Maritime is like a color wheel waiting to be spun
Futureoftheocean interview with Merrill Charette
My interaction with Mr. Merrill Charette began when he first posted a Shipshape podcast on LinkedIn groups managed by the Futureoftheocean team. I must confess, I was initially puzzled about the podcast. Was it promoting a specific business or was the business merely a pretext for showcasing an exceptional maritime professional, an idea, or a vision?
Right from the start, Mr. Charette displayed immense openness to discussion and attentiveness, indicating the rise of a potent and distinguished figure within the maritime industry. These indications were confirmed in March 2023 when he was recognized as one of the recipients of the Boating Industry's Top 40 Under 40 Award.
Mr. Charette represents a voice in the maritime industry that is unquestionably worth your attention, and the Futureoftheocean initiative offers you the opportunity to hear it.
My journey towards understanding and navigating this vast industry was gradual but transformative
Futureoftheocean:
Thank you very much Mr. Charette for taking the time to discuss with Futureoftheocean.
Your connection with the US boating industry (a passion and an industry probably called yachting in other parts of the world) is an obvious red line through all your public activity.
But how did you come in contact with the ocean and how did you discover your passion for boating industry?
Mr. Merrill Charette:
A peculiar fascination for water has always stirred within me, a pull that remained a mystery, considering I had barely ever been near any body of water in my life. However, after completing the challenging 2,200-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail and securing admission to law school, I assumed my life's course was set. Yet, the Appalachian Trail had profoundly reshaped my perspectives and instilled in me an insatiable desire for new adventures.
This newfound perspective drove me to purchase my first boat, an intriguing decision considering I had absolutely no boating experience. As I began to balance life between residing on a boat and attending law school, I found myself gradually immersing in the boating community. This exposed me to a vibrant, thriving industry that was teeming with opportunities, yet astonishingly undiscovered by many.
My journey towards understanding and navigating this vast industry was gradual but transformative. Over a surprisingly short span, I wore numerous hats within the marine industry – a mechanic, a professional sailor, a writer, a tech entrepreneur, and a leader. This diverse and rich tapestry of experiences has defined my career, leading me towards unknown territories and the ripe opportunities that lie within.
The responses were mixed - while many welcomed me, others showed indifference.
Futureoftheocean:
How was your start in the industry? How was it to be young in this industry?
Mr. Merrill Charette:
While many characterize the boating industry as welcoming, bonded by a shared passion for the water and enjoyment of the good times it offers, my initial experience told a different story. Upon entering the industry on the repair side, I encountered a competitive and rather unwelcoming environment. Early on, rival businesses at the marina even tried to evict me. Nevertheless, through hard work, openness, and resilience, I succeeded in uniting a team of marine service businesses. Together, we provided general contracting for yacht repair, even thriving within the fiercely competitive port of Boston.
As I transitioned towards technology within the service sector of the industry, I embarked on a campaign to engage with the industry's top figures. The responses were mixed - while many welcomed me, others showed indifference.
Being young played to my advantage in many ways, enabling me to establish valuable connections quite early on in my career. However, certain veteran players in the industry were less inclined to consider the perspectives of the younger generation. Despite the clear opportunities to collaborate on solutions like youth development, the industry remains significantly fragmented and lacks a strong sense of collaboration for collective benefit.
The trade associations, which one might presume to be the unifying force and savior of the industry, regrettably lack the impetus to make any substantial changes. Despite the grandiose talk from the top, there's a discernible gap in meaningful action.
The necessity for an accessible platform that could connect ...became increasingly evident
Futureoftheocean:
What brings you to the Shipshape idea?
Mr. Merrill Charette:
As I was developing my general contracting company focused on yacht repair, I found myself needing a respite from the daily grind. To clear my mind, I embarked on a 220-mile hiking trail - a break that would prove transformative.
During this month-long hike, amidst the tranquility of nature, my thoughts often wandered to my career in the marine industry. It struck me as odd that, despite being relatively young, I was one of the most successful service providers I knew. This observation led to a pertinent question - why were there not more young individuals venturing into this industry? From my experience, the industry had provided me with numerous opportunities and a considerable measure of success.
I had managed to build a thriving business solely through word-of-mouth. This journey was not without its challenges, and it revealed to me that creating a successful business was a far more complex process than merely setting up a website and hoping for the best. Marketing, as I came to realize, was a separate and equally daunting battle that had to be waged to ensure a business's success.
The necessity for an accessible platform that could connect boat owners and service providers became increasingly evident. In the marine industry, where businesses are generally smaller in scale and often lack the know-how or time to invest in marketing, a platform bridging this gap seemed like the perfect solution.
This led to the conception of SHIPSHAPE.PRO - a platform envisioned not just as a link between boat owners and service providers, but also as a marketing tool intrinsic to its operations. By its very design, SHIPSHAPE.PRO enables marine businesses to establish an online presence, making them easily discoverable to a wider customer base. This platform not only fulfills a significant need within the industry but also embodies my commitment to driving progress, promoting adaptability, and fostering economic freedom in the marine community.
the SWAT analysis of boating industry
Futureoftheocean:
What do you think about the actual state of the maritime industry?
If you will do a SWAT analysis how it will look?
Mr. Merrill Charette:
The marine industry can be compared to a color wheel, where each sector represents its own unique hue (Recreational Boating, SuperYachts, Aqua Culture, Fishing, Shipping, etc). Although all sectors are interconnected, there's a lack of cross-sector communication. The information that manages to reach the general public typically originates from a handful of businesses equipped with a press team.
To get the true value, the maritime industry is like a color wheel waiting to be spun…
Regarding the SWAT analysis… I don’t think that I can talk for the big ships industry, containers carriers, oil tankers, bulkcarriers… but for sure I can give you (above) the SWAT analysis of boating industry.
I see myself gradually transitioning
Futureoftheocean:
I’m ashamed to ask you a job interview type question but I can’t resist the temptation to ask you where do you see yourself in 20 years, so at the beginning of your 50s?
Mr. Merrill Charette:
In 20 years, I envision myself as a leading figure in the marine industry, bolstered by an expansive network of connections. I see myself gradually transitioning into the role of a seasoned stalwart, steadfast in my ways and cautious about embracing change.
About Mr. Merrill Charette:
CEO of SHIPSHAPE.PRO and MIDA.PRO
Top 40 Under 40 Boating Industry
Driving adaptability, sustainability, and economic freedom in Marine
Txt me: 774-239-7663