Edmiston’s U.S. Yacht Management Expansion | Q&A with Jon Feldman

Jon Feldman heads up the US division of the Edmiston Yacht Management team in his role of Business Development & Fleet Operational Support. He is responsible for generating and expanding new business for the Yacht Management team, while utilising his network and knowledge to support the management, charter and brokerage fleet within U.S. territories, from the East to West coast, the Gulf, Central Americas and the Caribbean and Bahamas.

With nearly three decades in the yachting industry, Jon’s journey began with a passion for adventure, inspired by his upbringing in a military family and a mentor who encouraged him to seek a dynamic career. After enrolling in a seamanship programme in 1997, he quickly rose through the ranks, from deckhand to captain, gaining experience in yacht operations, design, and construction.

Transitioning to the business side in 2005, he played a key role in outfitting over 120 new builds ranging in size from 40 – 160m worldwide. Since 2013, Jon has provided expert consultancy in vessel purchasing, shipyard projects, and onboard management, while continuing to captain yachts. Now, as he enters his 28th year in the industry, his passion for yachting remains stronger than ever and we are delighted to welcome him to Edmiston.

Building Yacht Management services from the ground up: Q&A with Jon

We recently sat down with Jon our U.S. representative based in FL for a deeper insight into the growth of Edmiston’s Yacht Management services in the U.S. and how he is spearheading this change.

Why did you join Edmiston?

“Chris Andreason is one of the most ethical and mindful persons and professionals that I have met in yachting. I am delighted to have the chance to work and learn from him. Chris is compiling a team of diverse and well-experienced professionals with similar character traits. 

There are about twenty Yacht Management firms in south Florida, each providing industry common services. In true Edmiston fashion we are boldly starting from scratch in the U.S., which I prefer.  While Edmiston has an industry leading status for brokerage and charter, we are keen to build our management reputation organically by simply providing effective and efficient client support services.” 

What are you hoping to achieve within your role?

“I would like to change the common misperception of Yacht Management within the U.S. market through our supportive services. ‘No one likes to be managed, but not many ever complain about being over supported’.

The majority of U.S. based fleet is comprised of vessels within the sub 500 GT range. While this range often has less compliance needs, it is also an operational steppingstone for many and can often require more support to maintain a successful operational and ownership programme. Some U.S. programmes are well suited via their family office and experienced crew, but many are not, and many simply need certain aspects of management and supportive services to be more successful.

My ‘Management sales pitch’ is likely the worst or best in the industry. Why? Because, in all my years as Captain, I never used management services. However, there were times when I needed support, and quite honestly it was a struggle to find the right support. I do not want that to be the case for others.

We have organically created a team that is passing knowledge and experience while creating betterment and support services for those currently operating on the industry’s front line.

Once a client and the industry understand our focal – then the best interests, intelligence, and guidance we offer can and will make many U.S. based programmes more enjoyable for all involved.”

What impact do you see Edmiston having in the US?

“As owners and crew alike learn of our supportive goals and utilise our support, the impact is subtle but endless. Commonly benefits are a more effective and efficient flow of information, financial forecasting, and a more positive operational environment, which lends for other positive trends.

Thinking beyond what is common and merely reactionary, the deeper impact and benefit of engaging the supportive resources of Edmiston management is that our team begins to work proactively for your programmes benefit.

As a simple example, our project team can proactively visit a yacht to develop and create a work scope catalogue for an upcoming shipyard period. Therefore budgets, contracts, deposits, and even schedules can be established long in advance of the vessel’s arrival to the yard.

Time is the only unknown resource any yacht owners cannot purchase, so our team’s mission is to provide proper guidance and supportive services so that everyone’s time benefits from increased efficiency.

The impact that Edmiston will provide is simple and two-fold: We want yacht owners to enjoy ownership and to maximise their ability to enjoy vessel usage with operational confidence and efficiency. We also want the captain and crew to operate and conduct their operations and business of each vessel in a safe, effective, and efficient manner, while enjoying a positive career/life balance.

With leading market, and now operational intelligence boldly driving Edmiston’s supportive arm, all types of yachting programmes can and will become more successful. The ultimate impact is a more effective and successful industry within the U.S.

How does Edmiston differ from its competitors?

“Most, if not all our Management Leadership and our Yacht Managers are licensed master mariners with hands-on experience onboard vessels. This is critical, whether a situation calls for a pro-or-reactive response, either are far more effective and efficient when conducted by someone understanding and knowledgeable.

Besides being a more experienced team, we have a much greater ratio of managers-to-vessel than most, so we can be more personalised in our services.”

Where do you see Edmiston Yacht Management over the short, medium and long term?

“As a business, we have set out several key milestones, which will primarily centre around growing our U.S. team. I see rapid growth in our service offerings, through proactive shipyard services and also refit and new construction project support. Unlike many others, our goal is never to have the largest fleet, our aim is to work with and support a fleet of clients that are themselves known as the industry’s best.”

For more information and updates on Edmiston’s Yacht Management expansion, please follow our journey here.