John

Project Manager

John brings over 35 years of experience in the yachting industry, with expertise in construction, systems design, and project management. After stepping away to raise his children, he returns with a proven track record across complex builds and refits.

He began his career working at his family’s boat dealership in Detroit before moving to Seattle, where he helped build custom offshore cruising boats. He went on to work in spar building, marine retail management, and co-founded a successful yacht brokerage.

He later specialized in systems design and installation, supporting major refit and rebuild projects on yachts ranging from 95’ to 175’. His work has included full systems integration and overall management of complete rebuilds, and he also served as an owner’s representative overseeing new construction.

John has hands-on experience across all aspects of yacht construction and systems integration, with work inspected by Lloyd’s, ABS, and the U.S. Coast Guard. He is experienced in managing complex projects from start to finish and is proficient in CAD and technical system design, with extensive time on the water operating both power and sail vessels, including deliveries and captain training.

• Born in: Plymouth MI
• Attended high school in Tennessee and Indiana
• Studied Physics, and at Seattle Maritime Academy studied marine electrics, refrigeration and HVAC, and hydraulics
• Favorite projects to work on: Challenging ones
• Favorite Fundamental: 23 Always ask why
• Best thing about working at Van Dam: Three C’s – Culture, Custom, and Creativity