caught the attention of an industry veteran and landed him the job of leading the service team of a large European boat company in the USA. Soon after, Ron was asked to become involved in sales and was significantly responsible for the growth in sales of European cruising yachts in the US. He continues to work side by side with these customers and repeat clients today.
Ron has one goal for his customers: HAVE FUN! Too often the joy of boating is lost in the sales process and Ron wants to get it back. His vast knowledge of systems, safety and operations are a great help to any Buyer. He knows that boating is a lifestyle choice and works hard to keep customers happy and “in love” with their boats.
The proud father of three and married to his lifetime love, Ron continues to live in Fort Lauderdale, passing his love of the sea along to his kids.
Born and raised in Orange County, California, Amy fell in love with the ocean at an early age. The trips to Catalina Island on her family’s boat permanently etched beautiful memories she cherishes, and now shares with her growing family of six, her husband of twenty-eight years, four children, and a new granddaughter, Freya. Boating continues to be an integral part of her family life with constant trips to Catalina and up and down the California coast aboard her 490 Meridian.
Amy brings over twenty years of experience in both sales and business management in banking at Wells Fargo and with Starbucks Coffee Company. She has now returned to the Pacific waters of her youth and is ecstatic to become part of the yachting industry with a company that is rapidly growing. As President/COO of Simon Yachts she looks to bring her skillset and enthusiasm to serve her growing list of associated yacht agents and their clients.
“I am excited to bring the same joy to other’s lives by finding the yacht that perfectly fits our client’s present needs and goals. So, let’s get underway and begin this journey together.”
Austin grew up sailing and boating in San Diego as well as the lakes of Arizona. Boating is his life, he has a long boating and Maritime history. You can usually find him selling a boat and or servicing an outboard motor. He has been awarded a USGC Captain’s license in 2011 with the sailing and towing endorsements. He Graduated from San Diego State University in 2014 with a BA. Austin has a passion for the water, and a deep respect for the ocean.
Raised in San Diego and influenced by his father’s commercial abalone diving career, Colton has had a deep love and respect for the ocean since a very young age. Beginning his career as a deckhand on a 72-foot Bertram yacht, Colton worked his way up through the industry on various super yachts in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. After achieving his desired merchant mariner credential, Colton left yachting and created his own sport fishing charter company. After many successful years of fishing charters, Colton founded his own yacht management company, which he runs alongside Luke Brown Yachts. In his free time, Colton is an avid spear fisher, free diver, and best friend to his golden retriever, Milli.
Graeme was born and raised in South Africa, enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle that included family-owned boats from a young age. Having graduated from university, he left the comforts of home to join the yachting industry in Florida. He spent 9 years as crew on various sized yachts ranging from 60′ to 270′, cruising around the world. This included multiple charter seasons in Europe, the Caribbean, the USA, Southeast Asia, the Maldives, and French Polynesia. Having risen through the ranks and obtained a 200-ton Captain’s license, as well as chief officer courses, he eventually decided it was time to step away from the crew life. Settling down and focusing on being more land-based, he occasionally captained boats before focusing full-time on sales. Graeme brings a wealth of experience dealing with all things boats, as well as high-end clientele from across the globe.
Jeff has been involved with the brokerage for more than six years and has been recognized as a top producer in multiple years. His commitment to meeting customer requirements and strict adherence to brokerage rules and ethics has helped him build a lengthy list of clients who trust him without hesitation.
Jeff’s experience with boating spans over 25 years, during which he has owned both powerboats and sailboats. Jeff has extensively cruised the Southern California coast and islands and the Chesapeake Bay. Combining this with many previous years of corporate sales and management experience, he has found success and satisfaction in the field of yacht sales.
Markus Mrakovcich is a lifetime boater and water life enthusiast. Possessing an MBA specializing in marketing, Markus has combined his passion for boating and sales over the past six years to develop a network of marine industry professionals while serving as an Outside Sales Manager for West Marine Pro. Markus has earned his USCG 100-ton Master and he captains a flotilla of private vessels for CDM Yachts in Southern California. With experience operating a variety of power and sailing yachts, serving as captain and crew aboard superyachts, and owning several personal boats; Markus provides comprehensive knowledge of enjoyable, safe boating and yacht ownership. A hospitality background and customer service acumen are why Markus is committed to building strong relationships and becoming a sustainable resource for his clients. Markus is a culinarian and classically trained chef interested in planning delicious meals for long passages. He owns a Pearson Sailboat and enjoys cruising the Southern California coast and Catalina Island, where he grew up working at Boy Scout Camp Emerald Bay during the summers.
