RICK OBEY YACHT SALES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Alex is a New England native with a successful past career as Captain of Mega-Yachts spanning over three decades. He earned a degree from the prestigious Maine Maritime Academy with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nautical Science. He also served as an Officer in the Merchant Marine during his early years. A Project Manager and Captain of Trinity's Shipyard first Yacht, 97' Leda. He has extensive management, engineering, and knowledge of yacht machinery including jet drives and conventional propulsion.
His love of sailing and yachting came to him at a young age, having been raised on Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Either on the water or in the water - Scuba Diving, Sailing, Fishing, or Power Boating. With Family homes in New England, Florida, and Puerto Rico, he has Captained extensively throughout New England, The Great Lakes, Bahamas, Florida Keys, the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
His philosophy is to offer his clients all of his knowledge and understanding, gaining their respect and confidence to ensure his clients enjoy their yacht well after the purchase. With a strict code of Professionalism he brings integrity, passion and expertise to any future or present Yacht Owner. He relocated to Fort Lauderdale, the Yachting Capital of the World, 35 years ago. Married to his Wife Johanna with their Son Aiden, residing in South Florida and Massachusetts." I've been privileged to have worked on some of the finest yachts in the World, with some of the finest Owners. Now I've teamed up with the finest Organization, Rick Obey Yacht Sales."
Job Titles:
- California and Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Casey Kutsal Coban's love for the ocean started in Turkey's coastal region of Bodrum, while fishing during his childhood years. In 2002, he joined the yacht tourism sector in Bodrum, where he built his yachting career and acquired his MCA captain license. His name became a safe harbor amongst clients and colleagues alike because of his vast skill set and knowledge of private yachting; as he held the roles of captain, project manager and consultant in Europe, Caribbean, Bahamas, and the United States. This experience allowed him to improve his relations and transition to the world of sales and management and obtain his broker's license and bond. By measuring success with the satisfaction of ambitious yacht owners and investors, Casey has adopted the principle of maintaining an open platform. His main objective is to help clients achieve their goals by bringing together global buyers and sellers between Turkey and the United States yacht market where they can feel safe and can trust in the process of completing all the requirements of the international yacht sector.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Since 2002, Chris Barboni has been in the business of assisting clients purchase impeccable yachts in South Florida. Utilizing over 20 years of experience in the boating industry, Chris can assist even the most casual boater across the entire purchasing process: from the offer, to the sea trial and survey, and even after the purchase.
Whether you are looking for a sport fishing vessel or the ultimate motor yacht machine, he has the knowledge to find your perfect match. Chris Barboni has traveled all over the world and has encountered practically every boat imaginable over his career as a Captain, a Broker, and a Fisherman himself. Located in South East Florida the boating capital of the world, Chris works with clients all over the world. His extensive experience will prove invaluable to you when purchasing your yacht.
If you are looking to sell your yacht, Chris's yacht brokering, networking and marketing experience will allow him to aggressively market your yacht and find a buyer. Chris is familiar with all the yachting multimedia outlets and the latest social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) so you can be assured that your yacht listing will receive maximum exposure.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Meet Chuck Pickover, the Miami native and seasoned yacht broker with an impressive 38-year career in the industry. Specializing in sportfish and large motor yachts, Chuck's journey began on the vibrant shores of Key Biscayne, where his interactions with fellow brokers sparked the inspiration to pursue a career in yacht sales. For the past four years, he has been a vital asset of Rick Obey Yacht Sales.
Chuck's expertise extends beyond the brokerage office; he's an avid hiker of lifelong standing and a mountain biking enthusiast for 25 years. His adventurous spirit doesn't stop there - Chuck is also an experienced hunter, pursuing hogs, deer and quail in the great outdoors. To add to his list of accomplishments, he's cliched several victories in fishing tournaments.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Captain David Dorfman is famed in the South Florida area for his knowledge and expertise in the Maritime industry. He proudly served in the US Navy before becoming a licensed Boat Captain and now has spent over 20 years making people happy by getting them on the water. Good consulting on David's part has matched many boaters with the perfect boat for their needs for many years.
As a member of the Rick Obey Yacht Sales team , David continues his dedication to matching his clients with the perfect boat.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
David goes beyond the typical broker, offering valuable advice drawn from his extensive seafaring background. His passion for mother nature and yachting is matched by his love for diving and fishing, activities that keep him physically active and foster a competitive spirit.
