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. After working 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. I continued my career in commercial insurance and decided it was time for a change. I accepted the position of General Manager at Dimillo’s Yacht Sales. 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 of the boating industry in Maine, and I get to work with a very talented and dedicated staff. Nothing beats working 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. I 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 Cape Elizabeth with my wife Amy and our two children, Benjamin and Katy.
Scott Kinney
Yacht Broker
207-322-9919
I was raised on the shores of Connecticut’s Long Island Sound and started my passion for boating at a very early age. My first job was at Connecticut’s largest marina doing everything from painting bottoms to delivering boats to clients all over the East Coast. I have piloted boats from Texas to the Caribbean and all the way to Canada. I love to sail, cruise, deep sea fish and generally just be on the water.
With over 30 years in the yacht sales industry, I feel very comfortable selling any make of yacht. Throughout the years, I have worked with a number of exceptional companies including as Hatteras, Bertram, Grand Banks, Bristol Sailboats, Hinckley; and most recently, Back Cove and Sabre. I am very proud to be working with the DiMillo family selling Back Cove, Sabre Yachts and brokerage vessels of various designs and makes. I am excited to be opening our new sales office at Front Street Shipyard in Belfast, Maine. Please feel free to contact me anytime, and I will be happy to help in whatever your boating needs may be. Wishing you fair winds, and all the best.
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.
Brenda Collins
Executive Assistant
207-773-7632 x 313
I was born in Kentucky and found my way to coast of California growing up in Huntington Beach. As I young woman, I made my way to the other coast and have been in Maine ever since.
After over 40 years in the marine industry, I am so excited to be starting a new chapter with the team at DiMillo’s. I recently retired from my role as National Sales Manager at Sabre Yachts after almost 30 years. At Sabre, I was the liaison between Sabre, the dealers and the owners, managing each yacht that went through production. I also assisted with boat shows and customer service. I have always enjoyed the bond that developed with Sabre customers and I look forward to continuing that bond in a different role.
Prior to Sabre, I managed the service department at Danforth for 11 years. My responsibilities were to provide the best customer service to our suppliers and retail clients. I was also a board member of Sail America for two years between 2008 and 2010.
I make my home in Portland, Maine with my husband, Bentley Collins. We have three children and seven grandchildren. During the summer months, you will find us cruising the Maine coast on our Sabre 36 Express, Paper Moon, golfing or gardening.
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).
Michael Kunhardt
Service Manager - Maine
207-841-9998
I was born and raised in Westchester County, NY, and I am the youngest of six kids. My love for Maine begin early on when, the nine of us, (plus three dogs and everyone’s luggage) would stuff into an old Chevy Caprice and make the nine hour car ride to our summer camp on Hancock Point in Maine. Every summer we would spend three blissful months boating around Frenchman and Penobscot Bay. My love for the Maine coast beckoned me and in 1994, we moved to Brunswick where I started a New York style deli with my wife and three young children (Katharine now 13, Gabriel now 16 and Conner now 18). In 2000, we sold the restaurant so that I could pursue the real reason I moved to Maine; boats. After graduating from the Landing School of Boat Building and Design, I worked as a Marine Systems Technician. In 2007, I opened and managed an independent marine service company in Brunswick, but do to some unforeseen circumstances, I closed my business in July of 2012. I met Chris DiMillo in August 2012 and I found that the old saying, “When one door closes, another one opens” is very true! In September, I began my new role at Service Manager, and my dreams continue to be fulfilled; being on the water, working on boats & meeting all of you! When I am not working I can found on the soccer and lacrosse fields watching my kids, skiing at Sugarloaf or exploring the waters of Casco Bay!
Eli Bliss
New Boat Delivery Specialist
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.
Amanda St. Peter
Marina Manager
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.
Andy Holt
Assistant Marina Manager
207-773-7632 x 286
Born and raised in Portland, I found a love for the water at a young age. I started sailing with both my father and uncles before I can even remember. Growing up, I raced Optimists and 420s, and occasionally still get out there on my uncles J/24.
After I graduated from Portland High School, in 2009, I started working at DiMillo’s on the Water in addition to attending school at the University of Southern Maine. Shortly after, I moved over to DiMillo’s Marina, as a dockhand, and fell in love with working outside on the waterfront. After about three years in the marina, I’ve learned so much thanks to co-workers and even boaters themselves. Looking forward, I hope to continue my education and progress in the boating industry in each and every way I that I can.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Whenever I get the chance, you can find me at the golf course, or in the woods at Sunday River and Sugarloaf.
