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In 1975 a pair of young starry-eyed sailors, Doug and Candis Whitney, decided to sell 'Sunfish' from the garage of their lakefront home. Passionate about sailing, their enthusiasm grew their business and they moved to a rented storefront in town where they expanded into sales of trailerable sailboats - and began their relationship with Hunter Marine.
In 1978, the current location at the foot of Doctors Lake bridge on the St. Johns river became available. With much soul-searching they took the plunge (more with starry-eyed enthusiasm than good business sense!) and built a 76-slip marina for boats up to 35 feet. Officed in trailers, they began to build permanent structures while continuing to sell and service sailboats - primarily Hunters. Over the next two decades, Whitney's Marine represented numerous sailboat and power boat lines while continuing to win customer loyalty and Hunter Service Awards.
1998 brought a $650,000 addition of floating docks and shore-side upgrades, allowing dockage for 114 power or sail boats up to 50'. The Sales Crew consistently places Whitney's Marine in Hunter's Top-Ten - worldwide! The Service Technicians have been responsible for high standards in customer service and have established a reputation for excellent quality work, receiving Hunter's Top Ten Service awards consistently - along with the loyalty of customers.
Whitney's Marine is known as Northeast Florida's Sailing Center - from Sales to Service and Marina, the Whitney's Crew is committed to serving its customers!
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Candis Whitney
Founder of Whitney’s Marine and a life-long sailor, Candy’s great passion is cruising the Bahamas… sailing and diving. Presently cruising her Hunter 37.5 Morning Tide, she has raised her children aboard, experiencing the sailing lifestyle in all respects.
Candy has served on the Board of Sail America as well as several of its committees. In 2001 she received the Entrepreneurial Award from the Jim Moran Institute at Florida State University, and the Founder’s Award from Hunter Marine.
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Sally Radecki, General Manager
Sally joined the Whitney’s team in 1979. Her love of the water and boating began in infancy when her father opened his boat dealership in Louisville, Kentucky. Whether she is water skiing on the Ohio River, sailing on the St. Johns River, or managing Hunter’s #2 dealership in the world in customer service, Sally is committed to sharing her enthusiasm, professionalism and knowledge of our sport. sradecki@whitneysmarine.com
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Geoff Weimer, Service Manager
Geoff came onboard Whitney's Marine as a Service Technician in 1979. Through the years he has continued formal training and built his knowledge base to become a true expert. Geoff is respected as a top trouble-shooter in the marine industry, and repeatedly receives top service awards from Hunter Marine. A passion for boating became a profession! service@whitneysmarine.com
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Paul Sullivan, Service Technician
Paul is a long-term Crew member whose love of sailing brought him to Whitney's in 1991. From Dock Master to Rigger, Paul has a natural talent for all things nautical! Through the years he has earned numerous Certificates of Training as well as the respect of our customers.
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Ray Malanowski
Ray’s love for boats began when he was eight years old during summers at the family’s shore house in Brigantine, New Jersey.. His Dad was restoring a 1929 26 foot wooden Chris Craft, and although Ray’s only duty was painting the bilges it started the learning process – and led to the restoration of three of his own boats through the years.
Ray has acquired knowledge in electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics and air conditioning repair, as well as restoration and maintenance of vessels up 100 tons. Ray has earned his 100-Ton Captain’s license from Chapman’s School of Seamanship along with a surveying license certificate for both power and sail.
Owner of a Mainship 36, Ray and his wife Susie are passionate boaters with a love of the water!
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Josh Winans, Service Technician
When Josh is buffing and waxing or bottom painting your boat, you will be delighted with his attention to detail. Josh spends his free time on the water with his family… power or sail, Josh needs to be there!
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Nicholas Frix
Nick’s favorite pastime is being on the water fishing the St. Johns river, the ICW, and our coastal waters. He has gained his boating experience beginning with detailing, working on engine maintenance, and helping with demos of 17 to 32 foot power boats. He enjoys both power and sail, having owned a 24’ Mirage as well as a 17’ fishing boat.
Nick is a welcome member of the Service Crew - our experienced bottom painter and all-around helper!
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Susie Malanowski, Service Coordinator
From her grandparents’ 125 foot yacht to her present 36' Mainship Sedan, Susie has always loved being on the water. With a wide range of office management experience, she feels that her job as Service Coordinator helps other boaters achieve the same goals hassle free. “I believe people who love the water are a breed all of their own - ones who enjoy sunsets and sunrises and watching for shooting stars on a peaceful night anchored out on the water.”
service@whitneysmarine.com
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Christi Williams, Service Clerk
When you think of Customer Service at its best - then you know Christi! Getting your work scheduled and completed beyond satisfaction is her goal. Christi's professional friendly service keeps our customers pleased - and coming back.