In addition to his yachting expertise, David Scalia has won diving contests, rebuilt diesel engines, and dabbles in renovating residential properties. This multifaceted individual brings a unique blend of skills, experience and integrity to the yachting industry, making him a standout figure in the community.
Meet Fernando Castro, a dynamic yacht broker from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a rich background and passion for the seas. Fernando grew up on Bertram, Ferretti and Boston Whaler yachts. Having spent 25 years in the industry thus far, he specializes in Astondoa, sportfish, motor yachts, sailboats and center console yachts.
Fernando's maritime journey began with a diverse career in cruise lines, where he served as a DJ, cruise staff, cruise director, and shore excursion manager. This multifaceted experience uniquely positions him to understand and meet the varied needs of his clients.
With a year under his belt at Rick Obey Yacht Sales, Fernando has quickly become an integral part of the team. His ability to prioritize clients' needs and his innate empathy set him apart in the competitive world of yacht brokerage.
Beyond yachts, Fernando finds joy in a range of activities, including snow and water skiing, scuba diving and golfing. Fluent in both Spanish and Italian, Fernando Castro brings a global perspective to his interactions, making him an ideal choice for clients seeking a personalized and international yachting experience.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Gregory Bushara is a seasoned yacht broker with a passion for the sea ingrained in his roots. Raised in the maritime-rich landscapes of Virginia, Gregory's journey into the yachting industry was inevitable. With two decades of experience under his belt, Gregory specializes in new builds and construction, offering clients expert guidance throughout the process.
Gregory's journey began as a captain, navigating the waters and understanding the intricacies of yachting firsthand. While he still assists clients on the water when needed, his transition to brokerage was a natural progression inspired by his love for boating and yachting. Joining Rick Obey Yacht Sales five years ago, Gregory stands out among his peers for his personalized approach. He takes the time to understand his clients' needs, sharing his extensive knowledge gained from his time as a captain to ensure they make the best buying decisions.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Gregory is a devoted father to two children and two dogs. Fluent in Spanish, he effortlessly communicates with a diverse clientele. In his free time, Gregory enjoys spearfishing and entertaining clients, showcasing his love for the ocean both personally and professionally. With Gregory Bushara as your broker, you're not just buying a yacht-you're embarking on a journey guided by expertise, passion, and personalized service.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Meet Isabelle Flores, the Boca Raton native yacht broker with a deep passion for yachts and the open water. With two years of industry experience, Isabelle joined Rick Obey Yacht Sales with a passion that was fueled by her profound love for boats and the sea.
Outside the brokerage world, Isabelle finds joy in taking her dogs, especially her Great Dane, to the beach and embarking on adventures to foreign countries. Her love for travel and exploration mirrors her fascination with the vast world of yachts.
Isabelle brings a fresh perspective and genuine enthusiasm to the yachting industry and her connection with both the water and her canine companions reflects in her dedication to creating memorable experiences for her clients. With Isabelle Flores, clients not only gain a dedicated yacht broker but also a true enthusiast for the sea and all its wonders.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Jimmy Mathews was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and is going into his 17th year as a Licensed Florida Yacht Broker. A Graduate of Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts with a Marketing Degree, Jimmy knows what it takes to properly market and network his listings so they will sell in a timely fashion, while at the same time getting the most value for them. For 17 years, he has followed the same idea of "I listen to exactly what my clients want and deliver that too them immediately". Sunseekers have been a passion of Jimmy's since his move to Florida in 2004 and he has exceeded expectations selling 17 Sunseeker Yachts in the last year and a half from 2017 into 2019.
On the New Build side of the business Jimmy has also excelled, earning a Top Gun Award from Beneteau Power Boats in 2016 for highest sales. "New builds have really got my attention; it is such an intimate experience and gives me a chance to really bond with my clients to earn their trust for future business as well". Now proudly representing Astondoa Yachts and Regulator Center Consoles, Jimmy looks forward too many more New Build adventures in the near future.
If you have worked with Jimmy in the past you know there are no office hours, just call him or send a message anytime and chances are he will answer.
Meet Joel Rotta, the San Francisco-born yacht broker with 35 years of industry expertise, specializing in sportfish boats. Inspired during a Latin Builders Association tournament fishing trip, Joel joined Rick Obey Yacht Sales five years ago.
