Since our first introduction to Kerry a few years ago at the West Palm Beach boat show, we realized that the opportunity to do business with someone of such great integrity could be of a mutual benefit.  Kerry is likely no stranger to many of you as she hosted the sponsored happy hour at the Megadock in Charleston for 3 years.  Now based in West Palm Beach, the business she jointly owns with her mechanical/aerospace engineer husband Tony, was “established to fill the relationship gap in the marine insurance industry”.

She was brought up in Canada and struggled with hardships no child of her age should ever have to endure, but through sheer determination and a remarkable perseverance, she overcame many personal obstacles – as she was then (and is now) a character driven by challenges and an ongoing need to assist people in whatever way she might, with struggles of their own – through her background in both the legal system and International Ministry.  Kerry studied in Chicago having been awarded a full ride scholarship after finishing high school in Canada, 3 years early!  Kerry has contributed to the police and social workers in a voluntary capacity to develop a program for homeless teenagers to assist them with learning essential life survival skills like budgeting and career planning – and she works equally hard in business helping people navigate their way through the marine insurance brokerage industry which is not only confusing, but often cut-throat.  In Kerry’s words, it is through her education in Ministry and Law that “there is an outpouring of both in her business approach” and that she “never compromises integrity and a value for people”.

She and Tony have 5 children, 3 of whom are in the US military and 4 grandchildren.  She is a passionate vegetable gardener, an avid swimmer, a community helper and a staunch advocate for paying things forward which is so very obvious in not only her approach to life, but also her approach to business.  Boat ownership can be risky, but choosing your insurance broker doesn’t have to be.

If you are considering contacting Kerry but like to be a bit more informed before doing so – please read the following which she was kind enough to share with me.

“AMG Insurance International is in business to change the landscape of the marine insurance industry.  There is no other brokerage like them; they assist marine facilities with implementation of storm planning and development initiatives that have unparalleled impact on insurance rates.  They will work with your staff to have the ‘best in class’ safety standards and training.  They will review contracts for compliance and reassurance that you are ‘covered’ outside of the insurance policy.  When a Named Storm is moving in, you will have preparation calls with AMG Insurance beforehand and they will play a key role with you even after a storm.  Their leadership has written feature articles for Passage Maker and Waterway Guide and they are committed to entrepreneurial servitude.  AMG leaders are honorary members of many Power Squadron chapters, sponsors of youth safety days on the water, volunteers with the American Red Cross for disaster support and support for FEMA when FEMA can’t respond in a timely manner.  Currently under consideration for a federal committee position with the National Boating Safety Advisory Council, AMG Insurance spends countless hours each week helping yacht owners of all sizes with a comprehensive understanding and execution of storm plans that put both the vessel and the general public in a safer place.  Every single customer of AMG Insurance International receives ‘whistles for life’.  A ‘whistle for life’ has a clip to connect to each life jacket and is guaranteed for life to be waterproof, rustproof and erosion proof.  It is endorsed by the military and all first responders.  As the only known female minority owned contractor registered with the federal government, AMG Insurance is aligned with the best partners to make a difference in the marine industry.  They are licensed in almost every State in the country as well as in foreign markets.  Their markets include many syndicates of Lloyds of London, where they can insure just about any marine facility, product, work or service for almost any peril that keeps you awake at night.  Please consider partnering with AMG Insurance International as your ‘outsourced internal risk manager’ on the water!”

Thunderbolt Marine Inc is very pleased to announce the recent business association with the “Essence of Strength”, a British company based just north of London who design a line of high end, semi-custom made carbon furniture.  Kristian Arens whose background in both industrial and superyacht design, is the creator of the limited edition super lightweight bespoke pieces.  Together with his partner Clive Johnson, an entrepreneur with tremendous experience in composite products within the superyacht market, the dynamic duo who have been featured in many periodicals and on websites worldwide, have achieved the ability to manipulate carbon fiber as the main component in their unique pieces of furniture, rather than more simply, as a complementary accent.  TMI would be delighted to assist customers interested in these magnificent pieces of functional art, accomplish their goals.

“Essence of Strength is an exciting new British company who design and manufacture mesmerising modern furniture using high-tech carbon composites.

The contemporary, gravity defying furniture uses natural curves to deliver inherent strength while the advanced composite materials enable cantilevered forms to push design parameters to support varying human postures. The designs are a true engineering accomplishment, delivering simplistic, luxurious elegance.

Created by the British industrial designer, Kristian Arens, the limited edition, semi-custom collection comprises a Chaise Longue, Cobra High Stool and a range of super lightweight carbon Aero Benches. The products contrast novel carbon fibre technologies with hand crafted leather and wood veneers and are designed in Great Britain and manufactured using high-tech composite skills combined with artisan craftsmen for the bespoke finishes.

Taking structural inspiration from natural organic forms, these highly engineered designs use a complex and intricate alignment of carbon threads to create fluidity of shape whilst ensuring incredible strength, super-thin profiles, and feather-like weight.