Member of the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA)
Member of the American Power Boat Association (APBA)
Tim brings 25+ years of experience as a yacht broker in sales and service. He is highly experienced in both domestic and international yacht sales. From the south of France and Germany to Dubai, UAE, Tim is well versed in negotiations for both buyers and sellers. His expertise and knowledge in New Builds and Retro-Fits over 100’ on the sales and service ends, provide a comprehensive approach for every client’s needs.
Tim has expertise in every aspect of the marine industry. With decades of experience in the boating industry and having the opportunity to operate some of the finest yachts in the world, he has first-hand knowledge of yachting life. He was selected to race F2 offshore powerboats for 4 years and his team had numerous 1st place finishes and World Championship placements. Around this same time, Tim was also selected to be part of the Indy Car racing crew for 3 years with his team at Dick Simon Racing.
Tim’s honesty, dependability, and vast knowledge offer his clients the best experience when selling or purchasing a yacht. His keen sense of a client’s needs combined with his detail-oriented, yet easygoing approach makes the process enjoyable and continues to bring repeat clients and referrals coming back.
A southern California native, Tim has boated most of his life. Personally, Tim has been married for 49 years and he raised his two kids in Canyon Lake, CA where waterskiing was a way of life. He is now a proud grandfather of five awesome kids!
Captain Todd Mansur was born and raised on the waters of southern California and has been an inspirational cornerstone of the fishing and boating industry his entire life. The son of a fisherman, Todd spent his early years learning the ins and outs of the ocean working as a deckhand and crew member of many different commercial passenger boats from Dana Point, California to San Diego.
By The age of 21, Captain Todd obtained his 100-ton merchant marine operator license, and soon after purchased the Cyperlurus a 41-foot USCG inspected 20-passenger charter boat, the first boat Captain Todd worked on as a teen. In 1992, Dana Wharfs President Mike Hansen asked Captain Todd to operate one of the landings premier boats the Sum Sum. While running The Sum Fun, Captain Todd became a premier captain running fishing, and whale watching trips as well as running Marine ecology trips for the Orange County Marine Institute.
In 1997 Captain Todd was approached by Barton Boyd the CEO of consumer products for Walt Disney. Captain Todd was asked to operate the Captain Hook fleet. With Captain Todd at the helm, the Hook fleet won numerous Marlin tournaments from California to mainland Mexico. During this time Captain Todd explored and mastered fishing waters from California to Costa Rica.
In 2002 CaptainTodd purchased the Mirage a 50-foot custom Swordfish boat running out of Dana Points commercial docks. Captain Todd quickly became one of Southern California’s highest-catching swordfish boats.
In 2005 James Petterson and Ralph Brandi of Microsimi Corp asked Captain Todd to help them purchase the Boardroom a 65-foot Hatteras out of Dana Point. As Captain Todd partnered up with Jimmy and Ralph, they first started as a private boat with an interest in Marlin tournaments. However in 2011 with Todd’s help, the Boardroom was turned into one of Southern California’s most luxurious six-pack charter boats. Todd is currently the sole owner of the Boardroom and continues to operate out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing today.
In 2016 Todd saw another opportunity to help the fishing and boating community and started a yacht management and repair business. Captain Todd Manages several Yachts in Southern California and is licensed and insured as a Master Craftsman. Todd has maintained and operated vessels from 12 feet to 120 feet.
Captain Todd has been published numerous times, made dozens of TV appearances, is an award-winning filmmaker, and has been interviewed in newspaper and magazine articles from coast to coast. Todd continues to give inspirational and educational speeches and for 15 years has been the seminar series host and moderator for the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Magazine show. Todd is one of the founding members of The Gray Whale Foundation and is currently on the Board of Directors, as well as the Director of education.
Todd is on the Board of Directors For CCA-CAL, as well as one of the Directors of Government Affairs.
Civility, integrity, and professionalism mean a lot to Len, having ancestors that arrived in Australia as First Fleet convicts in 1788.
Len is a native of Australia and a resident of the United States since 1982.
A carpenter and joiner and boat builder by trade with a long background in sales and marketing in various industries.
