Wards Way Podcast

Season 5, Episode 1: Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Bahia Mar developer Jimmy Tate. They trace a 12-year journey to reshape Bahia Mar with the boat show at the center, turning scattered logistics into a master-planned, outdoor, waterfront experience. Tate shares how partnerships, patience, and clear design choices will elevate the marina, the city, and the people who rely on both. • Why Bahia...

Quiet innovation is revolutionizing the world of sport fishing boats, and Reese Fullerton of Canyon Marine Solutions is at the forefront of this transformation. Recorded live at the 22nd Annual Carolina Boat Builder Foundation Tournament in Manteo, North Carolina, this enlightening conversation reveals how cutting-edge marine bearing technology is enhancing performance across multiple industries....

There's a hidden gem on the Outer Banks of North Carolina that the world's most discerning boat owners have discovered - Wanchese, the quiet epicenter of custom sportfish boat building. When Michael Jordan wants a tournament-ready fishing machine, this is where he comes. But why? We're broadcasting live from the 22nd Annual Carolina Boat Builder Foundation Tournament in Manteo with...

The salty air of Manteo, North Carolina, sets the perfect backdrop for our Season 4 opener at the 22nd Annual Carolina Boat Builder Foundation Tournament. As we mark 75 years of boat-building excellence, this episode captures the essence of what makes the Outer Banks fishing community truly special. Our conversation with Justin Bateman, host of the Outer Banks This Week podcast, reveals how local...

From selling electrical breakers to sailing the seas on a luxurious Spencer Yacht - this captivating conversation reveals how passion, perseverance, and family bonds create a lifetime of maritime adventures. Recorded live at the 22nd Annual Carolina Boat Builder Foundation Tournament in Manteo, North Carolina, this Season 4 premiere introduces us to a remarkable grandfather-grandson duo whose stor...

The spirit of Carolina boat building comes alive as we broadcast from the heart of Manteo during the 22nd Annual Carolina Boat Builder Foundation Tournament. Joining us are Rebecca Spencer and Lisa Howell, two women with unique perspectives on the Outer Banks maritime community through their connections to prominent boat building families. Our conversation reveals the excitement surrounding the up...

Have you ever wondered what makes a tight-knit community of competitors work together seamlessly? From the docks of Manteo, North Carolina, comes a rare glimpse into the world of custom boat building, where family traditions, craftsmanship, and community spirit create something truly special. Bow Meekins of Blackwell Boatworks joins us against the backdrop of the 22nd Annual Carolina Boat Builder...

Standing on the docks of Manteo, North Carolina, surrounded by gleaming boats and generations of craftsmanship, we witness something extraordinary happening at the 22nd Annual Carolina Boat Builder Foundation Tournament. This isn't just about fishing competitions and prizes – it's about how a community comes together to build pathways for its young people. The tournament's impact ex...

The deep-rooted tradition of Carolina boat building comes alive in this special on-location episode from Manteo, North Carolina. Host Kristina Hebert sits down with John Bayliss, founder and chairman of the Carolina Boat Builder Foundation Tournament, now in its 22nd year, to uncover the remarkable story of how tragedy sparked a community legacy. What began as an impromptu fundraiser for the child...

Dive into the fascinating world of Foreign Trade Zones with Michelle Terorotua, Director of Marine and Aviation at Compass Logistics and Marine, as she reveals how these specialized marinas revolutionized South Florida's yacht industry. South Florida pioneered the concept of Foreign Trade Zone marinas about seven years ago, creating a game-changing solution for luxury yacht sales. These zones...

The complex world of maritime immigration can be challenging for even the most experienced captains and crew. In this illuminating conversation, Kristina Hebert sits down with Debora Radtke, President and Owner of American Yacht Agents, to demystify the often misunderstood B-1/B2 visa process for yacht crew entering U.S. waters. Drawing from over 25 years of maritime experience, Radtke offers crys...

"Chaos creates opportunity," says maritime attorney Michelle Otero Valdes in this eye-opening conversation about how shifting tariffs are transforming yacht ownership. While many view changing regulations with dread, Michelle reveals why American yacht owners may actually benefit from these developments. We dive deep into the practical reality of today's maritime landscape, explorin...