Joel's standout qualities lie in his industry knowledge and sharp negotiating skills. Outside of yachts, he's a Brazilian jiu-jitsu enthusiast holding a 2 stripe brown belt in 11 years of training. Another interesting fact about him is that he played semi-pro basketball with Utah State against the Brazilian Olympic team in the early 80s.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Meet John Grosz, a transplant from Phoenix, Arizona, yacht broker with 13 years of industry experience. He's versed in motor yachts, day boats and sailing vessels. His lifelong love of boats led him to become a broker and for the past seven years, he has been with Rick Obey Yacht Sales.
Setting him apart is his extensive knowledge, transparent approach, industry connections, and prioritizing customer skills. Beyond yachts, John enjoys staying active with his three golden retrievers and spending quality time with his family. A culinary enthusiast, he loves hosting meals for friends, adding a touch of hospitality to his dynamic lifestyle.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
John Wickman was born in New Jersey and has been boating since he was 5 years old, John moved to South Florida in the early 80's.
He has been in the marine industry since 1984. He started in the Yacht Donation business and has been a Yacht Broker 1984.
John also owns a Yacht Repossession Company since 1990. He is well versed in all aspects of the Marine Industry, from sales to Yacht Repairs
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Job Titles:
- California and Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Originally from Northern California Kat is a natural athlete and began playing sports as soon as she could run. The youngest of six, she played baseball, football, basketball, tennis, & volleyball garnering multiple athletic achievement awards in high school and college. A graduate of the University of Southern California where she played softball, Kat is an avid sports fan and currently enjoys spending time on her boat with family & friends, skiing and an occasional game of golf.
Prior to joining ROYS Kat enjoyed successful, decades long careers in marketing and sales spanning across multiple industries including professional sports with the Los Angeles Lakers, internet entertainment & commercial real estate investment at Marcus & Millichap. It was her love of being on the water that inspired her to jump into yacht brokerage. In partnership with Barbara Kaufman, Kat is an integral part of the Top Producing team at ROYS.
Her experience across multiple industries with a wide range of clients and objectives has translated into her successful ability to see a situation from a wide field of view yet also focus on the details of a positive outcome. She is a creative problem solver and team player who always has her clients' best interests at the top of the page. When you meet her, ask to see her Lakers "Back to Back" Championship ring.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Kevin, a passionate boater, showcases extensive experience navigating the waters off the California coast, as well as the entire eastern seaboard from Maine to the Florida Keys. With a proven track record in business, Kevin is committed to securing the best deal for you, whether you're buying or selling your boat.
Born into a boating family, Marco naturally found his passion for boating and living on the water. He has spent time working in the Mediterranean on motor and sailing yachts as crew and many hours on boats and watercraft from the eastern coastal US waters, the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean to the Mediterranean.
He has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innate mechanical abilities, which began at a very young age. He had the benefit of learning from his Italian-born father, Franco, who spent many years in yacht management, as well as a successful yacht broker for 20+ years.
Marco is very personable, hardworking and reliable; he understands the value of integrity. He has realized his own dream to live on the water, So whether you are looking to purchase or sell a boat, Marco can assist you in realizing your dream too, no matter the size!
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Meet Mark Ross, the Miami-born yacht broker with 20 years of industry expertise,specializing in European motor yachts and high-end outboard boats. Inspired by his love of boats and people, Mark has been a vital part of Rick Obey Yacht Sales for the past decade.
What sets Mark apart is not just his extensive knowledge of products but also his outstanding ability to create meaningful connections throughout the industry. His dedication and excellence in the field were recognized with the title of "Salesman of the Year".
Beyond yachts, he enjoys snowboarding, skiing, and traveling, reflecting his adventurous spirit. With Mark Ross, clients not only gain access to his wealth of industry experience but also benefit from a broker known for his exceptional interpersonal skills and a track record of success.
Meet Rick Obey, the founder and active broker of Rick Obey Yacht Sales, born in Lynn, Massachusetts. Specializing in modern motor yachts, Rick has been shaping the yachting industry since 1995. Inspired by childhood memories on his grandfather's wooden boat, he decided to open his own yacht brokerage.
