Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Crew Spotlight: Shawn Dumas, General Manager

Shawn's training in the marine industry began at a young age working as a yard hand for his family business doing grunt work like stripping the hull of boats, removing grime and prepping boats for the technicians for his family business Southern Maine Marine. For 14 years Shawn worked his way through the ranks in the Parts and Service department and as a technician working with Johnson, Evinrude and Mercury engines.


Shawn is pictures here with his family attending the "Make a Wish" Walk.


"My time with the family business at Southern Maine Marine helped me learn the marine industry from the ground up," said Shawn. I'm fortunate for the hands-on training I received."

Shawn attended college at the Montana School of Mineral Science and Technology in Butte, Montana. Working towards a degree in mining and geological engineering provided him with the physics, chemistry, math and earth sciences background he desired.

"Montana was beautiful but there was no ocean," said Shawn.

After Southern Maine Marine, Shawn began his tenure at Yankee Marina. For five years Shawn worked on marine systems and spent considerable time working on diesel engines and marine systems for boats up to 58 feet.

Through the years Shawn has served in a variety of positions at YBY including technician, head technician, service manager, parts and service manager to general manager today.
"My goal is to support the vision of Steve and Yarmouth Boat Yard of helping generate new boaters and to making the boating experience simple and enjoyable for our customers."

Over the years Shawn has received specialized training from the Maine Marine Dealer's Association, Evinrude, Mercury, MerCruiser, Honda, Yamaha, Crusader, Pleasure Craft Marine, Yanmar, Westerbeke, Westerbeke Generator, Fisher Pander and Pursuit Technology, ABYC, among others.

"I enjoy the fact that the industry is always changing. We've grown rapidly and it's been necessary to adapt and change with the market," said Shawn.

Working to improve customer service and working to implement new systems and new ideas such as the drive-up service center are the goals that keep Shawn motivated.

"I love boating in Maine and enjoy the variety of work at Yarmouth Boat Yard. There are many different challenges and different activities. I like being part of a team and feel fortunate that Steve has enabled me to assist and help develop and carry out his vision for Yarmouth Boat Yard. Through this opportunity I like to think I am learning how to become a good leader. It's the hard work of from our entire crew that has helped Yarmouth Boat Yard grow and prosper."

Shawn lives in Dayton, Maine with his wife Heather and their two kids Jack who is six and Mikayla who is nine. Shawn enjoys spending time with his family and working on his property in Dayton.