Hank Borek: 34 Years of Dedication at Galati Yacht Sales

Updated April 18, 2025

5 min read

Hank Borek: 34 Years of Dedication at Galati Yacht Sales

For 34 years, Hank Borek has been an integral part of Galati Yacht Sales, helping to shape its growth, culture, and commitment to excellence. His story is one of loyalty, hard work, and deep personal connections that extend far beyond just a career.

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The Beginning of a Journey

Hank’s journey with Galati began in 1991, after years of working with Viking Yachts, where he handled overseas customer service and delivered boats worldwide. When the luxury tax on yachts hit in the early ’90s and big changes came to Viking, Hank had to decide what was next, since he was against going to New Jersey (Viking’s headquarters). The answer became clear: “Who do I want to work for?” he asked himself. The answer was Galati. “They treated their customers right. They treated their employees right. It was a true family business, much like Viking.”

After submitting his application, Hank unexpectedly ran into Carmine Galati—who was running service at the time—and his wife, Jane, who was just days away from giving birth to Carmine Jr.. Carmine, with his easygoing attitude, simply said, “Just start Monday.” So, Hank did. When he arrived that Monday, coincidentally the same day Jane went into labor, he was met with puzzled looks. “I walked in, and they looked at me like, ‘Who are you?’” he laughed. And from that moment, his story with the company began.

More Than Just a Job

Throughout his career, Hank has never felt like just another employee. Galati’s culture has always been about family, something he values deeply. “It was explained to me when I started working here: when you start here, you’re gonna get handed a clipboard, and the last day you’ll turn that clipboard in. That simple statement reflects the company’s strong work ethic, sense of responsibility, and commitment to a hands-on approach that extends to every member of the team. “It’s a family business. You’re treated like family,” he said.

That deep bond extended beyond work. “I watched their kids grow up. I watched the business explode. Mike Galati is like my brother—I love him, and I hate him,” Hank joked. “Most of the time, the goal is just to make sure you don’t make Mike mad. It’s like disappointing your dad—he gives you that look and hopefully doesn’t yell at you,” he laughed.

Hank has also been a guiding hand for the younger generation, even mentoring Carmine’s kids on boat handling when they first started sinking their teeth into sales. “The biggest thing for me is when they trust you with their children. It makes you feel like you are part of the family.”

A Front-Row Seat to Growth and Change

When Hank started, the biggest boat at Galati was 52 feet. Today, the company has grown into one of the most respected yacht sales operations in the world. “Galati has come around to where I was 35 years ago in terms of the size of boats,” he said, reflecting on how the business has transformed.

The physical yard has changed, too. “Where my shop is now used to be undercover storage. Back then, there was an electric lift with a crane, and if you look carefully outside the door, you’ll still see two small holes and a rust line where the railroad track used to be,” he recalled. The team has grown, technology has evolved, but the heart of the company remains the same. “Back in the day, we had some good laughs. We’d joke around, toss snowballs from the ice machine. Things have changed a lot since then, but the camaraderie remains,” he joked.

A Work Ethic That Never Falters

Galati’s mission has always been to exceed customer expectations, and Hank embodies that philosophy. “My job is to come in, do the work, and leave, with the owner never knowing I was there—other than the fact that the work is fixed,” he said.

That work ethic was ingrained in him long before he joined Galati. “I was born in the ’50s,” he joked. “That’s how I’ve always worked—you show up, do the job, and do it well.””

What Keeps Hank Borek Going

After 34 years, what keeps Hank Borek motivated? “Basically, the mortality rate of someone who retires goes up greatly their first year of retirement,” he teased. But in all seriousness, he enjoys staying active. “It’s funny watching 40-year-olds not keep up with me.”

Outside of work, Hank leads a full life. “I’ve been fortunate. Galati’s success and my hard work have helped me build a secluded place in the ‘country’ where I can relax,” he said. He’s also an avid adventurer. “A lot of people don’t know that I race motorcycles,” he revealed. He’s also a commercial pilot, an off-road enthusiast, and a devoted grandfather.

And then there’s his relationship. “Finding someone to go through life with that you want to share everything with, after my wife passed, is difficult,” he said. But he’s found that person. “Problem is, she’s 10 years younger than me, so she’s not coming up on retirement age. So, I might as well keep working!”

A Legacy That Will Last

Hank Borek has been a cornerstone of Galati Yacht Sales for more than three decades, not just because of his skills, but because of his passion and dedication. “It’s been quite a ride,” he said, looking back. And for the Galati family, employees, and customers, it’s been a ride they wouldn’t have wanted to take without him.

Through all the changes, the growth, and the challenges, one thing has remained constant: Hank Borek’s unwavering commitment. And just like the boats he’s worked on for decades, he keeps moving forward, steady and strong. “My time here in three words? Basically, it’s ‘honey, I’m home.’”