10/17/2014

Ketch of the Month

Jean-Pierre Skov, CPYB, Northstar Yacht Sales, LLC

This monthly spotlight on YBAA Members asks questions ranging from personal interests and hobbies to musings regarding the industry as a whole. In their own words, members share their secrets for success, as well as how to become a more visible entity in the community of yacht sales professionals.

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming installment of “Ketch of the Month” please submit your request to jforte@ybaa.com.

Jean-Pierre Skov, CPYB

Jean-Pierre Skov (JP) is a managing partner at Northstar Yacht Sales, LLC headquarted in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.  Born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands, JP has been immersed in the marine community from a young age. After moving to Massachusetts, JP hopped on a plane back to the Caribbean every chance and every school holiday he could, captaining day-long charter trips to Buck Island National Park off the north coast of St. Croix. Post-college in Mass., JP moved back to St. Croix, spending his time sailing competitively for the V.I. Olympic team, as well as continuing sailing charters.

With one final move back to the Northeast, JP transitioned from Waterfront Manager at Marina Bay in Quincy, Mass., to a full-time yacht broker. You can now find JP doing what he does best: pairing his clients with the right yacht.

JP has been married to his college sweetheart for the last 21 years with whom he has three children, Justin, Jessica and James. He is an active member of the YBAA Board of Directors and the Chairman of the Membership Committee. He enjoys sailing, boating, golf and spending as much time as possible outdoors.

YBAA News:  Who would you say has influenced you in your life so far?

JP Skov: Hands down, my father. I grew up in a boatyard with some family charter boats. He always encouraged me to follow my dreams; as long as I had my education to fall back on.

YN: What was the best/worst experience you have had in your professional life? What did you learn from this experience?

JPS: Best is starting my own dealership and the sense of accomplishment that comes with every success. I can’t really put my hands on a worst experience... maybe it was working for a dealer that did not have the same values that I do. I learned, from both these experiences, how small the industry really is and that doing the right thing is always the best action to take. This is something I have always believed in.

YN: What is your business philosophy?

JPS: It’s simple: treat customers like you want to be treated and aim to sell them the “right boat,” not just any boat. If you do that, you will get to sell them all their boats in their boating life, not just one.

YN: Why should a customer work with you to sell or buy their next yacht?

JPS: Customer service and professionalism. I pride myself in taking care of my clients and putting their needs first.

YN: What advice would you give up-and-comers or people who are interested in becoming a broker?

JPS: I think becoming a yacht broker is a great opportunity for a young person to make a good living. That said, it is a job where you have to work hard to get results. You are dealing with people’s free time and disposable income, so remember to be professional. If you start living the lifestyle instead of selling the lifestyle, you will fail. Be passionate and honest and you will succeed.

YN: What is your favorite thing about the yachting industry/yacht brokerage profession?

JPS: The people you meet and the fact I love what I do. There is something very satisfying about finding just the right boat and seeing your client fulfill their dream.

YN: What are the biggest challenges facing the yachting industry? What are ways to mitigate these challenges, in your opinion?

JPS: I think the biggest problem facing our industry is the lack of interest at the youth level. Modern families spend more time bouncing from one sports venue to another and a lot less time at a yacht club or boating, which means less exposure, which equals less interest in boating. I’m not sure how you can mitigate this challenge other than trying to establish events that can create some excitement to grab the attention of our youth. For example, getting kids out of the square bath tub called an “opti” and getting them out sailing on something with a bit more speed and excitement!