Thayer's Marine Staff
Owner
Rich Thayer
Owner
Name Rich Thayer
Title Owner
Rich has recently taken more of an ownership role here at Thayer's. He is working on many different projects right now for our future expansions. His ideas and leadership have helped to bring Thayer's Marine, Inc. to the forefront of the boating industry. Thayer's Marine, Inc. being his only employment, and the boat business being his only industry, has helped him to grab a much deeper understanding of how to do it right. If you have an issue, chances are, he can find your solution.
Dick Thayer
Founder
Name Dick Thayer
Title Founder
Dick founded Thayer's Marine in 1966 in hopes of creating a family business that would span generations. Over the years, Thayer's Marine has become a mecca in the boating industry, but more importantly, it has become a place people stop by just to say "hello," and have a cup of coffee. Customers have become friends, and then extended family. Dick would be so proud if he could see what his dream has become.
Mary Thayer
Name Mary Thayer
For years, Mary sat next to Dick, behind the desk crunching the numbers. In 2010 Mary left us to visit a much better place (heaven). This beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother will be greatly missed, but her legacy will always live on through her family.
Managers
Dolores Thayer
Book Keeping
Name Dolores Thayer
Title Book Keeping
Dolores, Rich's wife, is our book keeper. She is in charge of the business financials and accounting. She also has been learning more about how to run and work in the store. She realizes the importance of being behind the counter and working on the ground level with our customers. When she isn't in her office or playing with her grand children, you can find her poking around behind the main desk. She enjoys speaking with everyone who comes into the store and is definitely our social butterfly.
Richie Thayer
General Manager
Name Richie Thayer
Title General Manager
Having been deemed "Richie" by friends, family and customers, it helps to differentiate him from his Dad, Rich. With hard work, long hours, and high expectations of his team, Richie has elevated Thayer's Marine up to the forefront of the marine industry. Richie strives to provide the kind of atmosphere that makes everyone feel like they are part of the family, and with his "customer first" attitude, you can be sure to receive 5 star customer service. Richie has never had coffee, loves the Patriots, and building lego creations with his son.
Store
Rachel Thayer-Tarner
Creative Director / Media
Name Rachel Thayer-Tarner
Title Creative Director / Media
Along with her brother Richie, Rachel grew up at Thayer's Marine. She can do just about anything, from changing a water pump, picking sand worms, designing ads and graphics, to writing the bank contact for your new boat. Although Rachel likes to remain behind the scenes and leave Richie to maintain customer relations, she's happy to greet everyone from her desk in the center of the store. Rachel is an avid collector of rare tropical plants and adores her two yorkies, Abe and Alf.
Allison Thayer
Retail / Customer Experience Specialist
Name Allison Thayer
Title Retail / Customer Experience Specialist
Allison, Richie's wife, has been helping behind the scenes for years, but recently left corporate retail to begin her full time journey with us. She is sure to be a unique asset to our team as she has nearly two decades of experience as a retail manager. She is working hard to make improvements to the store as well as assisting with boat deliveries and the overall customer experience.
Jillian Pignataro
Paperwork / Titling
Name Jillian Pignataro
Title Paperwork / Titling
Jillian writes all the paperwork for your boat purchase! She has vast knowledge of titling and registrations in various states, so if you need help getting your new or pre-owned boat registered, Jillian is here to help! As a mother of three and a recent grandmother, Jillian has the patience to work with banks and DMVs to get your problems solved.
Carrie Clapper
Parts
Name Carrie Clapper
Title Parts
Carrie has come over from the service center to take over the parts department. She learns something new everyday and is quickly picking up the never ending in's-and-out's of marine parts! Also keeping in line with our family-centered dynamic, you'll be happy to find that Carrie and Jillian (our office manager), are sisters!
Mario Santaniello
Sales Associate
Name Mario Santaniello
Title Sales Associate
Mario is a bass boat owner and tournament angler - so he knows bass boats and he knows fishing. He's also pretty good with electronics and trouble shooting. Here at Thayer's Marine, Mario doesn't have just one job. He helps new boat owners with a walk-through when they pick up their boat, he'll tour the showroom with you, install a fish finder, or tell you about the best pizza places from CT to MA.
