Meet Smith Marine, Inc.
Tell us about Smith Marine, Inc. and why you started it. Smith Marine, Inc., is a full-service marine contracting company with our office headquartered in Marblehead. We specialize in heavy civil and marine contracting, as well as towing services throughout New England and the East Coast. Our pier terminal is based in Everett, MA where our tugs and crane barges call home port. Over the years, we have built many piers in Marblehead and the Northshore, while servicing many of our own yacht clubs with marina maintenance, piling driving, pier construction and rehabilitation. My husband, Andy, and I had our first barge built in 2003 when we started the business in an effort to fulfill MassDOT’s need for a Boston based bridge inspection company. Andy was in the Merchant Marines and out to sea for 50% of the year. As we began to start a family, we collectively decided that shoreside living while working on the water was a better choice for us with young boys. I developed and managed the office side of the business while Andy managed the field operations. Matt Plauche’, my business partner, joined us in 2005 and we continued to expand our services to meet the needs of our federal, state, commercial and private entities. As a certified Woman-Owned Business (WBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I help clients meet diversity and minority participation goals while delivering high-quality work on every project.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? The best piece of business advice I’ve received is to stay true to your core values, build strong relationships with your clients and employees, and remain flexible. In the fast-changing marine industry, adaptability is essential—whether adjusting schedules, accommodating clients, assembling the right team, or managing emergencies. Flexibility, anchored in what truly matters and building relationships has helped guide me through challenges of running a marine construction business.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? It may seem a little crazy as there are so many beautiful spots to choose from, but my favorite place in Marblehead is the little red Boosters Snack Shed at Piper Field. Boosters means a lot to me, and I’ve spent almost 8 years devoted to this organization, and our little red snack shed, in particular. The snack shed is a place where I can clear my mind from work and life’s demands, surround myself with smiling faces who just want to talk about candy, be present at every one of my boys’ sports games over the years, and volunteer with an organization that I deeply appreciate. Here’s my little plug… Please visit www.marbleheadboosters.org to learn more about all the amazing things we do as an organization to bridge the gap between the athletic department and ALL teams at MHS. Marblehead All Sports Boosters is a proud member of Discover Marblehead as well. #mhdproud
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? My maiden name, “Cockayne,” is pronounced Cocaine and I graduated from a small private school in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands where I learned to drive on the left side of the road. This could be the reason my husband has never let me behind the wheel when we’re driving together.
Smith Marine, Inc.
Owners: Robin Smith (CEO), Andy Smith (President), and Matt Plauche’ (Vice President)
[email protected], [email protected] 781-631-4800 x2
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