Meet The Staff

Christopher DiMillo
President and Founder of DiMillo's Yacht Sales
207-671-3292

Born and raised in Portland, Maine. I have been around the waterfront, in Portland, all of my life. I worked as a dock hand at the marina as a child, crewed on many of my father’s power boats and, of course, worked in his restaurants. I earned a BS in biology from University of Vermont and went on to work in medical equipment sales in Southern California as a young adult, but home was always calling. The opportunity to manage the family marina came up, and I moved back east in 1995. I worked to create DiMillo’s into a cruising destination for yachts of all sizes and at the same time noticed the void of a higher end brokerage in Portland. I established a brokerage in 1997, quickly diversified into new boat sales, and today we offer the full package with a complete service department as well. While we have represented a few other brands in the past, we are happy to have focused on two of the leading brands in the business–Sabre Yachts and Back Cove Yachts. Both offer cutting edge design and technology, and fit nicely into the customers we serve. We are proud to have been their largest dealer in the country for several years running. I am actively involved in the sales and service process, and enjoy the best staff in the business in Portland, Freeport and Glen Cove, NY.

I enjoy boating with my family from Montauk, New York to Bar Harbor, Maine, skiing at Sugarloaf in the winter, and yes, working too much. I love my job and enjoy all of the people I have met through work and cruising.

Mark Caron
General Manager of Marina & Yacht Sales
207-773-7632 x 244

I was born in Portland, Maine, and have lived in the Greater Portland area my whole life. I received a BS in Business Administration from the University of Southern Maine and after working for a couple years with a large national insurance company, I founded Lake Region Insurance Agency which was an independent Property & Casualty insurance agency. I served as President until 2005 when we were purchased by another agency. After continuing my career for a few more years in the commercial insurance field, I decided it was time for a change and accepted the position of General Manager at DiMillo’s. Although my experience in the boating industry has been limited to recreational boating, I wanted to apply the business knowledge I’ve gained over the years to something new and exciting. I love the fast paced environment that is the boating industry in Maine and I get to work with a very talented and dedicated staff. Nothing beats coming to work every day at our office in the heart of the Portland waterfront.

Outside of work, you’re likely to find me hanging out, with my wife and daughter, at the family camp during the summer, skiing in the winter, and sneaking off to the golf course whenever I get the chance.

Peter J Ouellette
Yacht Broker
207-318-0626

Born and raised in a small town called Caribou, in the tip-top of northern Maine. The famed Aroostook County (“The County” as they say) was home for my first 18 years where my first job came at the age 8, picking potatoes for local farmers during Harvest. At age 18, I packed my bags, moved away from home and settled in Portland, Maine. My career started shortly after working with a local start-up beverage company, Fresh Samantha. This opportunity allowed me to work in several areas of the Sales Business and opened the door to live & work in great cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC. In the fall of 2001 while still living in Maryland, I was introduced to Chris DiMillo, we clicked and Chris hired me as his first Yacht Broker. Over the years, I have been striving to exceed the expectations of the clients. My passion for the business shows through each sale and I enjoy every aspect of the process. Through the years, I have been awarded with several Sales Achievements from boat manufacturers we represent.

When I am not working, I enjoy summer on the water buzzing around Casco Bay with my family. We are crazy Red Sox fans, the game is always on at our house. In the winter, you will probably find me up in the North Maine Woods where I love to be, exploring the land, winter camping and riding my snowmobile. Even though I grew up 300 miles away from the ocean, I have grown to love and appreciate what she has to offer. It has been a wonderful career and it affords me to meet all kinds of great people, many of which I have been fortunate enough to become friends with. I consider myself lucky.

Dave Tischer
Yacht Broker
516-668-1055

Growing up on Hempstead Harbor on the north shore of Long Island, I have been boating on the Long Island Sound since childhood. I had gone into the retail clothing business when a customer asked me to work at a boat show, and that was it. Since then, I have been selling boats for 30 plus years representing various dealers and manufacturers. That’s alotta boats folks! Good times with great people!  I have been with DiMillo’s Yacht Sales for almost six years working with a great sales team. On my down time I enjoy fishing and cruising with friends.