The Chaise Longue is a limited edition piece that is fully customizable with a range of leather finishes suitable for both indoor and outdoor placement

This exciting new British company is drawing on the combined talents of Kristian Arens, a highly experienced industrial and superyacht designer with expertise in advanced composite materials together with Clive Johnson, a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record in delivering highly bespoke advanced composite products for ultra-high net worth individuals, including the world’s two largest carbon composite sailing rigs.

This hugely experienced partnership has a passion and ambition to design bespoke and truly iconic contemporary furniture using a mix of ultra-modern carbon composites married with exquisite wood and leather.

Essence of Strength enables those with a desire for unique, bespoke and iconic furniture built from advanced carbon technologies to be designed, commissioned and realized”.

Essence of Strength is being supported by HM Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Solent LEP.

In these last 6 months, visiting yacht crew and Thunderbolt Marine employees have generously answered the call to help improve the quality of lives of many who were affected by the recent hurricanes in both Texas and Georgia.  Thanks to Paula Reinitz (Accounts Payable), we embarked upon a massive drive to gather much needed goods for those in devastated areas where provisions and supplies were exhausted in the wake of Harvey.  Her request garnered remarkable support from so many here who were able to search their hearts and closets for everyday necessities like food and toiletries – things we all take for granted until we are without.  Little did we know at that time in late August, that we would be requesting similar once again for those in our own area affected by hurricane Irma.  

The depths of some people’s kindness knows no bounds and for the holidays this year, we rallied together to “adopt angels” through the Salvation Army.  Again, boat crew and yard employees did us all proud!  We had bicycles and scooters, and tablets, and toys, and clothing, and games, and balls for every sport, treasures for all ages and for all sizes lining the corridors of the Project Management offices here at TMI.  Our contact for the charity was entirely overwhelmed with the response as were our customers and subcontractors who dipped into their pockets offering cash, checks and even more toys!

Our most sincere thanks to all of those who participated in this program as your tangible contributions will make a huge difference to little ones in our area, but I hope that the act of giving gives you as great a reward as a new bike will to a 10 year old!

Having always had more of an interest in designing graphics and doodling on his folders than a lean towards academics, Wes jumped with both feet first into his planned future, by starting his own business the minute he left high school.  Having previously worked for years with his cousin Mark who taught him the basics of the sign industry – in a day when all pieces were hand lettered with paint and brushes, the technique now seems entirely antiquated, but of course there is still a small market for everything “old style” and Wes still possesses the skills, if the demand is there.

Canady Signs opened in 1991 and now mostly caters to the boating industry, but a good deal of his business still stems from store front signs and on vehicles as he had an 8 year hiatus learning to paint cars. Though TMI and other nautical ventures keep him busy, his largest and most regular account is with Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah.  Wes offers a comprehensive array of services, but for TMI customers, he predominantly focuses on or is requested to renew or replace existing lighted signs, decals, hailing ports or even design something entirely new for a recently purchased vessel with a name change.

Wes operates his business alone, but occasionally recruits a helper, sometimes even calling upon his wife to lend a hand!  A family man at heart, he dedicates a large part of his free time to his 13 year old son’s pursuit of sports – particularly basketball and soccer.  Wes and his wife believe that Evan has the talent and interest required to go on professionally in the field of athletics. His family and his 2 Beagles (Max & Mabel) keep him busy enough that his own passion for golfing is taking a backseat to their combined mutual interests, often with the dogs getting first choice for some group activities!

His great pal, Billy Gartside of Waterline-Up (who is scheduled to feature in a future TMI newsletter) recommended Wes’ services to a few in the yard.  Word got around and not before long, Canady Signs was a regular at our facility.  Wes says he owes Billy big thanks for introducing him to TMI, but it would seem that we owe Billy too!

Robert  Clements, founder and sole owner of Coastal Concepts Inc., was born in Savannah but spent his formative years in Marlow, GA., a land locked town NW of Guyton.   He returned to his hometown in 1970 where he was able to pursue his interest in all things “boat” and was able to indulge in water sports, a particularly favorite pass time.  In 1978, he started making acrylic windshields on a homemade bending table during his spare time.  He posted an ad in a local newspaper and found the response so overwhelming that he had to decide between his day job and his hobby.  He told me that he  “likes everything he does” and went on further  to say that “it doesn’t seem like work if you enjoy what you do”.  A good thought to live by on all accounts.

Trained by a certified installer using Sika Flex products and further certified by Sika Flex themselves to install glass and acrylic panels, Robert keeps busy all year around and practically every day of the week. He tries to leave Sundays free for family time and/or working on cars as he is passionate about building Hot Rods and everything Motocross.

Robert has 3 sons and a daughter.  Two of his boys are college students still living at home; the older of the two at 21 is studying Structural Engineering and the other at only 18,  is taking a course in Certified Welding.

Though known to us for his marine related repair skills, his business also covers residential and commercial needs.  He has 2 helpers for bigger jobs, though often works alone and primarily focuses on glass replacement, plastic fabrication, finish caulking, mirrors, shower doors, glass scratch removal & polishing, and automatic door repairs.

The biggest job he undertook here at TMI was on a 154 ft Alloy motor yacht where he replaced all the windows on the superstructure, the largest being around 900 lbs.   Though he has no plans at the moment to expand, it seems to me, perhaps he should!

