Meet the Team
At The Helm Training

Meet John, our CEO and Co-Founder! During the 40 years of his boating industry career, John started as a mate on a yacht graduating to 8 issues of USCG Master Licenses. The first issue was in 1980. He has logged sea time of hundreds of thousands of miles on the sea, intercostal and inland rivers in the USA and internationally. This has been on yachts and sport fishing boats from 70ft to 120ft.
John has been involved with almost every aspect of the yachting industry throughout his yachting career including; “A Yacht Management Co” which managed larger yachts, “Lima yacht Sales” a yacht brokerage company, and “Broadbill Enterprises” whose primary role is a service company for yacht projects.Through a myriad of experiences in the industry over 40 years, John realized the glaring need for “At The Helm Training” was undeniable.
With a deeply rooted enthusiasm to create a safer boating environment for everyone, the copywritten approved training course is designed for boat owners to familiarize themselves with their boat systems and operations. John has always thought his role in the industry was one of education, to both him and his clients. He has always viewed his career as his passion.
An interventional cardiologist for 35 years, Gary has the experience afforded through years of his own private practice in cardiology, as well as numerous organizational, leadership and university affiliated professorships. He has been honored with election to the status of ‘Fellow’ by both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Cardiology. His passion for safety and quality has placed him as a leader and innovator in the delivery of health care. He previously authored a recurring newspaper column combining nautical and cardiology concepts to educate readers and make both disciplines fun and understandable. A 2017 MBA graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gary brings a lifelong love affair with boating and an entrepreneurial spirit to his position as Quality Control Officer with At the Helm Training.

Meet Gary, our head of Quality Control and Co-Founder! An interventional cardiologist for 35 years, Gary has the experience afforded through years of his own private practice in cardiology, as well as numerous organizational, leadership and university affiliated professorships.
He has been honored with election to the status of ‘Fellow’ by both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Cardiology. His passion for safety and quality has placed him as a leader and innovator in the delivery of health care.
He previously authored a recurring newspaper column combining nautical and cardiology concepts to educate readers and make both disciplines fun and understandable. A 2017 MBA graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gary brings a lifelong love affair with boating and an entrepreneurial spirit to his position as Quality Control Officer with At the Helm Training.
An interventional cardiologist for 35 years, Gary has the experience afforded through years of his own private practice in cardiology, as well as numerous organizational, leadership and university affiliated professorships. He has been honored with election to the status of ‘Fellow’ by both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Cardiology. His passion for safety and quality has placed him as a leader and innovator in the delivery of health care. He previously authored a recurring newspaper column combining nautical and cardiology concepts to educate readers and make both disciplines fun and understandable. A 2017 MBA graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gary brings a lifelong love affair with boating and an entrepreneurial spirit to his position as Quality Control Officer with At the Helm Training.
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Meet Nancy, our Operations Manager! Nancy is a boating enthusiast with a lifelong passion for the water. Whether it’s the thrill of racing sailboats on Lake Michigan or cruising to the serene Bahamian waters, she has numerous unforgettable moments with her family exploring the waters.
While residing in Fort Lauderdale, Nancy had the pleasure of owning a successful yacht charter company with her husband, enabling her to share her experiences with others.
In the present day, Nancy connects with like-minded boaters to advocate for safe boating practices, ensuring that boaters acquire the necessary skills for a secure and enjoyable time on the water while embracing the boating lifestyle responsibly.
An interventional cardiologist for 35 years, Gary has the experience afforded through years of his own private practice in cardiology, as well as numerous organizational, leadership and university affiliated professorships. He has been honored with election to the status of ‘Fellow’ by both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Cardiology. His passion for safety and quality has placed him as a leader and innovator in the delivery of health care. He previously authored a recurring newspaper column combining nautical and cardiology concepts to educate readers and make both disciplines fun and understandable. A 2017 MBA graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gary brings a lifelong love affair with boating and an entrepreneurial spirit to his position as Quality Control Officer with At the Helm Training.
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Meet Sophia, our Marketing and Media Manager, a recent graduate of Florida State University in Marketing and Business Analytics. Go Noles!