Scott MacLean
Yacht Broker
207-318-0627

Born and raised in Atkinson, NH, my love for boating started on Lake Winnipesaukee exploring the islands and waterskiing every chance I could. At a very young age, I decided to build a skiff for myself and launch it on a local pond near home. Subsequently, it broke apart and sank in shallow water and my dream of being a boat builder quickly ended… It was then that I decided to follow a different path for my future so soon after attending New Hampshire College, I was hired by American Express. I happily worked in finance for the next 7 years, gaining recognition and earning awards in a profession I “loved”.

It wasn’t until 2002, after I met Chris DiMillo through a mutual friend and was asked to “join the team” to help grow an already wildly successful organization what it meant to really “love” my job. From my co-workers to the people I meet on a daily bases in the “yachting community” as well as the ports I travel to regularly, I could not be happier than where I am working today.

When I’m not in the office or down on the docks helping clients with their new purchase, you will often find me on Casco Bay with friends, family, and my girlfriend Amee. In addition to boating, I spend many winter days on the slopes at Sunday River or Sugarloaf and I always have my golf clubs in the car.

Jim McAuliffe
Yacht Broker
207-252-2737

I am the Broker at our Freeport, Maine location and specialize in Sabre Yachts, Back Cove Yachts, and a variety of brokerage boats. I was born in Vermont and raised in New Hampshire. I enjoyed many summers at our vacation home in East Boothbay Harbor, Maine. My love of sailing and powerboats originated there. In 1997 I relocated to Portland, Maine to be closer to the water and other activities. I had imagined a position in sales where I could spend more time active and outdoors. In 2006 I left my career as a surgical sales representative, and gladly accepted a position as a yacht broker with Dimillo’s Yacht Sales. I used to spend my days in an Operating room. Now I spend my days with my clients outside and on the water. I am particularly passionate about all things motorized, and utilize this to help my clients discover the right boat outfitted for their specific needs. I live in nearby Cap Elizabeth with my wife Amy and two Children Benjamin 3 and Katy 5 Months.

Hilary Pesarik
Sales & Marketing
207-773-7632 x 290

After growing up in Connecticut and then receiving my BA in Music from the State University of New York, I thought long and hard about what my next move should be; Maine (isn’t that the move most people would make to start their life?). I moved to Rockland, Maine, where I began my career in the boating industry at Back Cove Yachts. Originally hired as the sales assistant, I was soon brought down to their sister company, Sabre Yachts, to learn the role of Sales Coordinator for Back Cove Yachts. As Sales Coordinator, I traveled all over the country supporting the Back Cove dealer network and attending more boat shows than I can count. Through the midst of all of this, I met my husband, and decided it was time to settle down which is what brought me back to DiMillo’s Yacht Sales. I joined the team at DiMillo’s in 2008 and my co-workers refer to me the “Office Mom.” I have dabbled in all of the aspects of DiMillo’s Yacht Sales from service to accounting, but my favorite role would have to be on the sales and marketing end. Not only do I get to be creative, but I have the opportunity to work directly with our customers throughout the sales process and ensure it is an exciting and positive experience for everyone involved.

When I am not focused on our customer’s boats or any type of organizational project, I am fortunate enough to cruise the Maine Coast with my husband, son & two dogs. My husband claims that I, like many of our customers, suffer from two-footitis and have to get a new boat every few years. In addition to boating, I love to garden at our home in South Freeport.

Karen Freda
Office Manager
516-623-6256

Having grown up by the Great South Bay of Long Island I bet you thought I was going to tell you all of my sailing and boating experience throughout my life.  Well, no.  My whole life’s passion was and is with horses. I made my avocation into a vocation.  I worked in various positions in the equine industry the last being in international shipping.  I did that for 21 years, first for an English outfit and then for a French company.  It was a very rewarding and exciting job especially with the racing thoroughbreds. Once I decided to leave shipping, I was fortunate enough to meet Chris and become employed by DiMillo’s Yacht Sales. I have been with DiMillo’s for five years  managing the office in Glen Cove, NY and have learned a thing or two about boats besides fore and aft. Only kidding! (I do own a Grady White).

Amanda St. Peter
Yacht Sales & Marina Account Administration
207-773-7632 x 248

Born and raised in Portland, Maine, I have always loved being by the ocean. I attended Portland High, Quinnipiac University and the University of Southern Maine where I graduated with a degree in Business Administration concentrating on Sports Management. I grew up playing and teaching tennis for St. Peter’s Grand Slam Tennis and was the Head Coach for 5 years of both boys & girls tennis as well as competition cheerleading at Portland High.