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Steve McQueen, Parts Manager
Steve sought a career that included the inspiration of the water and the sailing community. Experienced in Inventory Management, Steve's job enables him to combine his organization skills, customer service experience, and zeal for boating into an everyday habit! Steve enjoys being able to help cruisers/sailors solve problems as well as meeting new people and listening to their experiences on the water.
parts@whitneysmarine.com
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Rita Story, Parts Clerk
Rita purchased her first Hunter from Whitney’s after many years of admiring others taking advantage of the river and ocean gifts of North Florida. Presently a Hunter 356 owner, she knows it is important not just to seek but to catch the dream. She has sailed Florida’s East Coast from Fernandina to West Palm Beach and, for her, it was a natural step from spending time on her boat to leaping at the chance to join the Whitney’s team.
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Members of the Florida Yacht Brokers Association, our Crew are experienced sailors and professional brokers. They man the Hunter display at the major boat shows in Miami, St. Pete, Atlanta and Jacksonville as well as producing their own here at Whitney's Marine. Passionate about sailing and knowledgeable about sailboats, our customers turn to them for consultation and results.
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Linda Reynolds lreynolds@whitneysmarine.com
Linda Reynolds came to sailing as an adult and was totally captured by it. She and her husband Gordon have lived aboard and cruised for eight years. "We can't imagine a more rewarding lifestyle." This wife and husband work as a team to help you find the right vessel, learn how to use it, and become a part of this lifestyle.
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Harley Brown hbrown@whitneysmarine.com
An avid sailor and cruiser, Harley has many years of experience. He has cruised the Bahamas, both coasts of Florida and the Keys, Mexico, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands.
Having lived aboard for over sixteen years he has much to share. His experience will assist you in finding that "just right" boat. He finds great joy and satisfaction in helping you discover what beauty and adventure lies over the next horizon.............
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David Huff dhuff@whitneysmarine.com
A life-long racer and cruiser, Dave was a class winner in the Annapolis – Newport Race and received the Commodore’s Award for “Contributions to the Sport of Sailing”. Most recently, Dave is fresh from the Commodore's seat at the St. Augustine Yacht Club and owns both a 38’ sailboat and a 34’ power boat.
Dave's business background in consulting will be a great tool to help our customers find the boat of their dreams!
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Barbara Staab, Sales Coordinator
A native from Baltimore, Barbara loved boating on the Chesapeake Bay with her husband and four children. Since moving to Florida in 1996, she and her family have made the St. Johns their new water playground. In 1999 Barbara became a part of the Whitney's family where she supports the sales staff, and coordinates the financing paperwork for our clients.
bstaab@whitneysmarine.com
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Carol Ellis, Marina Manager
Carol grew up beachside on Cape Cod, Mass., instilling the love of wind, water and sand… after extensive travel and work in business, she is happily 'in her element' living and working by the water once again.
'The opportunity to create a clean, safe environment for Whitney's Marina customers is a joy!' cellis@whitneysmarine.com
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Holly McRanie, Yacht Detailing
For over a decade, Holly was a liveaboard cruiser from the Keys to the Bahamas. A true water-child, Holly is an expert on the products and process of professional yacht detailing.
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Mike Gianakas, Dockmaster
'Born to sail!', Mike is a natural boat-handler, experienced in small engine repair, and a helping hand to all. His knowledge of mechanics and construction issues result in problem-solving skills that help keep the Marina in tiptop shape - and our customers very happy!
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Sue Mikell, Comptroller
Sue was born and raised in a nearby rural area and for many years worked in the structured financial world. In 1989 she realized there was a better life and joined the team at Whitney's where she was introduced to sailing and all the wonderful relaxing things that being on and around the water include. Sue will be the first to tell you that this was the best move she ever made. smikell@whitneysmarine.com
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Kathy Mixon, Receptionist
After years in the financial industry, Kathy found a way to utilize her skills and knowledge at Whitney's, a great place to work and play. A Jacksonville native, being near the water comes naturally. She previously lived aboard a 40' Hunter, and has crewed occasionally for women's races.
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Would you love to work in the Marine Environment?
When we expand our staff would you like to be considered?
Please send your resume to sales@whitneysmarine.com | |