The untapped potential sitting on laboratory shelves across South Florida could revolutionize how we protect our oceans while creating jobs and economic growth. Katie O'Fallon, Executive Director of the Marine Research Hub, reveals how this nonprofit is transforming research-based solutions into marketable products that address critical marine and coastal challenges. Founded when marine indus...

Step aboard the fascinating world of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with our exclusive conversation featuring Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows for Informa. Having started with boat shows in May 1982, Doole shares four decades of insider perspective on how this marine spectacle has evolved from modest beginnings to its current status as a global maritime powerhouse. The scale o...

Navigating the treacherous waters of marine insurance shouldn't require a law degree, yet many business owners find themselves caught in a regulatory storm with potentially devastating financial consequences. In this eye-opening conversation, Kristina Hebert sits down with Ian Greenway, president of LIG Marine Managers, to demystify the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHW...

The podcast dives deep into visa regulations affecting the international yachting community, addressing common misconceptions about B1/B2 visas, crew rotations, and employment transitions. Patience Cohn, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida's industry liaison for 19 years, shares insider knowledge on navigating immigration requirements while keeping vessels fully operational. Sh...

The battle between progress and preservation takes center stage as Phil Purcell, president and CEO of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, tackles one of the region's most pressing infrastructure challenges. This eye-opening discussion reveals how Fort Lauderdale's $18.5 billion marine industry and its 120,000+ jobs hang in the balance as decisions about railway bridges, t...

Ready to become a safer boater while having a great time on the water? Join us as we chat with Aaron Stasiak, the mastermind behind the viral sensation "The Qualified Captain." Aaron's hilarious and insightful take on boating mishaps at a North Carolina marina quickly gained traction, turning his passion project into a collaboration with Sea Tow. With new boat ownership booming duri...

Ever wonder how a dock girl from Nantucket could transform into a yacht chef in Fort Lauderdale? Our episode is a captivating journey through unexpected career paths and the resilience of the marine industry. We’re joined by a guest who shares how a spontaneous decision led to a flourishing career on the high seas, navigating culinary challenges and the storms of life—quite literally. As Hurricane...

Unlock the secrets behind the transformative power of bipartisan collaboration in the marine industry! Join us at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where we engage in a richly rewarding conversation with Kitty McGowan, president of NautiCom Communications and the US Superyacht Association. From our nostalgia to our current advocacy efforts in Washington, witness how our shared passion r...

Join us for a captivating episode featuring Jim Archard, the dynamic sales director at Wards, who has witnessed firsthand the remarkable journey of the company over four decades. From his start as the youngest member of the team in 1984 to his influential role in Wards' expansion, Jim shares a treasure trove of insights into the company's transformative partnerships and technological evo...

Imagine accidentally spilling champagne on a guest at a prestigious event and turning that mishap into a lesson in resilience and positivity. Join us as we sit down with Juan Barcenas, the dynamic president and CEO of Royal Marine Electric, at the famed Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. We uncover Juan's incredible journey from a Venezuelan electrical engineer in the oil and gas industry to a leader...

Prepare yourself for an enlightening exploration with Duncan Smith, our knowledgeable Washington representative for the marine industries, as we dissect the intricate dance between the political sphere and the marine industry. With the upcoming election on the horizon, we unravel the complexities of a deeply polarized political landscape and its reverberations on pivotal legislative sessions. Disc...

Celebrate a milestone with us as we recognize the 65th anniversary of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the 75th anniversary of Wards Marine Electric, featuring the inspiring journey of Dean duToit, president and owner of National Marine Suppliers. Dean uncovers the secrets to his dual success as a business leader and philanthropist, from organizing community-centered events like spi...

What if the yachting industry offered more than just luxurious leisure? Join us for a captivating conversation with Bert Fowles from IGY Marinas and Marine Max, where we unpack the economic powerhouse that is the yachting industry. Celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, we shine a light on how these majestic vessels contribute to tourism, spark local emplo...