John Friday, President
John, a native of the Midwest, received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa in 1985 and spent six years in his family's insurance business before coming East to explore the Eastern Seaboard and Caribbean aboard his sailboat. During a passage down the Chesapeake Bay, John discovered Virginia's Northern Neck and knew that he'd found a new home. After settling back into a life ashore, John came to Custom Yacht Service in 1993 as a mechanic's helper. The following four years saw him gain experience in the fiberglass, woodworking, brightwork, and installations departments before taking a desk job to establish the brokerage business and moving into the position of marine service writer. During the same course of time, John obtained a USCG Master Mariner's License to operate the towing and yacht delivery responsibilities.
In early 2011, John purchased the boatyard from it's founder, Lester Potter. In the Custom Yacht Service tradition, John and his crew of craftsmen and technicians continue to provide quality, non-compromising work to customers who expect the best in custom yacht service
In early 2011, John purchased the boatyard from it's founder, Lester Potter. In the Custom Yacht Service tradition, John and his crew of craftsmen and technicians continue to provide quality, non-compromising work to customers who expect the best in custom yacht service
Denni Wilmer, Office Manager
Born and raised in Lancaster County, our office manager Denni hails originally from the community of Ottoman. In her spare time she enjoys reading, photography and coaching for the County's Girl's Coach Pitch League. Raising two daughters with her fiancee, Brie, Denni and her family live in Irvington.
Stan Dameron, Lead Painter
Like many in the industry, Stan literally began his craft from the bottom up, entering the marine field in 1980 at Urbanna, Virginia's South Side Marine. Stan quickly moved from bottom painting to top side work where his talents were finely honed by the venerable Hatteras Yachts customizer, David Hurley. When the Hurley operation closed it's doors in 1985, Stan crossed the River and worked with Bruce Saunders of Rappahannock Yacht Service the following five years. With Bruce, Stan continued paint work and added brightwork refinishing to his list of skills.
In 1990 Stan came onboard with Custom Yacht Service and has been with the company ever since. He is a consummate perfectionist and has the necessary level of concentration and patience to see that no paint or varnish job goes to the customer that does not meet his (and our) highest standards.
In 1990 Stan came onboard with Custom Yacht Service and has been with the company ever since. He is a consummate perfectionist and has the necessary level of concentration and patience to see that no paint or varnish job goes to the customer that does not meet his (and our) highest standards.
Chris Burtwood, Fiberglass Technician
A native of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, Chris was a professional brick mason before coming to the States and turning his sights on the yacht service and repair industry in 1996. Chris joined our crew in 2003 and is an accomplished fiberglass technician. When not working with fiberglass, he compliments our bottom painting and hull detailing departments.
Doug Lake, Master Mechanic
Douglas Lake was a life-long resident of Cincinnati, Ohio until he joined us in 2018. Doug graduated from Cincinnati Technical College in 1989, became an ASE Certified Master Technician shortly thereafter, and has nearly 30 years' experience working on engines of all sorts and kinds.
Doug was bitten hard by the sailing bug on St Martin nearly twenty years ago, has since sailed twice to Bermuda, and most recently has since purchased Pearson ketch that he sails with his wife out of Reedville.
Doug was bitten hard by the sailing bug on St Martin nearly twenty years ago, has since sailed twice to Bermuda, and most recently has since purchased Pearson ketch that he sails with his wife out of Reedville.
Dalton Howard, Detailer & Assistant Mechanic
Dalton Howard, a local young man came onboard as a detailer and assistant mechanic in 2018. Dalton grew up across the Creek in neighboring Weems and now lives across the line in Northumberland County. As if he can't get enough time being near the water here at work, he spends his free time fishing, beach combing, and keeping up with his fish aquarium.
Robert Kittrell, Systems Technician
Systems Technician Robert Kittrell joined the CYS crew in the Spring of 2019. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina and a graduate of Clemson University, Robert grew up spending weekends, summers, and holidays on the North Carolina coast. He now resides with his wife Rachel on their farm on the Rappahannock River upstream from Urbanna and enjoys hunting, fishing, and boating.