Growing up on Sydney Harbor Len started sailing from the age of twelve. He has competed at the highest level of international yachting, including nine Sydney to Hobarts, two Bermuda and three Fastnet races. Also, five trans-Atlantic and three transpacific crossings for a current total of 110,000 miles under sail and 45,000 under power.
He built two twelve-meter yachts for the America’s Cup and other famous racing yachts and has done yacht refits in various countries. Past business ventures include, land development, importing consumer products and hotel entertainment rental systems.
He is people oriented and enjoys getting to know his customers, some of whom have become good friends.
As a yacht broker, Len believes in total client commitment and offers his knowledge when required by customers.
To get the seller the best price for his boat, or to find a boat that meets the needs of a buyer, is to Len a “job well done.”
Len`s motto, “We are here for a good time, not a long time”, and boating is a wonderful way to enjoy those “good times” via the ongoing pleasure a boat purchase brings.
Marty grew up on the shores of Lake Erie spending any chance he could get on the water. At a young age he joined the yacht management industry and continues to serve his longtime clients. He received his 100 Ton USCG Captain’s License at age 18 and has made numerous trips delivering yachts to and from the Great Lakes, East Coast, Florida and Bahamas. Marty’s extensive knowledge of the boating market and trends throughout the industry make him a perfect tool for potential buyers and sellers.
Alan has a long attachment to the maritime world. He has lived in many seacoast towns on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Currently residing in Newport, Rhode Island with his wife and two sons, he finds it necessary and interesting to travel with his clients, and to keep a grasp of the yachting market in different parts of the World. He spends much of his time in Fort Lauderdale and travels annually to foreign countries. He has attended boat shows in several different countries.
Jim Wilkey’s love of the ocean and boats began at the age of 13 when he purchased his first sail boat for $30 and became one of the youngest people, at that time, to become certified by New England Divers. He grew up on and in the waters of Manchester and Magnolia, Massachusetts. He’s been boating and diving ever since with occasional breaks for a 24 year career with the IBM Corporation, a four year stint as a U. S. Naval Aviator in Kodiak, Alaska, CEO of a large travel company in New York City and President of a database software development firm in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, California. He also headed up sales and marketing for a large Midwest home builder. He has been a member of the Board of Advisors of the Ohio State University Business School for over 16 years and was a member of the Board of the United States Tour Operators’ Association, USTOA, whose membership generates over 90% of all US foreign travel.
His business, sales, marketing, advertising and nautical experiences are extensive. Jim graduated with a mathematics and government degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts and attended high school in Danvers, Massachusetts. He is a graduate of IBM’s Advanced and International Business Institutes and graduated first in his class as Regimental Commander of the United States Navy’s Aviation Officers Candidate School in Pensacola Florida in 1969. Photo left: Jim at the ripe old age of 22 when he was commissioned after graduating first in his class at Aviation Officers Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida in 1969.
During his early career, while on IBM’s Northeast Regional Staff in Waltham, Massachusetts, he recognized that many of IBM’s customers were not devoting any time to long range strategic planning. To address this, he and several colleagues developed IBM’s Strategic Account Planning Program, which, after many years of focus from IBM, became institutionalized throughout the business world. He has conducted hundreds of planning sessions in some of Americas largest Corporations.
For the last 12 years, Jim has focused most of his attention on his family, his yacht brokerage business and his love of the ocean. In addition to handling the yachting affairs of his business clientele, he actively sails and dives in and around Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Former U.S. Naval OfficerExtensive Business Experience
Former Member of the Board of the U.S. Tour Operators Association
Former Member Ohio State University Business School’s Board of Advisors
At just 15 years old, Parker started working for a sailboat dealership in Mamaroneck, New York, where he learned the trade from “underneath the keel”. Later, after completing his college education, he joined the Navy and served as a Navigator on several ships, including an Aircraft Carrier, a Fleet Tug, and a Fast Frigate, mostly in the South Pacific. At the same time as leaving the Navy, Parker joined the Merchant Marines. In the late 70s, Parker moved to Miami and accepted a position with a Hatteras dealership on the Miami River. He still lives in Miami today with his wife, Kiki.
Parker has a strong understanding of Internet marketing but prefers a more hands-on approach to promoting his listings. Over the years, he has built a vast network of industry contacts and through his efforts, Parker has established connections that have proven to be instrumental in this business. He is fluent in Spanish, which has helped him in negotiating transactions from Europe to South America. His listings mainly come from long-standing clients, and, likely, he’s already sold the vessel at least once before. Parker’s clients appreciate him for his excellent service, which has resulted in many referrals over the years.