For nearly 5 years, Sarah Mueller has been providing technical expertise and safety-focused solutions for cable and pipe transits to the shipyards and marine contractors in the Southeast US.   As the electronic and mechanical systems on today’s yachts become more advanced, upgrades to these systems are frequent.  In many cases, the components of these systems transition between watertight and fire boundaries and must be properly sealed to meet USCG and Class Society approvals. These are required to provide the owners of the vessels with reliable and safe transit systems.

Originally from Michigan and now living in Charleston, SC, Sarah frequently visits TMI to provide the marine engineers and installers with up-to-date product and approval information.   She also works with the TMI team on special projects, engineered solutions, and teaching the proper procedures for installing the Roxtec System.   With TMI’s expertise and reputation as the leading, world-class yacht repair facility on the eastern seaboard and Roxtec being the world leader in cable and pipe seals, Sarah has been able to help increase the abilities of TMI, keeping both companies on the forefront of the yacht repair industry.

At just 17 and just out of high school but with a passionate interest for  building boats, Reid secured a 4 year apprenticeship in carbon/composites with the world renowned McConaghy Boats in Australia.  After gaining experience on some high profile names like Alfa Romeo and Wild Oats XI, Reid backpacked around Europe working with racing teams before setting up his own business in Riviera Beach, Florida in 2011.  Shortly after meeting his business partner Martin Ford, Fleming Marine Composites expanded and still in its relative infancy, now has 7 employees in Florida – and further, expanding into Georgia, where FMC hired 3 employees to manage the work an association he formed with Thunderbolt Marine, brings in.  Reid and his partner Martin both divide their time between the two locations, working hands on along with their team on any size boat.  Their interest to work with a well-known yard, the customer’s requirements and our own needs for FMC’s level of skill has proved successful for all parties involved.  Most recently, they repaired a delaminated section measuring 10’ x 30’ in size on a 105’ Windship sailing vessel here at TMI.

Using only the latest technology in composites and tooling to ensure the highest quality end product in an efficient timeframe, FMC take pride in their professional commitment to their customers.  The FMC team has diverse experience in repairs and modifications on both racing and luxury yachts, and some of the best sports fishing boats on the water today.  They pride themselves in providing their customers with only the best materials and components, all the while aiming to remain in the forefront of composite component manufacturing.

IGOR MISKOVIC – Project Manager

Early in life, Igor carved out a path dedicated to the marine industry.  In his youth, he was a semi-professional soccer player but went on to become an accomplished sailor, earning his Coastal Skipper Certification in the Adriatic Sea before going on to sail around Europe. Igor attended universities in Belgium, France and Italy where he specialized in Motor Yacht and Sailing Design, graduating with 2 Master’s degrees – one of which was in Naval Architecture.

His love of travel coupled with his ability to speak more than one language afforded him the opportunity to work in Italy for a luxury yacht manufacturer exposing him to the world of superyacht project management.  This knowledge opened the door for a move to the USA where he received further certification in Project Management in New York City.  In 2015, Igor joined the TMI team and brought with him a wealth of experience in new build project management and of equal importance, is his enthusiasm.  His passion for success is a benefit for all of us.

Paula, who graduated from Lloyd Memorial High School in her hometown of Erlanger, KY first visited Savannah in 1994 at the tender age of 28, with her family.  In 2002, she committed to a new life here with her husband Mike,  their 4 children and their 7 grandchildren – initially working for Gulfstream, an internationally renowned private jet building facility as office administrator with payroll responsibilities.  After meeting Mr. Tom Brooks (a colleague here at TMI), she developed an interest in accounting thanks to his guidance and his enthusiasm for the subject of numbers.  As a result of his tutelage, Paula has been responsible for the Accounts Payable Dept., which includes preparing our paychecks and so understandably, she is loved and respected by all at TMI, but for all the RIGHT reasons!

In 2015, Paula ran the JCB Mud Race for charity.  Such was her enthusiasm, that she managed to coax a number of other employees to join her in 2016 – all of whom have vowed to relive the experience and support the same charity again this year,  in the summer of 2017.  She is passionate about trains, steam  in particular, taking her vacation riding one whenever time permits.  She has 2 personal wishes in life, one is to ride the Orient Express from “wherever it starts, until wherever it ends” and the other is to become a published author as writing is an equally strong interest of hers.   “The Diary of a Steam Train Traveller” comes to my mind…

Thunderbolt Marine is proud to announce that we will be adding a 3-axis CNC  (computer numerical control) router to our inventory in mid-January.  The industrial sized CNC router that is manufactured in Cartersville, right here in Georgia,  has a 5’ x 10’ bed with an 8” vertical travel.   Furthermore,  the CNC router is equipped with a probe for digital scanning and copy routing.

With our new router,  we expect to reduce time producing a vast variety of items such as panel cutting, molding making, jigs, plugs, molds and acrylic nesting making.   However,  this wonderful machine has many more possibilities that our innovative craftsmen and customers alike,  are sure to explore.

This tool has long been on our wish list and we believe that combined with our existing skilled crafts, it will bring us up to date with today’s demands.