Rick's deal-making prowess and deep connection with the sea sets him apart. He is always available and easy to contact 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. As a trailblazer in the yachting community, Rick Obey continues to make waves in the industry by continuing to foster long-lasting relationships, commitments to successful transactions and staying heavily involved in all yachting/boating trends.
Nathalie Bushara brings a unique blend of international flair and seasoned expertise to the world of yacht brokerage. Born in the picturesque coastal town of Cannes, Nathalie made her mark in the yachting industry over 15 years ago, relocating to the United States 35 years ago. Her journey began as a chief stewardess, honing her eye for detail and impeccable service skills-a foundation that continues to define her approach as a broker today.
With a diverse portfolio encompassing all types of yachts, Nathalie's specialization knows no bounds. Her two-year tenure with Rick Obey Yacht Sales has solidified her reputation as a broker who goes above and beyond for her clients. What sets Nathalie apart is her meticulous attention to detail, cultivated through her years as a crew member. She leverages this firsthand knowledge to guide clients through the intricacies of outfitting their boats, ensuring every aspect is tailored to their preferences.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Nathalie's adventurous spirit shines through. A former triathlete with numerous top finishes, she thrives on challenges both on and off the water. Fluent in French and with a strong grasp of Spanish, Nathalie effortlessly connects with clients from diverse backgrounds. In her downtime, she can be found indulging her passion for travel, diving into the depths of the ocean, and enjoying various water sports. And of course, she cherishes moments spent with her two canine companions, Aspen and Batman. With Nathalie Bushara as your broker, you're not just buying a yacht-you're embarking on a journey guided by expertise, attention to detail, and a passion for adventure.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Born and raised in South Florida, Paulina grew up around the water and sunshine. Paulina has a background in hospitality and marketing, providing her with the proper skills to sell your yacht. Although new to the industry, she comes equipped with skills in social media advertising, communication and technology to ensure that every boat listed with her receives the proper marketing.
She prides herself on making the process smooth and enjoyable for every client. Paulina is passionate about connecting with her clients and looks forward to building long lasting relationships throughout her new career. Green to the industry and newly licensed, Paulina treats every client with an excitement that is unmatched.
Meet Rex Ciavola, the Boca Raton native, making waves in yacht brokerage with Rick Obey Yacht Sales for just under a year. Growing up around boats, Rex's love for the maritime world led him to combine his tech sales skills with his passion for motor yachts.
Rex stands out for his honesty, understanding, trustworthiness and the ability to forge meaningful friendships. Beyond yachts, he enjoys web development, playing blues and jazz on his guitars, and reading.
A unique fun fact about Rex is that he was named after a hot air balloon, symbolizing his free-spirited and adventurous nature. With Rex Ciavola, clients can expect a refreshing blend of tech-savvy professionalism and a genuine passion for the yachting lifestyle.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Robin Hamilton, originally from Canada, has made South Florida his home for the last 20 years. He left medical school behind to pursue his love of the sea, joining childhood buddies in St. Maarten at age 19. There, he began competitive sailing which soon lead him to earn a permanent position on a global ocean racing team. By age 27, he completed two circumnavigations and placed top 10 in several ocean and circuit races.
Robin received his Captain's license at age 24 in Southampton Eng. and turned to private sector yachting at age 28 after leaving the racing scene. Robin has been in the yachting industry for almost 30 years and has captained and managed boats up to 150 ft as well as extensive build, refit and project management experience. Your satisfaction and safety are always foremost considerations and providing experienced based knowledge ensures neither is compromised.
Anticipating your needs is Robin Hamilton's approach to exceeding every customer expectations with personalized service.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Rupert Gregory's journey in the yachting industry began in 1975 as a Captain in Fort Lauderdale. In 1995, with two decades of hands-on experience in yacht maintenance and refits, Rupert transitioned into yacht sales.
Rupert has honed his skills as a salesman, boasting a proven track record of success and an extensive network of contacts for all yachting needs, including maintenance, refits, financing, and more.
Known for his sincere and low-key approach, Rupert is a trusted advisor- always willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. With a keen eye for detail and a wealth of knowledge in refits, Rupert offers invaluable advice to clients, helping them make informed decisions while saving money.
His dedication to providing exceptional service extends to both buyers and sellers, guiding them through every step of the process. Rupert's success in the industry is a testament to his strong work ethic and the support of his dedicated professional crew.
