KNOT 10 - Key Persons
Ben has a deep seated love for boating as shown by his past personal fleet of boats. Over the years, Ben has bought and sold more than a dozen boats: a true testament to his love for the water. Ben brings a wealth of knowledge both from personal ownership and from his background in public safety and boater education. He knows firsthand how attention to detail and dedication really make the difference.
Bill brings decades of experience in the boating world having owned his first boat at age 6, and building one at 13. His long career spans from charter boat captain, professional and private sport fishing yacht captain, commercial fisherman, crabber, salvage and underwater repair diver. He has performed custom tower and other designs for vessels that he has captained. Bill managed Virginia Beach Fishing Center for 4 years, and built the new floating docks there. His career in boat sales began in 1971 at a marine dealership in Virginia Beach, which he later acquired, operated and expanded to a full line outdoor sporting center, gun & tackle shop until 1998.
His experience in the yachting industry includes sales manager for new lines such as Silverton, Riviera, Sabre, Back Cove, & Hunt Yachts, as well as owner of full line yacht brokerage, and yacht management services. "I feel my clients are the kind of discerning individuals who know exactly what they want, and do not need to be sold. Sometimes that may be just a vision in mind that needs only to be focused on that which is real. I have a keen awareness that your boat is a large part of your life style."
Bob Butler grew up in the small New England town of East Windsor, located along the banks of the Connecticut River. Right after college Bob began his Commercial Banking career and at the same time he purchased his first boat. It was a 25 ft. Chris Craft Cabin Cruiser named "Mr. Chips". It did not take long before Bob realized that being out on the water was his greatest passion. He loved exploring new places every chance he had. His Grandfather was a yacht builder in New Bedford, Massachusetts, which proved to Bob why his love for boats was so deeply ingrained
After a very rewarding career in Banking of some 26 years and other endeavors which included his own company, Butler Yacht Services, Bob decided he wanted to share his vast knowledge of boating by becoming a yacht broker here in Florida. Bob said he wanted to find a Yacht Brokerage firm that was very professional, excelled in communications between management, staff and most importantly, "customers". In checking out other yacht brokerage companies, I came to the conclusion that "Knot 10" is a visionary company with superior management skills and also has a philosophy of building relationships, and not just selling boats.
Bob and Patty now live in the Tampa area servings boaters all along the gulf coast.
Growing up on Long Island's South Shore, Bob developed a passion for boats and the boating lifestyle. He and his family enjoy cruising the Great South Bay and spending weekends in Fire Island marinas on their Formula 40PC.
Originally, as a Knot 10 customer, Bob experienced both the buying and selling processes through the eyes of the client. He was very impressed with our team and how smoothly everything went which is part of the reason he chose to work for Knot 10.
Bob is a detail-oriented mechanical engineer with 30 years of experience in sales, high-level customer service, and business management.
Brett understands that selling a boat is more than a just business transaction. It's an emotional journey. Your boat has a story to tell…
Brett Berry is one of our new brokers. He comes to us with over forty years of sales and marketing chops. He earned them from real-world, in-the-trenches experience. He held many high-ticket sales and management positions. He started, grew, and sold five businesses so he knows his way around the block.
He says "Boats are easy because they're sexy". Everybody looking at a boat already wants one. He uses a technique called "story selling". This positions your boat to stand out. Makes you the obvious choice…and for a premium price!
Brett approaches every sale with contagious excitement! He knows what you're going through emotionally. He has owned ten different vessels from center consoles to sportfishing boats. He understands the excitement of getting a new one and the sadness of moving one on. Lots of fun memories make it hard to let go but the next one takes away the pain!
By choosing Brett Berry as your boat broker, you're getting a whole lot of marketing firepower. A fast turn and premium price are his mission for your boat. He guarantees a smooth sail into the next chapter of your boating legacy.
