YachtMinder Yacht Brokerage keeps an unassuming office in the Cleo’s Landing building a short walk from the Port of Kingston marina, but its business has an international reach in the hands of James Taylor, owner and broker of record.
With a team of agents in Washington and California, Taylor is able to offer yacht brokerage services for owners and sellers and through his marketing savvy and unimpeded customer service, “find anybody any kind of boat anywhere in the world.” The company is also licensed and bonded in both states.
He likes to work in a $300,000 to $1 million range.
“That’s where personal service really comes into play,” Taylor said. “A buyer or seller wants an agent with expertise – our agents really do know what they’re doing.”
Unique to YachtMinder is its use of the Internet to connect clients instantly to the listing agents via cell phones and e-mail, ensuring the most knowledgeable and current information is available without the time-consuming juggle of sales office hours or multiple buyer/seller agents. Its Web site not only offers sales listings, but also details on how to sell and contact agents directly.
Boats listed are featured on the YachtMinder site and advertised on a number of popular online yacht sale sites including yachtworld.com that provides a yacht brokerage multiple listing service.
His agents, who excel at personal service, Taylor said, can also help buyers find marine lenders, insurance and title transfer companies that specialize in meeting their specific needs.
Taylor, who lives in Kingston with his wife, had worked as a seller agent in California before launching YachtMinder in 2001.
He learned to sail on Lake Michigan 50 years ago and has taught sailing and raced competitively. His background also includes working in the development and production of high-performance sailing yachts, and in yacht maintenance, repair and marine survey.
He said he intends to start selectively recruiting local experienced agents to join his team. “I want to let people know that I’m here for the long haul,” Taylor said.
For more information on YachtMinder, go to www.yachtminder.com or contact James Taylor at (360) 860-1455, james@yachtminder.com.