Hailing from Stuart, FL, her love for boating and the ocean started at a young age. Sophia's most cherished memories are her family's boat trips to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas.
Sophia's favorite hobbies include fishing, cruising, dancing, playing piano, watching sports, and adventuring with her dog!
An interventional cardiologist for 35 years, Gary has the experience afforded through years of his own private practice in cardiology, as well as numerous organizational, leadership and university affiliated professorships. He has been honored with election to the status of ‘Fellow’ by both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Cardiology. His passion for safety and quality has placed him as a leader and innovator in the delivery of health care. He previously authored a recurring newspaper column combining nautical and cardiology concepts to educate readers and make both disciplines fun and understandable. A 2017 MBA graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gary brings a lifelong love affair with boating and an entrepreneurial spirit to his position as Quality Control Officer with At the Helm Training.
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Bio Coming Soon!
An interventional cardiologist for 35 years, Gary has the experience afforded through years of his own private practice in cardiology, as well as numerous organizational, leadership and university affiliated professorships. He has been honored with election to the status of ‘Fellow’ by both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Cardiology. His passion for safety and quality has placed him as a leader and innovator in the delivery of health care. He previously authored a recurring newspaper column combining nautical and cardiology concepts to educate readers and make both disciplines fun and understandable. A 2017 MBA graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gary brings a lifelong love affair with boating and an entrepreneurial spirit to his position as Quality Control Officer with At the Helm Training.
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Meet Dexter, our boat safety patrol officer! From sniffing out the latest nautical trends to guarding the helm, our office dog makes every day brighter!
An interventional cardiologist for 35 years, Gary has the experience afforded through years of his own private practice in cardiology, as well as numerous organizational, leadership and university affiliated professorships. He has been honored with election to the status of ‘Fellow’ by both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Cardiology. His passion for safety and quality has placed him as a leader and innovator in the delivery of health care. He previously authored a recurring newspaper column combining nautical and cardiology concepts to educate readers and make both disciplines fun and understandable. A 2017 MBA graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gary brings a lifelong love affair with boating and an entrepreneurial spirit to his position as Quality Control Officer with At the Helm Training.
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Bio coming soon!
An interventional cardiologist for 35 years, Gary has the experience afforded through years of his own private practice in cardiology, as well as numerous organizational, leadership and university affiliated professorships. He has been honored with election to the status of ‘Fellow’ by both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Cardiology. His passion for safety and quality has placed him as a leader and innovator in the delivery of health care. He previously authored a recurring newspaper column combining nautical and cardiology concepts to educate readers and make both disciplines fun and understandable. A 2017 MBA graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gary brings a lifelong love affair with boating and an entrepreneurial spirit to his position as Quality Control Officer with At the Helm Training.
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Meet Captain Meara Saloio, our head of Florida East Coast Captain Operations! Meara is a seasoned professional with over two decades in the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors, discovered her true passion on the water. Hailing from Massachusetts, her love for the ocean blossomed during summers spent on Cape Cod and the Islands. From Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket and even The Bahamas, she's cruised some of the most beautiful waters.
Trading her medical career for the sea, Meara earned her 100 ton Master Captain's license and embraced a new journey. Teaching safety and skills to fellow mariners has become her true calling, enriching the boating community.
A Bachelor of Science graduate from the University of San Francisco, Meara now resides in Palm Beach County with her husband Mark, a retired Massachusetts police chief and current law enforcement executive officer in Florida, along with their furry four-legged companions.
Meara's pursuits extend beyond the sea. An avid sea glass collector, she hunts for treasures on beaches with her dogs. When land calls, Meara enjoys cooking, creating recipes, and cherishing family time.
An interventional cardiologist for 35 years, Gary has the experience afforded through years of his own private practice in cardiology, as well as numerous organizational, leadership and university affiliated professorships. He has been honored with election to the status of ‘Fellow’ by both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Cardiology. His passion for safety and quality has placed him as a leader and innovator in the delivery of health care. He previously authored a recurring newspaper column combining nautical and cardiology concepts to educate readers and make both disciplines fun and understandable. A 2017 MBA graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gary brings a lifelong love affair with boating and an entrepreneurial spirit to his position as Quality Control Officer with At the Helm Training.