Whether you're looking to list your yacht or find the perfect vessel, Rupert Gregory is the go-to expert to see you through a stress-free and enjoyable yachting experience.
Meet Sonny Gowran, a Florida-born yacht broker whose passion for boating, and the ocean began from as early as he can remember. His interest in brokerage was sparked by his uncle's successful 40+ year career in the yachting industry. Traveling to Fort Lauderdale as a child to visit, he began to witness these deals being made; he instantly knew this was where his passion lay.
Sonny specializes in locating buyers off-market deals, and under priced vessels in the current retail market. When working with sellers, Sonny utilizes his extensive list of contacts including; potential buyers, brokers, and previous clients throughout the yachting world to assist in selling your boat as quickly, and efficiently as possible.
Prior to joining the world of yacht brokerage, Sonny has prior sales experience in luxury goods, and customer service. Priding himself on complete customer satisfaction, and making the buying or selling process enjoyable for all parties involved he is readily available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to serve your every need.
Outside of yacht brokerage Sonny enjoys outdoor activities, fishing, and exercise. Traveling throughout the Bahamas as a child he gained the appreciation of our oceans, and the endless enjoyment it has to offer.
Job Titles:
- California Yacht Broker Licensed
Stefan's journey began as an engineer on private yachts, fostering a desire to transition into sales. For the past 15 years, he has been an integral part of Rick Obey Yacht Sales, where his engineering knowledge, trustworthiness and honesty set him apart in the competitive world of yacht brokerage.
Beyond yachts, Stefan's lifelong hobbies include golfing and tennis. Fluent in Afrikaans, Stefan adds an international flair to his interactions. A fascinating fun fact about him is his prowess in track meets, having won several competitions throughout his life. With Stefan Gillmer, clients not only benefit from his extensive industry experience but also from a broker who values transparency, technical know-how and a commitment to client satisfaction.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Stephen embarked on his boat-selling journey last year, embracing the opportunity to introduce his clients to a variety of yacht models. His passion for the maritime world dates back to the age of 12 when he obtained his first boating license. Before even getting behind the wheel of a car, he navigated a 20' ski boat, becoming well-versed in various drive systems. With over 17 years as a licensed captain, Stephen's enthusiasm for his job and the open waters is unwavering. Let Stephen be your guide to discovering the perfect boat for you!
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Introducing Temera McFarlane, a dynamic yacht broker born in Miami and raised in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, known as the "Yacht Capital of the World." With a rich background in real estate, specializing in marketing and client retention, Temera seamlessly transitioned into the world of yacht sales. Her upbringing amidst luxury yachts and her experience as a yacht stewardess sparked her passion for the maritime industry. Drawing upon her roots and expertise, she offers a comprehensive understanding of all yacht types, catering to the diverse needs of her clientele.
Joining Rick Obey Yacht Sales less than a year ago, Temera has already made her mark with her exceptional dedication and expertise. Her approach is not just about selling yachts but about building enduring relationships with her clients, ensuring their satisfaction every step of the way. Beyond her professional achievements, Temera leads a vibrant life filled with diverse interests. She finds joy in singing/songwriting, painting, and recording/editing videos, showcasing her creative talents. As a certified Pilates instructor, she values health and wellness, and she has even written and recorded her own EP, highlighting her passion for music.
In her quest for continuous growth, Temera dedicates time daily to studying Italian, reflecting her commitment to personal development and cultural enrichment. With her blend of expertise, creativity, and unwavering dedication, Temera is not just a yacht broker; she is a multifaceted individual who brings a unique perspective and boundless enthusiasm to the world of yacht sales.
Job Titles:
- Florida Yacht Broker Licensed
Originally from New York, Zev Freidus has been a resident of Boca Raton, Florida for over 20 years. Zev's extensive business and technology experience ranges from small business operations to Fortune 100 senior management.
Notably he served as Sr Product Marketing Manager for The General Electric Co from the late 1990's to the mid 2000's. In 2005 Zev founded Boca Executive Realty, a name that quickly became known for its innovative technology and team of superior real estate agents. In 2014, Zev sold a majority stake in the company to a private equity group. The company has since been rebranded as BEX Realty where Zev still serves on the board of directors.
Now semi-retired, an avid yachtsman and a private pilot, Zev is in a unique position to facilitate high net worth individuals with the acquisition and disposition of yachts around the world.