Meet Scott Mayer | Yacht Consultant and Licensed Broker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Mayer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The first half of my career was in Corporate America, climbing the ladder to middle management by my mid-30’s. I joined the C-suite of a small aircraft management company shortly thereafter, but something still wasn’t right. I felt like I could make a much larger impact and have greater independence if I had more autonomy to take bigger, more calculated risks. The challenge was that I had the “golden handcuffs” securely on my wrists, so making the big leap also came with financial risk. Ultimately I decided to take that leap, and in roughly 2016 I went off on my own as an independent consultant while figuring out the next step. While on that nearly 2-year journey of self discovery I landed in Key West, rented a boat, and sailed to Cuba for about 10 days. It was there I met Captain Tyler Martin, who came with me to Cuba – we quickly became great friends. Over the next 6 months he called almost every day with a new idea to start a sailing business, and eventually one of his ideas stuck; so I pulled the trigger and a few weeks later, in January 2018, started Bluesail, based in Key West and with Tyler at my side.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have an interesting background that usually surprises folks. Initially I went to college aiming at a career in federal law enforcement. After the attacks of September 11 I decided to specialize in counter-terrorism intelligence, so I dropped out of college and moved to Israel where I had a focused study program in this area of expertise. I was fortunate enough to learn from one of the national security leaders in the region, focusing specifically on religious extremism. While what I learned was both eye-opening and fascinating, it also came with a lifestyle that didn’t feel right to me, so I came back to the U.S., finished college, then went into cold-call sales.

Over the next 10 years I grew my career at various global corporations such as Jones Lang LaSalle, Motorola, Abercrombie & Fitch, JCPenney, and a few others, ultimately finding my way during that time into information technology, contract negotiations, sourcing, insurance/risk management, and private jet management – all roles that helped to build a wide array of skills that I’d take with me as my career grew. It was going down the path of managing private jets when I realized how critical it was to be open, honest, and transparent, no matter the outcome or consequences.  As a kid my parents of course ingrained these values into my upbringing, but I hadn’t yet internalized how impactful and important it was to weave these concepts into my everyday life and career.  Long story short, don’t tell people what they want to hear, tell them what they need to hear, then use that as a foundation to build out thoughtful solutions, and ultimately a friendship that becomes bedrock of the relationship.  Since founding my business in 2018 and partnering with Just Catamarans as a licensed yacht broker since then, ethics, integrity, and transparency have been front and center. These foundational values are woven into the fabric of my daily interactions and business dealings, and have never let me down.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Key West has so many different options for visitors, but getting out on the water, especially during the warmer summer months, is key! Remote sandbars with crystal clear water and not a person in sight – no better way to experience The Florida Keys in my opinion.  After a fun day on the water, let’s head downtown to The Roost, a quaint little cocktail bar just off Duval (it also reminds me a bit of home – Chicago). After an old fashioned there let’s take a walk down Duval to Point 5 for some eclectic fusion food, wine, and cocktails – my favorite is their lobster ravioli and an espresso martini.  If dining or cocktails isn’t your evening thing, and you’d prefer more of a classic Key West experience, Island Jane Charters has an historic Irwin 54 ketch that offers a sunset sailing experience you won’t soon forget.

My favorite spot anywhere on the island though, is Kava Culture Key West. “Kava” as the locals call it, has only been in Key West for about 2 years, but made a splash with its relaxed and casual atmosphere, conducive for both working and hanging out with friends. I’ve met some of my closest friends at Kava, so I highly recommend checking it out.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Each and every person I’ve had the opportunity to meet along the way deserves a shout-out, though there are a handful of stand-outs that really pushed me to go after my dream. First and foremost, one of my very best friends, Jodie Kurtz. Early on Jodie recognized that I had a love for sailing.  It was Jodie that convinced me to go after my passion, and got me thinking about purchasing my first cruising sailboat in 2016. That singular event changed the course of my life and career, ultimately leading to opening up Bluesail and joining the Just Catamarans family.  My brother Brian has also been at my side for the long-haul, having secretly gone with me to view boats to purchase in 2015-2016, and supporting my passion ever since. Each time I considered taking a huge risk, Brian was right there with me supporting every decision, no matter how crazy it sounded. Brian is not only my little brother, but he and his family have been my rock during some of the most challenging times of entrepreneurship. I also wouldn’t be where I am today without Jenny Lorenz of Local Life Media, who I originally met when she was Marketing Director for The Perry Hotel & Marina.  Jenny was my own personal sounding board and marketing partner for the better part of the last 3.5 years, having taught me more about advertising, marketing, and PR than anyone else.  She challenged me and my decisions when I needed it most, and supported me during some of the most difficult times as well.  I wouldn’t be where I am today without her, and will always be grateful.

In my current role as a licensed yacht broker, the executive team at Just Catamarans deserves a shout-out as well. Kent and Belinda Grimbeek, Stuart Eichner, and especially Thomas Chambers. These extraordinary individuals took a big chance on a small business owner and sailor from Key West, welcomed me into their family with open arms, and have allowed me to flourish while supporting my every need along the way.

Over the years, I’ve also been fortunate to have an incredible client support network, including Rick and Terry Paschall, Ed and Joanne Kertis, Dave and Lynda Pullen, Mark and Elaine Caspers, and Tim Case to name a few.  Further enriching my journey along the way have team members and friends like Jack Clayton, Brittany Harvey, Tyler Martin, Brittany Jones, Matt Loy, Tom Pakenas, Mitch Walsh, Krystal Sheehan, along with many others too numerous to name in this short interview.  Their support underlines a profound truth that every business owner knows: embarking on an entrepreneurial path is a collective endeavor, not a solo journey.

Website: https://justcatamarans.net/scott-mayer/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bluesailguys

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mayer-6881759/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluesailguys

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkNQnB6TW6aq3F8tKEs-PVA