OnBoard Magazine - Issue XII - 2020 Season

Jan was a very special lady. Judy and I met her in the mid 80’s when Hatteras Yachts hired Bluewater as their dealer (originally for Virginia). She was new with Hatteras in the High Point office and it quickly became very obvious that she was a tireless worker that was totally devoted to being successful and was a sponge for product knowledge! As we grew together Jan was amazing with her work ethic and her devotion to the customer and her commitment to making deals happen. Jan went to the top at Hatteras because of her tremendous talent and commitment. In spite of being fierce competitors when we made the decision to represent the Healey Family and their Viking Yacht Company exclusively, our relationship with Jan never wavered and she became one of the most respected players in the yachting industry! In 2012 when Bluewater and Jarrett Bay merged sales companies and appointed our mutual friend Jan Boone as our President, it was the beginning of a made-in-heaven team. To lose her as our President, as our quarterback, and most importantly as our dear friend, has been extremely difficult for all us. We are continuing just as she would want, but she will forever be in our hearts and in our minds! God bless Jan! Chris Hall, Sr. Jan and I worked shoulder to shoulder for over 30 years. Like in the X-Files, Scully and Mulder, a relationship that helped build and define each of our careers. She held me up and forced success as the only option. This inner being pushed me to great successes, but without her support and loyalty I doubt as much would have been accomplished. We grew up into adulthood, shared many of life’s highs and lows and surrounded ourselves with great friends and industry greats. I miss her... I can’t understate that. Thank you! For all you did for so many, including me and my family. You’ll always be in my heart and mind. Bob Hoste Jan’s work ethic was second to none. She was constantly putting the betterment of the company above anything else. Some of us get tired and hungry towards the end of the day [at boat shows] and are maybe thinking about stopping and getting a bite to eat – not her. Until it was finished, we were working! The other thing I miss is she had a 40-50 minute drive to work, which was important windshield time for us to talk. We were both early morning people, and late to hang it up, so I really miss those talks, they were always a good way to catch up with her. Earle Hall Honestly, when I came to the company I was nervous about meeting Jan and working for her. I heard stories that she worked 24/7 and only expected the best from her employees, so I was afraid that I wouldn't live up to her expectations. While she did seem to work around the clock, she really turned out to be more of a coach and a friend than a boss. We hit it off pretty quickly, and worked very closely in the two years that I knew her. She was always able to bring out the best in me and encourage me to continue growing personally and professionally. Thinking back, I can't imagine how she was able to spend as much time as she did helping me while also running the company and doing the same for everyone else. Jan was one of those people that you only meet once in a lifetime. Her passion for this industry was inspirational and her drive for success was infectious. I wish that my own daughter was old enough to meet Jan and learn from her example that anything can be accomplished and no barrier is too large. Blake Tice The first thing I think of is a picture I have of Jan giving us the look from across the barroom in Maryland. I deeply miss my “work mom” though. She took care of me— work-wise and personally. She was always looking after my best interest. Hank Sibley Jan was an inspiration, a mentor and a true professional. Her incredible work ethic continues to be a source of inspiration to me. She was tough when she needed to be and was not afraid to kick you in the pants if she felt like you needed it. But when you needed help she was always there. Whenever I'm confronted with a situation in the marine industry I don't know how to handle, I always ask myself, "What would Jan do?" I miss you Jan. Scott MacDonald