20 Years on the Water: A Deeply Personal Reflection
This year marks 20 years since I founded Troyer Yachts, and as I sit down to write this on my own blog, I’m filled with gratitude more than anything else. What began as a small, family-owned brokerage has grown into something I could have never imagined—yet it’s still rooted in the same values I learned growing up in the cornfields of Northwest Ohio.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my wife and partner, Beth Troyer. For 28 years of marriage, Beth has been my rock, my sounding board, and my biggest cheerleader. She has walked every step of this journey with me—through the uncertainty of starting a business, the long days and nights, the relocations, and the joys of building something meaningful. Beth’s strength, grace, and belief in our family and our mission have made everything possible. She is truly the heart of our home and an essential part of the foundation of Troyer Yachts. I am endlessly grateful for her love and partnership every single day.
In addition to my wife, I am eternally grateful for my mother, who has been a listening ear through thick and thin. She has believed in me since I was a young boy and has always supported everything we have built at Troyer Yachts.
From Ohio Roots to the High Seas
I grew up in a small town surrounded by soybeans, dairy farms, and often gray skies. Yachting wasn’t exactly a local career option. My work ethic was shaped early—delivering newspapers on my bike in all weather, packing boxes at the butcher shop, and working at the local pizza place. My grandfather’s journey building Shinabery Farm Equipment from humble beginnings taught me that honest effort and keeping your word matter more than anything.
After years of experience in sales, management, and home construction, I made the leap into yacht sales in Destin, Florida. In 2006, we founded Troyer Yachts, and I became a Licensed Florida Yacht Broker. My first sale was a modest $6–7k boat, but that early success soon led to contracted work with leading brokerage houses, including United Yacht Sales, Ferretti Group, Allied Marine, and Westport Yachts.
In 2023, we proudly continued forward as a fully independent, boutique firm—Troyer Yachts—fully committed to a client-first philosophy. From day one, our guiding principle has remained simple: treat people right, operate with complete transparency, and build relationships that last.
Weathering Every Storm
The yachting industry has tested us many times. The 2008 financial crisis hit right after we started. The 2010 BP oil spill devastated our Gulf Coast offices and markets. COVID brought more uncertainty. Through it all, we stayed lean, stayed focused, and stayed true to our principles.
As I’ve often said, these trials taught me resilience and that “this too shall pass.” They also thickened our skin and deepened our appreciation for the good times. I’m especially grateful to our loyal clients and team who stuck with us through the tough seasons.
One of the things that keeps me going is watching relationships span generations. I still smile thinking about selling a client their 54’ Hatteras years ago—and now helping their grandson with his first yacht purchase. That kind of continuity means everything to me.
Celebrating Recent Successes
2025 was an outstanding year, and I’m proud of what our team has accomplished. We closed several significant deals. Over the past four years we closed standout yachts including a Westport new build, a new Ocean Alexander 35P, several Westport 112’s, a Viking 93, and a multitude of incredible yachts. These transactions reflect years of relationship-building, deep market knowledge, and a commitment to doing what’s truly best for our clients—even when it isn’t the easiest path financially for us.
What Matters Most: Family, Team, and Clients
Beth and I are blessed with our children, Hayden and Lily. We work hard to balance the demands of the business with family time, often stealing moments away from South Florida and jetting to South Holston Lake in Southwest Virginia. Family is my proudest achievement.
I’m also deeply thankful for our dedicated team and for the clients who have become true friends. Their trust is the greatest honor. In an industry that can sometimes feel transactional, we’ve always aimed to be straight-shooters—guides, consultants, and advocates who put your interests first.
To anyone considering their first (or next) superyacht, my advice remains the same: find someone you can trust completely. The right advisor makes all the difference in your entire yachting journey.
Looking Forward with Gratitude
Twenty years in, I still feel a sense of disbelief and excitement about what’s ahead. We plan to grow our brokerage team while continuing to fight for a stronger U.S. superyacht industry. Quality, seaworthiness, and reliable systems matter far more than fleeting trends.
Most of all, I’m grateful. Grateful to Beth for her endless love and support. Grateful to our children, our team, our clients, and everyone who has believed in us. Grateful to have turned a dream into a 20-year journey filled with meaningful work and wonderful people.
Here’s to the next chapter—navigating with integrity, building lifelong relationships, and helping more families create memories on the water.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
With sincere appreciation,
Andrew Troyer
Troyer Yachts
For a confidential conversation or to request my guide “10 Pitfalls of Yacht Ownership,” feel free to reach out:
Phone: +1 (954) 732-0339
Email: Andrew.Troyer@TroyerYachts.com
www.troyeryachts.com
Yachting should be fun—and with the right trusted partner, it’s even better.
