Wards Way Podcast

Celebrating 75 years of Wards Way, we take you on a journey through time, starting with childhood adventures by the train tracks and leading to the thriving family business we are today. Through personal tales, discover how "Wardy" became a part of our story and learn about the family dynamics that shape our company, including the challenges of carving out a unique identity within a fami...

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of dedication and camaraderie as we chat with Julie Roglyn, a cornerstone of Wards Marine Electric's team for nearly four decades. Julie shares the inspiring journey that began with a simple newspaper ad and blossomed into a cherished career filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Through Julie's eyes, we relive the evolution of Ward&...

Trudy Eshelman, our beloved CFO and my mother, takes us on a captivating journey through her transformative career with Wards Marine Electric. From her beginnings in the mid-80s as she shifted from teaching to part-time accounting, Trudy recounts her pivotal role in the company's evolution from general ledger books to computerization. Her insights into the creation of the first company catalo...

What happens when alligators roam the boatyards and hurricanes threaten the future of a business? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Frank and Jimmy's Propeller with Jimmy Harrison, diving into tales of early challenges and triumphs that shaped this staple of the marine industry for nearly 78 years. Learn how they've mastered the art of propeller repair and manufacturing for...

Join us as we welcome Carlos Vidueira from Huizenga Holdings, a pivotal figure in the marine industry, to the Wards Way podcast. Discover Carlos's unique insights into transforming South Florida's yachting scene and his journey alongside Wayne Huizenga Jr. We'll explore their early lobbying efforts, the evolution of Fort Lauderdale into a yachting powerhouse, and the unsung heroes d...

Michael Reardon from Reardon Yacht Consulting takes us on a captivating journey through the maritime industry, beginning with his unexpected shift from upstate New York to Fort Lauderdale, all sparked by a chance encounter with a yachting magazine. His tales from the 1980s as a yacht captain unfold into a narrative of growth and opportunity, underscored by the dynamics of working within family-run...

Ward Eshleman II recounts his pioneering journey that has shaped the "Wards Way" philosophy, commemorating 75 years of excellence in the marine service industry. In this episode of the Wards Way podcast, listeners will learn about maintaining high standards—fundamental principles in Eshelman's career. Ward talks about his important work with the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC...

We invite you to participate in an engaging discussion with Roy Merrit of Merrit Boatyard, a legendary figure in the marine industry. Roy's unique approach to business, one that forgoes traditional marketing methods, has resulted in a loyal customer base that returns repeatedly for the high-quality craftsmanship Merrit boats are known for. From the humble beginnings of a swampy plot in 1948 t...

Join us as we introduce you to John Allen, the mastermind behind Quantum Marine Stabilizers, and uncover his remarkable journey from Newport to the top of the marine technology world. Discover how his unconventional path, driven by the strength of relationships and the art of networking, led to Quantum's place on the world's most prestigious yachts. Explore the company's commitment...

Join us as we bring the captivating world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding to life with the dynamic Jay Reynolds of JP Reynolds Company. Listen to Jay recount the evolution of his family-owned business, from its founding in 1970 to its current state as a leading player in international logistics. With riveting stories of transporting elephants for circuses and handling logistics for hig...

Journey through the vibrant world of Fort Lauderdale's marine industry with our esteemed guest, Jim Naugle. As the former mayor of Fort Lauderdale and the current owner of Lauderdale Boatyard, Jim shares his fascinating stories from his tenure, including navigating the turbulent waters of Hurricane Wilma and advocating for the marine sector's vital role in the city's economy. Listen...

World-renowned yacht influencer Alex Jimenez joins us to share his remarkable journey from adversity to becoming a leading figure in the luxury yachting world. Discover how Alex leveraged the "see it, be it, achieve it" mindset to overcome personal challenges, using Instagram as a springboard to connect with enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. His story is a testament to the tr...