Meet Captain Doug, the driving force behind our Florida West Coast Captain Operations! Doug brings a wealth of maritime expertise to our team. His roots trace back to the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay, where he cultivated his deep love for the water.
Doug wears multiple hats, serving as a delivery and training captain for At the Helm Training. Notably, he's a certified instructor with the National Safe Boating Council and even holds a license as a yacht broker.
Precision is Doug's hallmark. His keen attention to detail ensures both vessel and student safety, along with heightened operational confidence. With a remarkable three decades of water experience spanning the mid-Atlantic, Maryland, New Jersey, and the Gulf Coast, Doug has honed an exceptional awareness of diverse conditions – a precious asset for teaching powerboat enthusiasts.
Doug indulges in fishing, scuba diving, sporting clays, and quality family time on the water. From Tampa Bay to the scenic Florida Keys, his connection to the water is both his profession and his joy.
An interventional cardiologist for 35 years, Gary has the experience afforded through years of his own private practice in cardiology, as well as numerous organizational, leadership and university affiliated professorships. He has been honored with election to the status of ‘Fellow’ by both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Cardiology. His passion for safety and quality has placed him as a leader and innovator in the delivery of health care. He previously authored a recurring newspaper column combining nautical and cardiology concepts to educate readers and make both disciplines fun and understandable. A 2017 MBA graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gary brings a lifelong love affair with boating and an entrepreneurial spirit to his position as Quality Control Officer with At the Helm Training.
Andy Robertson - Charleston, SC
Ben Madden - Stuart, FL
Bob Witzler - Apollo Beach, FL
Brian Koontz - Vero Beach, FL
Charles Turner - Naples, FL
Charlie McLaughlin - Stuart, FL/ Atlantic City, NJ
Chris Boland - Key Largo, FL
Clifton Prat - Bradenton, FL/ Tampa FL
Colleen Wilson - Martha's Vineyard, MA
Craig Allain - Melbourne, FL
Craig Babb - East Coast Voyages
Darrin Trapani - Pensacola, FL
Debora Rosenn - Miami, FL
Don Hannon - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Natalie Hannon - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Doug Caldwell - Apollo Beach, FL
Fernando Mello - Deerfield Beach, FL
Grant Burger - Fort Lauderdale, FL/ Miami, FL
Gregory Calley - New Smyrna Beach, FL
Jacob Kelley - Jupiter, FL
Jim Hill - Stuart, FL/ CT (Summer)
Jimmy Castengera - North Palm Beach, FL
John "Chip" Clark - Palm Coast, FL
John Ryan - Boston, MA
Justin Longvall - Duxbury, MA/ Boston, MA/ Cape Cod, MA
Kevin Thompson - Jupiter, FL
Laura McInnes - Jacksonville, FL
Louay Hamdan - Stuart, FL
Mike O'Connor - Pensacola, FL/ Orange Beach, AL/ Destin, FL
Mike Panetteri - Charleston, SC
Mike Robertson - St. Petersburg, FL
Nick Linder - Juno Beach, FL
Phil Gauthier - Annapolis, MD
Randy Boatright - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Reese Singleton - Boca Raton, FL/ Delray, FL
Rick Anderau - Port Orange, FL/ Daytona, FL
Rob Clarke - Stuart, FL/ Port St Lucie, FL
Ron Huibers - Anna Maria, FL
Sam Mason - Jacksonville, FL/ St Simons Island, GA
Scott Sexson - Hilton Head Island, SC
Shane Demmer - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tabitha Bray - Apollo Beach, FL
Todd Bray - Apollo Beach, FL
Tom Tahan - West Palm Beach, FL/NJ (Summer)
Verdes Terblanche - Beaufort, NC/ Miami, FL
Zach Gallagher - Fort Lauderdale, FL/ Seattle, WA