Bruce Hewitt…. Boating the east coast from Ocean City to Key West has been drawn to boats his entire life. He makes his home port on the water in Aquia Harbour, Virginia and is very active in the boating community. Bruce has extensive knowledge of boats and a genuine love of the boating lifestyle. His experience in Boats and Business has brought him to Knot10 Yacht Sales….an exclusive crew. He has one beautiful daughter who graduated from VCU a few years back, and loves to visit often. She now lives and works in Savannah GA as a Radiation IR Tech
United States licensed Coast Guard Captain Bob Phillips has owned and operated a wide variety of boats for over forty years. Bob's career as a Quality Program Manager has served him well in meeting and exceeding customers expectations on a daily basis with his precise attention to detail.
Captain Bob resides in Syracuse New York and is able to manage your yacht selling or buying experience with KNOT 10 YACHT SALES using precision and care.
Captain Bob, his wife, and daughter's personal experience with the KNOT 10 YACHT SALES Team in both selling and purchasing a yacht last Summer; included the relocation of the vessel from Maryland to Sylvan Beach, New York on Oneida Lake. This is what led Captain Bob to aspire to work with and represent this company as a Yacht Broker.
Captain Bob Phillips is at your service whether you are thinking of listing your boat for sale or purchasing your next best vessel, there is no time like the present. As Mark Twain once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
I wasn't raised around boating, as I was born in a landlocked town in PA. It wasn't until my time in the Navy that I truly experienced life near and on the water. The pivotal moment of inspiration came when a shipmate introduced me to the world of sailing, igniting a lifelong fascination with boats and the open sea.
With over a decade of boating experience, including sailing on the Upper Chesapeake Bay and cruising to the Bahamas, my love for boating led me to first acquire a Catalina 30, and later a C&C 40 sloop and a Chris Craft MY. As a licensed Captain (OUPV near-coastal, up to 100 miles offshore) and an ASA sailing instructor, I've spent summers delivering boats along the East coast, including Bermuda, and have completed a significant portion of the Great Loop. My expertise extends to teaching sailing and advising on boat purchasing, repairs, maintenance, and cruising.
Becoming a yacht broker is a natural extension of my passion and experience. Welcoming newcomers to our marina, receiving/providing tours, and engaging in conversations about boats has been a consistent joy. Cruising extensively has allowed me to form connections and gain insights into various boats and lifestyles. I believe in passing on my knowledge to clients, helping them navigate the complexities of boat ownership and realize their cruising dreams.
I am excited to bring my unique perspective, extensive experience, and passion for boating to a yacht brokerage role. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of both clients and the brokerage team.
Born and raised in NJ and spent my summers as a child with both grandfathers on the water as they owned boats. I moved to FTL from Jersey when 19 years old to pursue a yachting career-I have been in the marine industry in south Florida for over 15 years. Traveling Caribbean and eastern US Maine to Key West. My heart is in the Bahamas and fishing every day with my 6yr son.
Your leading Knot 10 representative for the New Jersey/ Philadelphia area is Ken Gimbel. This Master Captain is both professionally and nautically connected up & down the entire Eastern Seaboard. In addition to Ken's vast sales and customer service experience, he is a Certified Diesel & Gasoline Engine Technician. Ken is a lifetime boater who calls Atlantic City his home port. It would not be unusual to find him cruising the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River with his lovely wife, grown children or best buddy "Bob" - a yellow lab.
Representing the Coastal Connecticut & Hudson River region, USCG Master Captain Kevin Young is a 3rd generation boater who grew up boating on the Jersey Shore and Hudson River. He served as a USCG Search & Rescue Coxswain Stationed at Barnegat Inlet NJ. As a Licensed Master Electrician, Kevin uses both his ability to problem solve and his ability to deal with adversity on the water as a Captain for SeaTow as well as on a Sandy Hook Pilot Boat. Kevin's boating backyard extends from Cape May, NJ to Cape Cod, MA, and up the Hudson River to Lake Champlain, VT.
