Kerry Alexander Celebrates Retirement After 25 Years
Galati Yacht Broker Kerry Alexander Celebrates Retirement After 25 Years
Kerry Alexander, a yacht broker at our Tampa office celebrates retirement this month, after 25 years at Galati Yacht Sales. Kerry began his start with Galati Yacht Sales back in the summer of 1994. Joe Galati, President of Galati Yacht Sales, hired Kerry Alexander as a new boat salesman. Back then, the location was Perico Harbor Marina on Manatee Ave. It was high and dry storage, new boat sales, and service facility. Galati Yacht Sales sold this facility around 2001 and opened an office at Isla del Sol in south St Petersburg in which Kerry transferred to. Less than a year later, Galati Yacht Sales purchased the facility on Gandy Blvd and Kerry made the move to that office and has remained there ever since.
We asked Kerry a few questions about his career here at Galati Yacht Sales, as well as his plans for after retirement. See what he has to say below.
Kerry Alexander Celebrates Retirement— Q&A
When Did You Start Yacht Sales, and What Made You Decide To Do It?
My marine career started in 1980 when I worked at Endeavor Yachts building 37′ monohull sailboats in St Petersburg. In 1983 I went to work for Century Boats when they opened up a new manufacturing facility in Panama City, FL. There I worked my way from installing carpet in the first boat to Production Supervisor to Quality Control to Plant Manager in a few short years. In 1987 I went to work for US Marine/ Bayliner in Tallahassee, FL as a production supervisor and later as Quality Control Manager. In 1993 US Marine bought Robalo fishing boats and brought them to the Tallahassee plant to build.
Upon delivering a 2320 Robalo to Joe Galati at Perico Harbor, I met with him before heading back to Tallahassee. I told him I would like to get into Boat Sales in the future and asked if he had any advice for me. To my surprise, he offered me a job as a salesman there at Perico Harbor. After some discussion with my wife Carole, I accepted Joe’s offer and the rest is history.
What Would You Say One of Your Biggest Accomplishments/Memory Was Here At GYS?
My career has been a steady progression of learning the products we sell and being able to match up customers with the boat that meets their needs. Over the years I have been to England for Princess Yachts, Malaysia for Grand Banks and Australia for Maritimo Yachts. These trips have left lasting memories and experiences.
What Would You Say the Best Part of Your Job Has Been?
The best part of my job by far is developing lasting relationships with my customers. That was enabled by my participation in the Galati Rendezvous. Nothing gets you closer to your customers than actually boating with them. Being involved with the Rendezvous program was like a dream come true. I have lots of wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
How Has Working For GYS Impacted Your Life/Career?
I have the salesman gene, I was born to be a yacht broker. Working for Galati Yacht Sales has allowed me to reach a goal set when I was a very young man. It has allowed me to prepare for retirement and has been a fulfilling career. The Galati family values have provided an excellent work environment and I never had the desire to work anywhere else. I consider myself fortunate to have worked for this wonderful family.
Most Importantly, What Is Your Plan For Retirement?
Last year I got my Coast Guard Captains License and I plan to stay involved with Galati as an independent contractor. Mainly doing captain work, deliveries, and orientations as part-time work. I plan to keep myself involved in boating and on the water. I am looking forward to having time to focus on my faithful and supportive wife Carole. As well as travel the USA and see some of this beautiful country that I have always wanted to see, and share these experiences with my Grandkids. I also want to do some volunteer work to give back to the community that has been so good to me.
Congratulations on Your Retirement
As Kerry Alexander Celebrates Retirement, we are grateful to have had the pleasure of working with him throughout the last 25 years. Our Sales Department is incomparable thanks to people like Kerry. Thank you for all you’ve done here at Galati Yacht Sales for the last 25 years! We wish you all the best on your future ventures!
