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.
Mario Ramirez, Fiberglass Technician
We welcomed Mario Ramirez to the Custom Yacht Service crew in October of 2020. A native of south central Mexico, Mario has come to us by way of California, North Dakota, Tennessee, and most recently Warsaw, Virginia. Professionally, his background has been in fiberglass mold-making and repair from custom automobile bodies, to sailing and racing boats, to swimming pools and spas. Not only is Mario easy to be around and a dedicated worker, he is a true craftsman first and foremost and a delight to observe as he plies his trade.
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.
Jeff Chihos, Bottom Painter & Mechanic's Assistant
Hailing from the state of Maryland, Jeff grew up and spent the majority of his life on and around the waters of the upper Chesapeake Bay fishing, crabbing and boating. Jeff got his start in the marine industry working on outboard engines and sterndrives at a boat dealership near Baltimore. Wanting to expand his knowledge, he moved to Florida where he attended Orlando’s Marine Mechanic’s Institute. Upon graduation Jeff returned to Maryland and worked at a boatyard also near Baltimore and for a time at his parent’s automobile repair business nearby. When Jeff’s parents retired and moved to Virginia Jeff came along to further his professional career in the boat service and maintenance field. Jeff joined the CYS crew in the summer of 2020.
A workhorse in his own right, Jeff is meticulous, thorough, and a joy to work with. When he’s off the clock, Jeff enjoys fishing, boating, and weight-lifting.
A workhorse in his own right, Jeff is meticulous, thorough, and a joy to work with. When he’s off the clock, Jeff enjoys fishing, boating, and weight-lifting.
David Keys, Lead Mechanic
A native of Fredericksburg, David Keys is our newest addition to the crew at CYS. David was a self-employed landscaper and handyman, operating in central Virginia before coming to the Northern Neck. When he's not working David enjoys kayaking, dirt-biking and off-road 4x4 truck running. He also spends his free time hiking and is a camping enthusiast. For us, David is an excellent mechanic and has been able to make the seamless transition into the world of marine mechanical systems with ease. David has a great sense of humor, always has a good thing to say, and is a real joy to have as a member of the Custom Yacht Service Team.
