Kevin Merrigan
Chairman, Northrop & Johnson
Q&A
What does it mean to you to be an ISS judge? It means the opportunity to interact with incredibly dedicated knowledgeable people in this fantastic industry. To learn to discover and observe the progress the industry is developing.
What do you like about the ISS Design & Awards Gala? The excitement of the awards and opportunity to connect with the best and the brightest.
How did you get your start in the yachting industry? I went to buy a boat and I decided the yacht broker had a much cooler job than I did in the oil and gas business!
What do you consider to be your most significant accomplishment in your career? Growing N &J and working with the top people in the industry. Our team is incredible and it is an honor to work with them.
If you could choose one location for your next travel adventure, where would you go and why? I just summited Kilimanjaro with our son Matthew…that was pretty amazing. My next adventure would be diving with whale sharks in Djibouti.
What is your favorite part of your job? Client satisfaction, team member satisfaction, being on the water. Who has influenced you the most? Joe Bartram was wonderful influence on me.
What is the most effective daily habit you possess? Waking up!
What advice do you have for the next generation? This business is not a marathon, not a sprint! There are incredible highs and very tough lows…it is an all-consuming business, so make sure you enjoy it and practice the Golden Rule.
What do you see are upcoming trends in the industry? Increasing the level of client satisfaction. Yachting is a cottage industry, partially because it is so customized. We continually work to improve our client’s experience and make it as simple an enjoyable as possible.
How do you manage life balance? No such thing
Where are you the happiest? On our boat with my wife Mariette.
What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve gotten?
May, 1994: YOU SHOULD MARRY THIS GIRL! (Thank you Bill)!