As we spotlight the outstanding performance of the Top 100 in this issue , I chose to profile a leader whose organization is an exceptional performer in all categories .

Joe Galati , president of Galati Yacht Sales , heads a dynamic , highly respected yacht dealership and family empire established in 1970 . With 14 locations in Florida , Alabama , Texas and California along with Costa Rica and Mexico , Galati sells

By Wanda Kenton Smith new Viking , Valhalla , Cruisers , Princess and Prestige yachts , along with pre-owned and brokerage yachts . A Marine Industry Certified Dealer that is also endorsed by the Certified Professional Yacht Brokers , Team Galati has earned impressive industry achievements and accolades . It is only one of six firms that have been inducted into Boating Industry ’ s Top 100 Hall of Fame . Members have named to the Women Making Waves and 40 Under 40 ; won IYBA ’ s Outstanding Young Professional of the Year ; earned countless top dealer and CSI awards ; and served in retail advisory and board positions for multiple industry groups and associations .

Today , Joe and his siblings including Carmine , Mike , Chris and Fran , along with Darren Plymale , continue to lead and raise the bar in all areas of dealership operations , backed by an expansive and experienced team of 200 yacht experts .

Boating Industry ( BI ): Let ’ s start at the beginning . I understand your parents first purchased a marina on Anna Maria Island , FL in 1970 and you and your siblings have been involved since the outset . What was your earliest role in the business ? Joe Galati ( JG ): My mom and dad started us working the business early . My mom would have us kids sit quietly and listen while my father worked with prospects . We would see how he showed boats and treated them . We learned very early that great integrity and sincerity was what would gain trust in our potential customers .

I started working part time in the boating business when I was 10 years old . When not in school , I worked with our boat rental business . My dad would also have me run the boats during sea trials to demonstrate to potential customers how easy it was to operate a boat . If someone that young could run a boat , then they could . At that time , I was running a 23 ’.

BI : When did you decide to launch a full-time career in the boating industry ? JG : When I graduated from high school in 1978 , I went to work for the family business full time and went to community college at night . I had previously worked in all parts of the business but when coming on full time , my primary job was

Joe Galati

as a salesman working under my father ’ s mentorship . Back then we had to do many jobs in all areas of the business … show setup , cleaning , rigging , and selling .

BI : Key challenges in your early career ? JG : Back then , we sold outboard boats that didn ’ t come with engines or controls ; so , when we sold a boat , we would have to install the outboards and rig the boats many times after hours . These efforts allowed me to learn the ins / outs of boats .

The second generation of Galati siblings are all actively engaged in the business .

Matriarch Anna Maria Galati , left , continues to inspire the family to excellence .

40 january 2024 www . boatingindustry . com