Kevin and Julie reside in Westchester, NY, and dock their boat in Mystic Harbor, CT for easy access to all the incredible Block Island Sound destinations. They spend their weekends relaxing on the hook along the Eastern Seaboard on their Meridian 391 Sedan Bridge "Resilience". Kevin brings his knowledge and passion for boating to not only buy and sell boats but to promote the amazing boating lifestyle he loves.
"I've loved every wake I've ever made."
Having been on boats since he was 3 years old Kyle feels at home on the water as he does on land. Kyle is knowledgeable about boats beyond his years which benefits his brokerage clients. Passion for the water and the low country has Kyle located in Charleston South Carolina leading Knot 10's expansion in the South Carolina, North Carolina & Georgia markets. Now those sellers can leave 10% brokerage fees in their wake. Give Kyle a call if you have a boat you want to sell, list or buy and he will see if a deal can be made.
As an owner of a very successful technology business and recognized as a nationwide leading salesperson, Captain Lew draws from his technology background, knowledge of boating, and strength in negotiating to ensure your complete satisfaction as a buyer or seller. His passion for what he does is evident each and every day and his commitment to success is unmatched.
Lew resides in New York and has owned various boats throughout his life. He currently owns a Sea Ray 450 Express Bridge which he docks on Long Island and in New York City. Whether jaunting off to Fire Island or circling the Statue of Liberty, Lew loves life on the water. During his salty 35 plus years on the water, he has traveled up and down the Eastern Seaboard, the West Coast, Caribbean, Inside Passage of Alaska and the Panama Canal. His passion for sea life has allowed him to meet like-minded individuals all over the world.
Captain Lew Kopp, sometimes referred to as "The Kopptain" holds a U.S.C.G. 100 Ton Master Captain's License as well as an FAA Private Pilot License.
Captain Mike DiCarlo has been fishing and boating the Atlantic City waterways for over 30 + years. He has owned and maintained his own boats since he was 20 years old. He holds a USCG masters license and has accumulated thousands of nautical miles while delivering yachts all over entire east coast. On his off days the Captain likes to spend his time cruising on his 40 ft Mainship and fishing from his 24 Hydra Sport. Capt Mike will go the extra mile every time to make sure his clients are 100% satisfied. Your satisfaction is his number one goal.
Captain Paul was Knot 10's Broker of the Year in 2022 and has had the boating bug for his whole life. As a boy he never passed up an opportunity to be on the water; fishing, sailing, or kayaking. After graduating college with a business degree, Paul became a successful entrepreneur. His success helped him finance his boating addiction, enabling him to buy more than 20 boats for his personal use over the years including his current 2004 Symbol 54. He has owned just about every kind of boat including offshore fishing boats, cabin cruisers, express boats, trawlers, performance ribs, sail boats, and even cat boats. He has cruised the entire east coast from Florida Keys and the Bahamas to Bar Harbor, Maine and also maintains his U.S.C.G. Master 50 Ton Near Coastal Captain's License.
Paul is always available and eager to talk about anything boats and to share his extensive knowledge of boating with both new and experienced boaters. He strives to help customers sell their boat or find the "right boat" and then help them feel fully comfortable on the details of operation of their purchase.
Paul and Carllene live in their home on Spa Creek in Annapolis. During his free time, you can usually find Paul and Carllene cruising on their 54' Symbol named "Next Chapter."
Chad has been involved in sales most of his adult life, and has owned three successful businesses is the past 30 years. He started boating as a teen in the Pittsburgh area on the Monongahela River. After moving to the Chesapeake Bay area, he continued boating, owning both power and sailboats. One of his businesses was boat salvage, which afforded him the opportunity to get into the ‘guts' of many different boats. He currently lives on a Beneteau 40cc sailboat.
Cliff grew up in Connecticut, racing sailboats in the waters of Long Island Sound. As a young adult he migrated to powerboats and has lived and boated in Connecticut, The Caribbean Island of Sint Maarten (Superyacht capital of the Caribbean and home to the world-famous Heineken Regatta), Sarasota FL and now the small historic seaside town of New Bern NC.
