In this 12 part series, Randy Ramsey reflects each month on the most influential people to contribute to Jarrett Bay’s success over the last 25 years.
For the past few months, I have written about many of the individuals who influenced the early years of our company and who shared the passion and desire to ensure our company would grow and prosper. Each person has left their mark and their contributions will continue to influence us for many years to come. One group of people I am proud to include in this series, is the roster of more than 200 employees who have in the past and/or to this day build and repair the boats that are the foundation of all that we do at Jarrett Bay.
This month is dedicated to the craftsmen and women who have, and continue to, work here day in and day out. In many industries it seems the employees come to work each day just for a paycheck. As I write this and hear the sounds of power tools in the background, I am proud to say that isn’t the case at Jarrett Bay.
Since we founded our company, we have challenged each member of our team to want to do their best every day and to learn from our mistakes, help others, and find ways to improve on every aspect of what we do. I would be exaggerating to say we never make a mistake, but I am proud to say we strive to improve every day. Our team looks forward to and takes ownership in every project we do, and most have been with us for many years.
One example of this dedication can be seen in Brett Styron who came to work here in March of 1989. Brett came from the home building industry and, while he never professed to be a finish carpenter, has become a person who can take on any task. Each day I have the pleasure to interact with great people who have been here more than a decade like Jeff Fulcher who has transformed our boat yard and repair services into a world-class facility, Gary Davis who designs our boats, Tate Lawrence who manages our new construction crew, Renee Lawrence managing our accounting, Dew Forbes our VP, Mike Thompson our CFO, Robin Anderson & Jason Pim our marketing gurus, Rick Melke in purchasing, Sonny Rains in our parts department, Dan Carraway in safety and HR and Kendra Lawrence keeping the service managers straight.
As I walk through the shop or onto the boat yard, it is comforting to see long-time friends that make their mark every day. Tony Micrut, Josh Fulcher, RV Hodge and Scott Young on the loft floor. Donovan Guthrie managing the 34’ line, Ed Stroud, Lana Deruise and Rex Taylor in facilities. Bob Helmick and Lee Keen doing teak work, Kyle Willis electrical, Terrena Foley and the Yacht Sales crew, Dewayne Rennwald, Denise Houser and Janet Chadwick in our paint shop. Michelle Sayani welcoming everyone here, Rick McInerny in the fabrication shop, Keith Tosto, Roger Wetherington and Todd Fleming managing the yard projects and Val Forbes at our Front Street location. I only wish I had enough room to name everyone on our team because each one makes a lasting contribution every day.
I am proud to work with such a diverse and talented group of people and owe the success of our company to each person who has been a part of our team for the last 25 years. I can only dream about what we can continue to accomplish together.
See all 25th Anniversary Honorees to date >