Steve Deane’s long range interest in the marine industry started after he built his first boat at the age of 14. Out of necessity, he also learned house construction because the finished vessel was too wide to remove from his parents cellar and he was forced to modify the house to be able to remove the boat…His planning skills have improved from those early years!
After graduation from college with a business degree and three years military service in Europe, the following 18 years in the ski industry, living and sailing out of Marblehead and Manchester, Mass. finally led him to South Florida in 1987. From his arrival in Florida, brokerage and the overseeing of custom construction and delivery of offshore world cruisers has been the natural continuation of those early boatbuilding years, and the understanding of design, function, and engineering of proper yachts has been an asset to his sales skills.
Matching the true intended use and the desires of the potential boat owner with the correct yacht is always a challenge for all brokers….If you view your next vessel purchase as a potentially difficult one, a conversation and meeting with Steve will simplify and help you to stay focused and better understand that important and rewarding choice.
Tim was born on the south coast of England by the “Solent waters” which is the yachting capital and birth place of yachting in UK. Tim enjoyed sailing from these early days and it followed on into a career in yachting, following his fathers footsteps who has been an Associate of Luke brown since 1992.
Following the family trait with a spell in the Far East in his youth and several periods in the Med. Tim stayed in the yachting business and has lived in the USA, Croatia and now lives in Palma de Mallorca. Apart from a spell pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot in the US, Tim has stayed in the yachting industry and worked as crew and ashore in various project management roles for shipyards and owners direct.
Many aspects of the industry have been covered in one way or another and is he is currently using his engineering qualifications as the engineer on a classic motor yacht. He has experience in yard management, brokerage, crew/skippering, new build and refit design and charter. His extensive travels in Europe and other areas round the globe has given him a good appreciation of the industry and can offer clients his consultancy experience in a range in yachting associated roles
Ben has been in and around boats since he was a child. Starting with competitive sailing he fell in love with the boating world. Early in his career he was an maritime search and rescue operator operating boats of all sizes. He has lived aboard on multiple boats and has travelled extensively. His speciality is long distance trawlers, but has extensive knowledge of all vessels. Ben is currently licensed 100T captain.
Enrique Dillon was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From an early age he started sailing and racing sailboat. In his late teens and early twenties Enrique competed in many Ocean Races like Buenos Aires Rio (1200NM) he worked as delivery Captain and Yacht Construction Manager overseeing the completion of several Sailboats and Powerboats putting himself through school obtaining his Captain License “Piloto de Yate” from the Argentinean Coast Guard, Prefectura Nacional Naval and his degree in Computer science from Universidad de Belgrano. He then delivered a 110’ yacht from Buenos Aires to Palm Beach.
In 1988 he moved to Key Biscayne Fl where he has resided ever since. As an entrepreneur he has built several successful businesses but his passion for the water always kept him close to it. He has owned several sailboats and Motor yachts
Enrique holds a U.S.C.G 100 Ton License with Sail endorsement. He is fluent in English and Spanish and brings extensive experience in management, sales and creativity to get things done. He belongs the prestigious Key Biscayne Yacht Club where he has been Race Chair for 5 years as well as member of the Board of Governors.
Cory Barrios is a New Orleans native who has a passion for all things water related. His career in the marine industry kicked off when he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 2006. While in the Coast Guard, Cory operated vessels from 25′ to 378′ cutters. His Coast Guard experiences range from boarding crab boats in the Bering Sea to drug interdiction patrols in the Pacific as far south as Peru. His success in the Coast Guard propelled him to continue his career on the ocean by relocating to Ft. Lauderdale in 2010 to pursue opportunities in the yachting industry. During his time as a crew member on various yachts, he worked his way up to First Mate and obtained his USCG 100 Ton Captain’s License.
His experience in maritime maintenance, resource management, and various yacht types make him a great asset due to his vast knowledge of all things yachting related. Cory joined Luke Brown in 2015, and will represents the company in Miami. Whether you enjoy fishing like Cory or sailing the Caribbean, he believes that there’s a perfect vessel for everyone and looks forward to helping you find it.