Annie Walker
Digital Inventory
Name Annie Walker
Title Digital Inventory
Annie can be credited for all of the beatiful photos of our inventory that you see on the website. When new boats come in, she is fast to snap pictures and update the inventory on our website. She has also been known to answer some phone calls and help in the store when she can. Always with a smile and laugh at the ready, Annie is a joy to have on our team.
Rich Thayer
Assistant
Name Rich Thayer
Title Assistant
First grader Rich has been at Thayer's Marine since he was just days old. He likes to train in every aspect of the company - from parts to detailing sold boats - Rich has tried his hand at everything. In his free time, Rich enjoys playing with his friends at recess, collecting Mario action figures, and Pokemon cards. If you hear a small tenative voice answer the phone, please be patient and he will eventually get you to someone to help answer your call.
Yoda Thayer
Resident Attention Seeker and Cuddler
Name Yoda Thayer
Title Resident Attention Seeker and Cuddler
Most days you will find Yoda lounging behind Richie and Allison's desk or sitting in Rachel's chair trying to steal lunch. This Portuguese Water Dog is happy to greet everyone who comes in through the front door with a wagging tail. Also acting like he is starved for attention, he will demand pets and belly rubs from all. Just don't walk in through the back door. Those poor souls are met with the bark of a ferel beast... who will then proceed to lick your face off after he determines there is no danger to his family.
Service
Elwin Sherman
Lead Technician
Name Elwin Sherman
Title Lead Technician
Elwin is our lead technician and has been with us for about 17 years. After retiring from the Air Force, he found his way into the marine industry. Elwin is a Certified BRP tech who carries Mercury and Yamaha certifications as well. Elwin's experience and expertise is vital to continuing our "fix it right the first time" mentality. With over 4 decades of engine repair under his belt, Elwin is without a doubt one of the best technicians in New England. If you cannot solve the problem with your boat, we can guarantee that he will. In his free time, Elwin is an avid bass fisherman, self proclaimed food critic, and shark expert.
Paul Morrison
Inboard/Outboard Specialist
Name Paul Morrison
Title Inboard/Outboard Specialist
Paul has many years of marine experience while working in Niantic. He came to us looking for a place that made him feel like family, and well, that was a match made in heaven. Paul is an inboard/outboard specialist and carries with him many years of Mercruiser schooling.
William Gwiazdowski
Technician
Name William Gwiazdowski
Title Technician
William started with us in 2008 while still in high school, and with Elwin's help, has progressed rapidly through his certification process with Evinrude and Mercury. He is also a pro at installing electronics and rigging new boats. Over the past decade, we have seen him grow and develop into a great technician and strong team member. William's hobbies include collecting vintage outboards and other vintage mechanical items. He loves to go boating and test drive all of the old engines he brings back to life.
Vinny Mucci
Electronics/Rigging Specialist
Name Vinny Mucci
Title Electronics/Rigging Specialist
Vinny is a very busy man. On top of rigging new boats, servicing trolling motors, and helping all of you get your electronics issues sorted, he is the President of the CT BASS Federation. He is also an excellent marksman and enjoys designing courses for clay shooting. Amoung the long list of Vinny's tallents and hobbies, one of his favorites is bird dog training... but at the very top is cooking for his wife, Linda.
Steve Brown
Fiberglass Repair
Name Steve Brown
Title Fiberglass Repair
Steve has been with Thayer's Marine for over 10 years and has over 35 years of fiberglass, woodwork, and boat making experience. He's worked with Davis Yachts in North Carolina and Chris Craft Boats as a shipwright. Whether it's a 35' or 16' fiberglass boat Steve can handle the repair in a fast, professional, and precise way. With his expertise and fine eye for detail will get you back on the water safe and fast!
Jeff Green
Technician
Name Jeff Green
Title Technician
Jeff is a very humble 30 year Mercury certified master tech. He is an extremely hard worker and everything he does around the yard is with great care. He enjoys cooking and mountain biking on the weekends.
Connor Perpetua
Tech in Training
Name Connor Perpetua
Title Tech in Training
Fresh out of highschool, Connor has been under Rich's tutilliage for the past couple years. He's a fast learner and is on his way to becomming a marine tech.