Experience Matters
Growing up and living on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, gave Marc Thomas his passion for boats and all things relating to them. Besides the Chesapeake, Marc has cruised the waters of the East Coast from Nova Scotia to the Bahamas. He has owned more than a dozen boats and he is very familiar with both traditional and modern construction methods. Marc transitioned into Yacht Sales and Brokerage in 1991 after managing a commercial real estate investment and development business. He knew this change would create new and exciting opportunities and also be a great way to meet interesting people from all walks of life. His many years of new yacht sales and brokerage experience have given him a broad range of product knowledge. This includes most everything from large Yachts and Sport Fisherman to Trawlers, with a few cruising Sailboats thrown in the mix as well. One of Marc’s recent large Yacht sales involved a 2007 Westport 130, sold to a Super Bowl winning, NFL team owner. This was the second Yacht purchase by this owner handled by Marc.

Some of Marc’s recent sales include the beautiful 2007 Grand Banks 52’ Europa “Libert-y”. He protected his client’s interest by successfully negotiating against three other simultaneous offers! Marc also closed on the 2010 Custom 70’ Enclosed Bridge Sport Fisherman “Tin Man’s Pride”, which was listed and sold by Marc in less than five months, due in part to his specialized marketing and Luke Brown Yachts superior internet presence.

Marc always strives to help his clients make the correct decision, whether it is purchasing the “right yacht for them”, or selling their yacht in a challenging market. His efforts in turn, have helped him develop long-term relationships, and friendships, with his clients. Attention to detail and excellent customer service is what helps him earn and retain their business. Marc joined Luke Brown Yachts in 2008 after 14 years of managing a very successful Mid-Atlantic new yacht sales and brokerage company. Marc is very pleased that Andrew Cilla invited him to join the well-respected and professional team at Luke Brown Yachts.

Testimonials

“I recently had the opportunity to deal with Marc Thomas as the broker for a 70 ft. Custom Sport Fisherman I was interested in purchasing. Even though his primary responsibility was in representing the seller I found him extremely honest and helpful in gathering the information and even the industry subject matter experts I needed to evaluate the boat and value proposition. We were able to expedite the transaction without compromising the quality of the due diligence and reach an agreement fair to both parties. I would heartily recommend him to anyone looking for an experience and honest broker. You won’t go wrong with Marc.” — Kenny Klepper

“Marc Thomas is one of the most experienced yacht brokers that a buyer can find. He is extremely knowledgeable,and educates the buyer concerning purchasing a boat. Marc is not a ‘fast talking salesman’ that tries to get a buyer into one of the first boats that is seen just to make a sale. He takes the time to develop a relationship and to find the right boat for the buyer, even if it takes a long time: In my case, it took a year to find just the right boat! Marc is patient, soft spoken, and trustworthy. A buyer can have confidence with Marc that he is truly working on behalf of the buyer and looking out for the best interests of the buyer. I would use Marc Thomas again as my yacht broker without reservation or hesitation.” — Mike Hechtkopf Virginia Beach, VA

“To whom it may concern,
Marc Thomas was my broker in the purchase and later sale of a Viking 45. He has a great depth of knowledge and a pleasant, responsive and professional manner. He played a very important role is helping to configure the boat for my needs…..adding and subtracting to result in the best options for me. I was kept up to speed on the production and taken to the plant for needed decisions. When it came time to sell the boat, he managed the process expertly resulting in a good arms-length sale. There were some potential buyers along the way that he directed me away from. These were very good decisions on Marc’s part. If I were to buy or sell another boat, my first call would be to Marc.” — Bill Korab

“To Whom It May Concern:
We would like to thank you and Marc Thomas for providing Bill and I with outstanding service during our purchase of our 48’ Ocean. We were both impressed with his authentic demeanor, his expertise as a consummate professional and ability to negotiate a sound business deal. My husband and I recently decided to sell our boat and purchase a new one. The online search process brought us to Luke Brown Yachts location in Maryland. We flew to a small regional airport and we were greeted by a gentleman, in the
truest sense of the word, Marc Thomas. We spent a portion of the day together looking at boats; he proved to be a delight. Not being ones to make rash decisions, we thought we should look at additional boats to make a sound and informed decision, which also gave us the opportunity to meet and evaluate various sales individuals in the yachting industry. We were not pleased with their approach we choose to use Luke Brown Yachts. However, Marc Thomas was representing the seller of the boat we had decided to purchase. He treated us with kindness and respect, and valued us as equally as his client. Marc Thomas is patient, a man of integrity and most importantly honest. He provided us with valuable insight, along with his vast boating knowledge. He guided us through the entire process remaining professional and alert to every detail. He had the ability to talk straight and create transparency in our unique situation and deliver measureable results. There are many things we could add, but mainly we would like to say thank you, it has been a distinct pleasure. This was a successful venture for all and we would highly recommend Marc Thomas to any serious buyer/seller. When it is time to sell, and buy again we will definitely use Marc as our sales person.”
—  Bill and Cyndy Thiel

