How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I set clear goals each year , breaking them down into actionable steps with specific deadlines . I stay flexible , learning from both successes and challenges to continuously refine my approach . For me , success isn ' t just about personal achievement — it ' s about making progress and creating a positive impact in my community . What boat did you learn to boat on ? I learned on a Cobia center console , but my favorite boat is Boston Whaler . Who was your hero as a child ? As a child , my hero was my mom . She taught me the value of hard work , perseverance , and giving back to others . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? I have five very cute kids . In my spare time , I like cooking , sewing , gardening , cleaning and organizing with my family . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? I believe that for young people passionate about the water or marine conservation , the marine industry offers a unique opportunity to turn that passion into a rewarding career . The opportunities for growth in innovation and sustainability are limitless . Careers in renewable marine energy , AI-driven navigation , and other cutting-edge fields are on the rise . With the industry expanding rapidly , there is an increasing demand for skilled professionals in operations , sales , engineering , environmental sustainability , and beyond .
JAY DORFMAN
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR , BOATS GROUP
What first drew you to the marine industry ? As the son and grandson of yacht captains , I was pretty much born into this industry . Growing up on boats , I absorbed the lifestyle , the skills , and the passion for being on the water . But what really shaped my path was blending that hands-on experience with my degree in Computer Science . It made me see how technology could transform the marine industry , and I naturally gravitated toward finding ways to bridge the two . What was your first job ? My first job was as a mate on an 84 ’ Lazzara , running local charters in the Bahamas and Miami . It was a true family operation — my dad was the captain , my mom handled chef / stew duties , and I was learning the ropes firsthand . That experience gave me my first real look at how the industry operates , from logistics to customer service , and it sparked ideas on how things could be improved . It was the perfect crash course in yachting and business . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? I ’ m most proud of bringing new blood into the marine industry . Over the years , I ’ ve hired and mentored countless people who had never even stepped foot on a boat , and now they ’ re thriving in this space . Seeing them succeed , grow , and contribute to the industry is incredibly rewarding . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Eduardo Vivas was one of the first people in the tech industry to take a chance on me . He recruited
www . boatingindustry . com march / april 2025
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