After selling the marketing firm he had founded, Cliff now combines his marketing skills with his passion for boating. Cliff is drawn to yacht brokerage because he
50 years on the water, countless boat purchases and sales, an impressive background in marketing and sales, and a love for boaters and dock life made this move inevitable. Today Cliff loves matching buyers with sellers and helping them see each deal to a successful close.
Based in the Northern NJ market Dan brings the two intangibles of any great yacht broker. A passion for boating married with years of sales experience in the high-end capital equipment. Dan is a member of multiple yacht clubs and his knowledge of the market is matched by his ability to understand the lifestyle that only boating can offer.
Dan has been boating since he was two years old and has salt water in his veins. Like for many of us, the water is his outlet. He currently owns a 2004 300 Sundancer and boats with his family and friends on the South Shore of Long Island. You can usually find him at Davis Park, Fire Island and other nearby Fire Island towns during the summer months. With a background in tech and leadership managing teams, he brings his experience of business and love for boating to the world of brokerage. You will find that he is committed to a successful, seamless, and friendly transaction.
David grew up sailing and racing with his family on Long Island Sound. At age 17, he formed a company that provided on-board sailing lessons, boat management and long-range deliveries. At age 23 David acquired his USCG 75-ton Ocean Operators license. For the last 30 years, David has volunteered his expertise with yacht clubs and racing organizations teaching ocean racing preparation, seamanship, and navigation. After living in Marion, MA and cruising and racing his C & C 40 throughout the northeast for over 30 years, he and his wife Diane sold the family home in 2021 to live aboard their Gulfstar'49 in Jacksonville, FL.
KNOT 10'S SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR 2021, 2020 and 2015. Calling on a very successful background of selling new Cruisers Yachts, Ed brings Knot 10 customers a broad base of boating knowledge. His passion for the business shines through in his courteous and helpful demeanor, and his ability to step up and help beyond just selling a boat has led to customer loyalty that many never achieve. Ed builds a rapport with people quickly and easily - an attribute that compliments his exceptional sales and negotiating abilities.
In his spare time Ed used to be spotted in the stands at The Comcast Center watching Maryland Basketball and stayed active playing on numerous local sports teams. Now, he stays active happily supporting his daughter and her field hockey team.
As a native Long Islander I was always surrounded by family and friends who owned boats and jet skis. Once I had my license and my first car my next purchase was a jet ski where I would go out in the late afternoons to blast around the bay. While always having jet skis and motorcycles, when I met my wife it was time to sell the toys and purchase my first boat which was a 245 Sea Ray Weekender. After a quick season with this boat I knew being out on the water was where I wanted to spend my free time in the warmer months. From there on forward I would purchase, clean up and sell my boats for a profit to move on to a larger and newer boat. When purchasing my last boat I did not have the best experience with my broker and I wanted to change that for others moving forward. It's important when you are purchasing a boat that it should be a positive and exciting experience! With that being said whenever my friends or family need a boat, car, or motorcycle sold they reach out to me because of my talent to price and sell things easily. Now I bring my passion for boating and my enjoyment of selling to the boating world.
I joined the brokerage world 11 years ago, after managing and owning mortgage companies for two decades. It is this background that allowed me to smoothly close more than 500 vessel sales over the last 11 years.
In addition to the time I spend assisting my clients, I sail the Chesapeake Bay, race Beer Cans and in various area regatta's. In my 45 years on the water I have sailed or powered my way in the Rhode Island-Mass-Cape area, Long Island Sound, Chesapeake Bay, Bahamas, Caribbean, West Indies, and the Croatian Coast from Split to Dubrovnik. It is these boating experiences that can help in the difficult decision of which boat is right for you. I take great pride in my work. I find it just as enjoyable to help a client sell their boat, as well as helping a client find the perfect boat.
