Meet Steve Fithian
President, Classic Yachts International
Toll Free: (877) 527-2778
Phone: (954) 921-1330
Cell: (954) 383-1999

I have been in the marine industry for the past 36 years. Most of my early years were spent racing small sailboats, working in the boat dealership, selling sailboat hardware and doing rigging work. Those younger years were so intriguing, that I got to thinking about making a career of it. Initially starting in the sailboat industry, from small boats I gradually moved larger and larger.

I moved to Florida, in 1988, where the business was year-round and the waters were a gorgeous turquoise. I became the Vice President and General Manager of Eastern Yacht Sales, which was to develop into the largest sailboat dealer in the U.S. The Eastern Yacht Sales offices were in West Palm Beach & Miami and sold Catalina, Morgan, Freedom, J Boats, Island Packet, Sabre Yachts, Tartan and many other smaller sailboat lines.

As time went on, Eastern took on powerboats like the Sabreline 36 fast trawler and Cape Dory down-east cruisers. After 6 years in Florida, I knew that Ft. Lauderdale (often referred to as the yachting capital of the world) was the next stepping-stone in my career path. I searched for a company that had the need for someone with my extensive new boat sales background and very strong work ethic.

I chose Hal Jones & Co. because I saw an opportunity and a need for somebody with my knowledge, energy and enthusiasm for selling all series of new and used Grand Banks Yachts. I came to work at Hal Jones & Co. in 1995 and became Vice President of Sales. I continually helped Hal Jones & Co. exceed their expectations in sales for both new and used Grand Banks Yachts: Heritage Series, Eastbay Series and Aleutian Series, achieving numerous sales achievement awards from Grand Banks (from 2001 to 2006). I received the Top Worldwide Grand Banks Salesperson award for selling the most new and used Grand Banks Yachts in their entire Worldwide Dealer Network for 2003, 2005 and 2006.

With my clients’ specific needs in mind, I have semi-custom built over 30 new Grand Banks Yachts, including 5 of the Grand Banks Aleutian Series since its inception five years ago. Also, I have sold more than 100 pre-owned Grand Banks Yachts during my tenure at Hal Jones & Co. In addition, I have visited both of the Grand Banks factories, located in Singapore and Malaysia, many times since 1995 including five trips since the beginning of 2005.

When the opportunity came in the Fall of 2007, we started Classic Yachts International and continued as the authorized Grand Banks Dealer for Florida’s East Coast. I’m very excited about the opportunities this new company has opened up and achieving even greater success as Classic Yachts International.

As a result of my experiences, I have developed very close working relationships with all of the key people at Grand Banks Yachts and have a clear understanding of every detail, from development & construction to commissioning & delivery of every Grand Banks yacht product that I represent.

I currently live in western Ft. Lauderdale with my wife Lisa, and two children, Stephen, Jr. 17 and Sara 15.