Yacht broker Jeff Phillips has spent more than 30 years in the automovtive industry and has owned several new and used vehicle dealerships in the Midwest. Jeff’s success was achieved by his ability to understand his customer’s needs and provide the best possible sales and service experience. Of his many accolades, Deloitte Touche nominated Jeff entrepreneur of the year for the state of Michigan two years in a row.
Though Jeff’s career was primarily spent in the auto industry, his true passion is boating. He started boating on the inland lakes of Michigan and bought his first boat when he was 17. For the past nearly 30 years, Jeff has been boating on the Great Lakes, and in the summer months he lives on Carmen his most prized possession is a 53′ Hatteras. Jeff also holds a 100-ton Master and Captains license.
Jeff is excited to be working as a broker for an organization that has a rich heritage as Luke Brown Yacht Sales and Kam Marine. Jeff splits his time between Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Saugatuck, Michigan, and works out of the Chicago office. Jeff specializes the listing and sales of both new and previously owned vessels in addition assisting with the company’s wholesale initiatives.
Phil Annunziato joined the Luke Brown team in late 2007. His 40+ years of experience in the Marine Industry include brokerage, finance, insurance, charter & new yacht sales including running his own brokerage firm just prior to affiliating with Luke Brown. The previous 12 years were spent with Marlow Marine as Sales Mgr. & Senior Broker, specializing in Ocean Alexander, Grand Banks and Marlow Explorer construction, sales and brokerage. His expertise is quality production, custom and limited production cruising yachts and his entire professional career has been spent in the marine industry, always working directly with yachtsmen and women.
“After Marlow, I just wanted to work with a few clients and relax a bit, but when Andrew Cilla (Luke Brown president and owner) approached me I was intrigued. He made a lot of sense and offered me the opportunity to do what I wanted, how I wanted backed by a firm with the best reputation in the business. The chance to work with Andrew and a staff of sales and support professionals second to none was too much to pass up”. In keeping with the Luke Brown tradition, Phil offers experienced, independent broker representation for buyers and sellers, helping save them time and money.
Phil grew up in Amityville, NY on the south shore of Long Island, where at an early age, he learned to sail on the Great South Bay in locally designed and built Seaford Skiffs. This eventually led to racing Blue Jays, Thistles, Lightning and another local design and build, the Narrasketuck One Design. But his love of the water and boats started even earlier when, as a boy, his grandfather would take him for rides in the old row boat that had been custom built up in New Hampshire. She was powered by a fancy new Johnson 5hp Seahorse outboard. It was there, on Lake Winnipesaukee, he spent part of every summer at the family “camp” on the northeast side of the lake, a tradition that he continues today with family and friends. “From as early as I can remember my dreams always involved the water and boats and that has never changed. Knowing that helps remind me that everyone I deal with, whether buying or selling, is just working on their dreams”.
Phil prides himself in the fact that during his four plus decades in the business he has never sold anyone a boat. Instead, he has helped hundreds of people buy the right boat for their wants and needs. That, and his philosophy of working hard toward making every transaction a “win/win” for buyer and seller, is probably the reason over 70% of his business is repeat or referral.
Phil lives in Bradenton on Florida’s beautiful west coast with the pristine Braden River in the backyard. From there it is a short run to Tampa Bay, the “Gulf” and some of the best cruising and fishing in the world because, the dream lives on!
I spent my childhood on the beaches of the Jersey Shore, where I lived year around on an island. In that area, it was important to have a small boat to run around during the summer, and I had my first by the time I was eight. By age sixteen, I was working at sanding, painting and cleaning boat bottoms (as most teenagers did at one time or another) at the Ocean Beach Marina.
I got my first real taste of Florida when I moved there for college in 1980. Following an early career as a financial planner and stock trader, I returned to the world of boating as a yacht broker. I quickly realized that if I really wanted to get to the top of my game as a broker, I would have to go where the big boats were – South Florida! I have now lived in Boca Raton for the last 28 years.
It’s great to wake up every day and be glad to go the office. We have a good time, and our clients are always wearing their “fun” hats when they come to talk boats and boating. I really can’t imagine myself doing anything else. My transition to Luke Brown Yachts allows me to represent a greatly respected company and work with a wonderful group of experienced and enthusiastic people.
My wife Kristen and two sons, Brandon and Tyler live and play on the water, enjoying annual boating trips to the Bahamas and the Keys to fish and play.
I look forward to meeting you, talking boats, and hopefully bringing you into the Luke Brown Yachts family, which you’ll discover is a great place to be.