I was born and raised in Port Huron, Michigan, where I developed my love for the Great Lakes and my passion for everything boating. For me, nothing is better than a day spent relaxing on Lake Huron, anchored on a sandbar with family and friends, or motoring down the St. Clair River for a nice evening meal. Having owned and operated boats of all shapes and sizes, the lifetime memories my family and I have created, and the friendships we have made by being part of the boating community are priceless.
My first career (35 years) was in supply chain and operations roles that took me all over the United States. During those years, I learned the fine art of negotiation, listening, setting expectations, and meeting goals. I'd like to think that I am a compassionate and caring "art of the deal" professional that communicates well and follows through. Rest assured that I am 100% focused on your complete satisfaction.
Joining Knot 10 is the next career move for me. Sort of a dream come true. It combines my love of the water and boating and my love of helping people achieve their dreams. I am very excited to be part of such a dynamic and customer-centric team.
Life is about memories, and memories of being on the water are some of the best! Whether you are buying or selling, I'd love to help you get started on yours today!
My love of boating brought me to Annapolis, MD where I have lived for the last 20 years with a successful career in sales and business development. As a boat owner and party to many boat transactions in my life, it is my primary goal as a yacht broker to make the buying and selling process as seamless as possible. Joining Knot10 allows me to bring together my skills to close deals with my enthusiasm to provide value to customers in the sport that I love. I serve clients up and down the East Coast and enjoy traveling, especially by water!
I have brought my life long passion of boating and being on the water to Knot10. After 25yrs in the financial advisory profession I have combined knowledge, hard work and tenacity and applied it towards a position I love. As a five time boat owner/sailor/racer, allow me to use my keen eye and attention for detail to assist you as a buyer or a seller. I also am a proud father of four and reside in Annapolis, MD
John March was introduced to the boating industry by his father. At a young age, he refurbished classic wood boats with his dad. Since then, John has had a patience for boating that entails professional polishing, engine repairs, and marine upholstery. Working in the industry for 15 years he will bring a wealth of knowledge to help you get through the selling or buying process.
John is married with 2 sons Cameron and Gavino March, who also enjoy boating like their father. Johns's time hobbies are boating, scuba diving, and traveling on boat trips with his wife April.
John's love of boats started as a teenager, building boats. He has since bought and sold a variety of boats, both sail and power, as well as represented local dealers at annual boat shows. He holds a USCG Master Captain license, with both sailing and assisted towing endorsements, and has served as captain on tour boats and sailing vessels.
Judy Benvenuto and her husband, Marc, founded Knot 10 in 2008. Today, she is responsible for building and maintaining solid relationships with existing clients, attracting new clients, and ensuring that Knot 10 remains a company built around exceptional service.
Judy's marketing experience and strong organizational skills allow her to juggle the needs of a growing company with the needs of her family. An epicure, her favorite enjoyment is testing out new recipes with her family. Judy remains a committed volunteer to many worthwhile organizations.
As a retired lieutenant proudly serving 20 years in the NYPD, Keith holds a degree in business and owns a successful production company. Keith uses his business background and experience, along with his boating knowledge to ensure complete satisfaction for both buyer and seller alike. His commitment to his clients and his passion for boating drives him to ensure he is successful in each and every transaction he handles.
After becoming renownedly successful in the New York boating market, Keith now lives and services the Beaufort South Carolina area. This includes Hilton Head, Bluffton, Savannah and all surrounding areas. Keith still maintains a presence in the NY tristate marketplace. from Long Island, New York. He started off his boating lifestyle up and down his parents canal as a young teenager in a 13' inflatable. He has owned numerous boats throughout his life. He's taken several steps up from that first boat to the boat he currently captains, a 2005 Silverton 48C Convertible. He enjoys boating on the Great South Bay and surrounding waters with family and friends. He has enjoyed 30 plus years on the water and continues his passion for the boating lifestyle as a member of the Knot 10 family.
