Gosselin appointed director of marketing, Freedom Boat Club
Nick Gosselin was named director of marketing for Freedom Boat Club and its sister company, Freedom RVing. Gosselin will oversee the internal marketing team and all corporate marketing initiatives from its headquarters in Venice, Fla. Gosselin, who has worked in the franchising industry, had worked in marketing and brand development for World of Beer Franchising, The Boston Beer Co. and Vistaprint.
“We believe hiring an individual with Nick’s experience for this key role is indicative of our long-term commitment to developing and enhancing various marketing initiatives within our companies,” said John Giglio, CEO of Freedom Boat Club, in a statement.
T.J. Tracy to lead Viega’s Marine Division
T.J. Tracy was named director of the Marine Division at Viega, according to a statement. Viega sells fittings and valves for joining pipe systems aboard megayachts, and military and commercial vessels.
“T.J.’s skill and experience make him the right person to help the Marine Division realize its full potential,” said Sean Debnath, vice president of sales and marketing, in the statement. “The marine industry is recognizing that our flameless pressing technology is safer, faster and more efficient than the old methods of joining pipe.”
Before joining Viega, Tracy was vice president of sales and marketing at Survitec Group and Zodiac of North America.
Steve Sullivan, CEO of Meeco Sullivan, retires after 38 years
Meeco Sullivan announced the retirement of Steve Sullivan as president and CEO after he helped lead and grow the company for the last 38 years.
Sullivan began his marina industry career when he joined the family business, Sullivan Flotation Systems of Warwick, N.Y., in 1980. Sullivan held a variety of operational, sales and management positions before becoming president in 1995.
For the past 23 years Sullivan and his brother, Robert, helped grow the company from a small regional manufacturer into one of North America’s largest floating dock and marina companies. In 2008 Sullivan Flotation Systems merged with Atlantic Meeco of McAlester, Okla. In 2015, the two companies were reorganized to become known as Meeco Sullivan. A year ago, Tuckahoe Holdings of Richmond, Va., acquired Meeco Sullivan with a commitment to aggressively grow the business.
A statement noted that Sullivan will continue to advise the company as a member of the Meeco Sullivan/Wahoo Advisory Board. Peter Ladouceur was appointed the president of Meeco Sullivan on Jan. 1.
Scott Kinney joins Grand Banks and sales team
Grand Banks named Scott Kinney as the latest member of its U.S. sales team. Kinney will serve as sales representative for the Mid-Atlantic region in St. Michael’s, Md. His 35-year career in the industry includes working with Bertram, Hatteras, Bristol, Sabre, Ted Hood, Hunt and Hinckley. He was a regional sales manager for Grand Banks from 1999 to 2006.
“Scott has that boating passion that will allow him to deliver the kind of service our clientele will appreciate,” said Mark Richards, CEO of Grand Banks Yachts, in a statement. “The yachts we build appeal to serious boaters who use their boats for what their design intended.”
Troy Brown named GM of MarineMax Venice
Troy Brown was appointed general manager at MarineMax Venice in Florida. Brown had recently held a management position with Ford in Bradenton, Fla., and has held other positions in the automotive industry.
A MarineMax statement said Brown is an avid boater, spearfisherman and Nitrox diver who loves everything about the water. “When not working, he spends his time managing his non-profit foundation, Suncoast Aqua Ventures, or can be found at the Bradenton Yacht Club,” said the statement.