While I am new to the DiMillo’s Marina and Yacht Sales offices, I have worked for the DiMillo Family’s Restaurant since 1998. I have also spent time managing a music & events venue and working for a national marketing & promotions company. Trading in a cubicle for the chance to work with a view of the water every day was an easy decision! I am excited to learn more about the world of boating from the great group of staff and customers here.

During the off-season you can find me on the basketball court sidelines as the Game Day Promotions Manager for the Maine Red Claws. I also love to travel, attend sporting events, dine out and spend time with family and friends.

Eli Bliss
Service Manager - Maine
207-710-3031

I started sailing before I could walk on my grandfather’s 32 foot wooden schooner in Port Clyde, Maine. Following my love of boats and the sea, I moved to the Caribbean to find adventure and bigger boats. After being a deck hand as well as a first mate, I decided it was time to upgrade. I acquired my 100 ton captain’s license and have since captained both sail and power boats all over the world. After much adventure on the open seas, I came to DiMillo’s looking to settle down where it all began. With my hands on experience, I understand what it takes to make a good boating experience a great one. I am also proud to be the owner of Lulu Ohler Bliss, our yard dog.

Dan Loring
Service Manager - New York
631-793-7786

Raised on the east end of Long Island, I grew up fishing and clamming on the north shore in Peconic and Shinnecock Bays.  In high school, I started my career at a local marine supply store.  After receiving my associates degree of applied science in 97′, I began working for a manufacturer of innovative and sometimes experimental marine electronics.  That really began my career in the marine world.  Since then, I have been fortunate to have traveled extensively throughout the U.S. installing and servicing high end marine electronics on all manners of vessels from small fishing boats to large commercial and private yachts, and have learned what is important to the individuals in charge of operating them.  I came to DiMillo’s Yacht Sales in March of 2011,  looking to expand my own skill set and offer their clients my knowledge and experience.  Now, I enjoy working with our clients to make their new toy unique and cooler than the rest.

Whenever possible I enjoy fishing the bays and canyons off Long Island with friends(on their boats!), and visiting my family in Virginia is always time well spent.

Rick Bissonnette
Service Technician

I grew up in northern NH and joined the army after high school. Following the army, I worked in ski shops and restaurants for several years then moved to Portland, Maine, to be an urchin tender in 1997. In 1998, I started begin my career with the DiMillo’s family part-time in the restaurant, but a year later I was recruited to work in DiMillo’s Marina and then DiMillo’s Yacht Sales. Chris DiMillo knew he would soon need a service department for his growing business and sent me to the Landing School to learn boat repair. Since 2003, I have been working as a mechanic and I specialize in the commissioning and repairs of both Back Cove’s and Sabre’s. One of the aspects that I enjoy about my job most is meeting new customers and working together with our returning customers. I look forward to many more years of providing customers with fun on the water.

I live in Gorham, Maine, with my wife, Abby, and our three young daughters. We enjoy rock collecting, gardening, being outside together and fishing the local rivers and streams.

Jason Brunet
Service Technician

Straight out of high school I began working for DiMillo’s Yacht Sales as a detailer. Four years into the profession, I’ve become a Service Technician learning everything I can from electrical to fiberglass. Here at DiMillo’s, I’ve grown very close to my colleagues and our clients. Working of the water has become an everyday routine for me, and I would not have it any other way.

Outside of work I spend time with family and friends. As an ex-gymnast of 8 years, I still enjoy the gym, but I would not pass up a day in the garage customizing.

Ron Blanchette
Service Technician

I grew up in the Lewiston/Auburn area which is located in central Maine. After graduating from high school, I continued my education and received a certificate in Electromechanical Technology. In 1998, decided that I wanted a new career and received a job at Sabre Yachts. I worked for Sabre Yachts until 2005 where I gained the experience as a gel coat repair technician, mechanic and electrician. Following Sabre, I worked at Hamlin’s Marine as a service technician which gave me the opportunity to work on smaller gas boats and broaden my marine knowledge. I started my career at DiMillo’s Yacht Sales as a subcontractor in 2003. In 2006, I joined the DiMillo’s team and have been utilizing the skills that I have learned over the years. I am always looking forward to the next challenge that comes my way.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my two children that love to go boating as much as I do. I also enjoy water skiing, snowmobiling, and hockey.