"I love the peace the sea gives me as if I am made from the salt itself."
Job Titles:
- Founder
- President
- Founder of Knot 10 Yacht Sales
Marc Benvenuto is the founder of Knot 10 Yacht Sales. His goal is to take the brokerage world to the next level of customer service for both buyers and sellers. Marc's experience in high end capitol sales, along with years of boating with his family allowed him to develop a model that was clearly different from what traditional brokerage has offered.
Prior to starting Knot 10, Marc owned and operated multiple companies throughout the healthcare industry. Rarely acknowledging his numerous sales achievements, he is quick to point out that his success has been driven by his attentiveness to his customer's needs.
Marc enjoys spending time with his family doing, what else? Boating!
Martin Johnson has been on the water since a young child on his father's ocean-racing sailboat running up and down the southeast coast. He has been an avid boater ever since, running center consoles for pleasure and for work for his marine construction company that operated in the Southeast and the Caribbean. Being a Charleston native, he looks forward to being an integral part of the yacht sales market with Knot 10 Yacht Sales.
Nate was born and raised in Southern California. He grew up boating all along the west coast from the waters off of Mexico all the way up to Alaska. As an avid fisherman he regularly spent weeks at a time on the water and offshore. Nate moved to the east coast in 2012 and has been a part of the boating community ever since. From the Great Lakes to the Caribbean, Nate has spent as much time on the water as possible. He has owned dozens of boats throughout his journey and looks forward to sharing his experience with people excited about the water. Nate lives in Davidsonville MD and enjoys boating with his family and coaching.
Growing up on Lake Norman in North Carolina, my passion for boats started at a young age. I have owned and operated many watercraft's over the years ranging from PWC's to larger express cruisers. Currently, I own a 30' Cruiser purchased from Knot 10 as well as several PWC's. In my spare time, you will find me on the waters of Lake Norman or cruising the Intracoastal Waterway of North and South Carolina on my Sea-Doo. I take great pride in being able to understand the wants and needs of every customer. A boat purchase or sale should be enjoyable. And I strive to ensure that is the case.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Paige joins Knot 10 and is part of our administrative office staff and involved in closings, data, and listings management.
I have been out on boats since I was three years old. It has been a passion of mine ever since I was little, and knew I wanted to sell boats and help put buyers into their dream boat and sellers in their next boat.
With a passion for the sea and a dedication to exceptional client service, Peter brings a wealth of experience to the world of yacht brokerage. As a seasoned boater, Peter understands the unique needs and desires of both buyers and sellers, offering personalized guidance and expertise throughout every step of the transaction process.
Driven by a commitment to integrity and transparency, Peter takes pride in facilitating seamless transactions and building lasting relationships with clients worldwide. Whether you're in search of your dream yacht or looking to list your vessel for sale, Peter provides unparalleled support and guidance to ensure your goals are achieved with efficiency and satisfaction.
With a comprehensive understanding of the luxury yacht market and access to an extensive network of industry connections, Peter is equipped to navigate the complexities of yacht sales and acquisitions with precision and professionalism. Trust Peter to exceed your expectations and make your yacht ownership dreams a reality.
Porter grew up in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, where his family always had boats. He discovered his passion for the water and the boating lifestyle at a young age. With over 15 years of experience in the boating industry, Porter's career has taken him through various trades, from the auto industry to masonry. However, he has always been drawn back to being on the water and working with boats, where his true passion lies. Two years ago, Porter and his wife relocated to South Carolina, where he now works at Dataw Island Marina. In his spare time, Porter enjoys fishing on the water, has developed a newfound passion for golf, and cherishes moments spent with his wife and friends.
Rich brings the New England market the guidance and experience from a true boaters perspective. Being active in the boating community for years Rich knows the ins and outs of not just the buying and selling process, but the reasons people love this recreation. Spend anytime speaking with Rich and you know he loves what he does and is a boaters boater not just a sales guy looking to make a buck.