“To: Andrew Cilla  Subject: Ocean 48 in Maryland
Andrew,
My wife and I just purchased an Ocean Yachts 48’ SS which your company had listed, located in Maryland. I started talking with Marc Thomas back in August of last year, looked at a lot of boats, and came full circle back to his listing in October. The sea trial revealed some engine problems which extended the purchase time until last week. Over the last five months Marc and I have been in touch with each other on a regular basis, mostly me asking annoying boat owner questions. I fly a corporate jet for a living and have been involved with many transactions, and a lot of sales people. Marc Thomas, by far, has been the most professional and most enjoyable person I have ever had the pleasure to work with, bar none. I work hard for a living and do not have the “open check book” as we say. Purchasing a boat like this can be extremely stressful, and I have to say that my wife and I experienced none in this deal, because of Marc. If we ever decide to sell, or just refer someone, Marc is our guy! Thank you for all your support and have a safe and prosperous 2013.”— Regards, Bill Thiel

“In June of 2012, I embarked on a difficult task, one which I promised myself would never happen again; I purchased a new boat without selling the old one first. I found and purchased the boat of my dreams and did not want to lose her, and was in need of selling my current 1996 Ocean Yacht 48 SS. Under normal circumstances this should have been an easy task since my boat had brand new engines and updated interior as well as new paint job on the hull. Well the economy was not very favorable and the task of selling this beautiful boat was not going to be easy. It was then when I signed a listing agreement with Marc Thomas, who came very highly recommended to me from another highly visible broker in Florida. Marc proved himself to me as a very knowledgeable, honest and truly a nice gentleman. He sympathized with my frustration of needing to pay down my bridge loan on my new boat. He marketed my boat not only in the local area
but up and down the whole east coast. I know that he flooded the industry with inquiries and brought back qualified buyers associated with other quality brokers. The process took a bit of time, but with persistence and fortitude we made a deal. Marc’s highly regarded professionalism paid off. He not only made a sale, but brought me together with buyers who I will remain in contact with in the future due to their upstanding quality. It was a very easy negotiation and closing process. Marc Thomas is truly a talented “Yacht Sales Professional”!   — Randall Hinden,  President/CEO, Duro Dyne Corporation

January 2013

“Greetings, it is with great pleasure that we write you today. It has been 6 months since we have officially completed our business with your company. To say that Marc Thomas was thoughtful, helpful, knowledgeable, and professional would be just the beginning of our appreciation for his efforts in the sale of Tin Mans Pride. Marc was always there to answer any questions, to give real life advice and share is immense background knowledge of the boating industry. When we purchase our next boat we will for sure seek out Marc Thomas for his help.” — Frank and Kim Malle. Prior owners of Tin Mans Pride

 

“To whom it may concern,
Last year my wife and I were in the market for a boat to replace our Sunseeker 52, which was a total loss as a result of a fire in her slip the previous fall. A good friend of ours, knowing we were looking for a broker, called me and referred me to Marc Thomas. My friend stated directly “He’s the best broker on the East Coast”. My friend has been a lifelong boater, and has dealt with many different brokers in the past.
I called Marc and during a lengthy conversation, together we came up with a profile of my wants, and feedback from Marc on how we should proceed to find the right boat to fit the profile. During the next few months we had numerous conversations and looked at a number of potential acquisitions. Marc was always honest with his feedback, and really wanted to find us the “right boat”, not just make the sale.
When he finally found the boat that we ultimately did purchase, Marc called me excitedly and said unequivocally “I’ve found the boat for you”…and it was. With Marc’s guidance, we closed the deal, and are ecstatic about our 2007 GRAND BANKS 52. I highly recommend Marc, a yacht broker whose knowledge and integrity is unsurpassed.” —Ken Joy

“Most brokers know something about boats. Marc knows boats but he also knows the market. And he has an
extensive network of connections with buyers, sellers and anyone who might be needed to close a deal.
Marc doesn’t just list your boat. He works with you to develop a marketing strategy that gives you the best chance of achieving your objective. Then, he works tirelessly to execute that strategy. Marc was the third or fourth broker to list Blue Mist. Not only did he work harder to find a buyer but, for weeks after the sale, he helped the buyer with yacht transportation and other issues. Please feel free to use my name.” — Robert Gallagher

Reach Marc Thomas at Luke Brown Yachts
1500 Cordova Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 • 954-525-6617
Cell 410-991-0939 • Email marc@lukebrown.com