Donald J Latham III
Uncasville
Summary
Dynamic Service Manager with over 13 years of extensive experience in the marine industry, dedicated to driving exceptional results through the development and leadership of high-performance teams. Recognized for outstanding communication skills and fostering collaboration across all organizational levels to achieve strategic objectives. Proven track record in enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. Committed to continuous improvement and innovation, consistently exceeding expectations in a fast-paced environment.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Service Manager / Marine Electrician
Chester Point Marina
10.2024 - 12.2025
- Assist and train junior mechanical technicians. Organize and assign work to be performed on customer vessels in a timely manner to ensure customer’s vessels are operating safely and properly.
- Prepare and present estimates for proposed repairs / upgrades to customers. Assist General Manager with monthly billing.
- Perform repairs, upgrades, and maintenance to vessel electrical and power generation systems to include solar, wind generation, and lithium batteries.
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and offer available solutions.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
Marine Service Supervisor / Service Manager
Birdon NE
08.2022 - 10.2024
- Train junior technicians, order parts and equipment for work to be performed, and work with the office manager to schedule jobs to be performed.
- Inspect/ evaluate Coast Guard 47’ Motor Life Boats (MLB) post refit to ensure safe and proper operation. Perform repairs on MLB boats in warranty period.
- Work with Facility Manager to make improvements to the marina waterfront.
- Prepared and submitted personnel, ordnance and operational reports.
- Handled customer complaints and inquiries.
- Assisted with training and development of team members.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
Service Manager/ Lead Technician
Breakwater Marine Services
02.2021 - 08.2022
- Led a team of 5 technicians performing maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on a variety of ship systems on power and sailboats. Train junior technicians, order parts and equipment for work to be performed, and work with the office manager to schedule jobs to be performed. Performed all air conditioning service and repairs for the company on vessels up to 120’ to include chill water systems.
- Install Seakeeper gyro stabilization units in a variety of power boats, layout electrical and seawater systems and install.
- Prepare estimates for work to be performed and communicate with vessel owners/captains to ensure all needs are met.
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and develop effective and practical solutions.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with customers to build rapport and trust.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure best prices for parts and supplies.
- Resolved customer complaints in professional and timely manner.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Performed troubleshooting and diagnosis on malfunctioning equipment.
- Tested components and systems to evaluate performance and identify concerns.
- Repaired, upgraded and inspected electronic, electrical and mechanical systems.
- Inspected, evaluated and calibrated electrical and mechanical systems and components.
Lead Mechanic / Service Manager
Bridgeport Boatworks
05.2020 - 02.2021
- Led a 4 technician crew maintaining and repairing a variety of power and sailing vessels. Performed inspections to determine repairs or upgrades needed to provide owners with optimal performance and reliability of their vessels. Order parts and materials to complete quoted work in a timely manner. Communicate with customers and management to ensure scheduling expectations were met.
- Diagnosed mechanical failures to determine and delegate corrective actions.
- Requisitioned materials and supplies such as tools, equipment and replacement parts.
- Determined schedules and assignments of work activities for 4-member team, considering work priority, availability of equipment and skill of personnel.
- Performed routine and scheduled maintenance services.
- Trained and coached junior employees on procedures for completing various types of repairs and maintenance on customer vessels.
- Wrote work orders and updated accounts in workshop computer.
- Inspected damaged vessels to estimate repair labor cost and required parts expense.
- Delegated jobs to subordinates and monitored quality of work.
- Investigated customer complaints to identify cause of malfunctions.
- Explained maintenance and repair needs to customers and offered advice on preventative maintenance.
Mechanical Technician/ Assistant Shop Supervisor
Pilots Point Marina
02.2012 - 05.2020
- Performed various repairs, maintenance, and installation of system components on a variety of power and sailing vessels. Assist shop supervisor with managing an 8 technician shop. Train junior technicians, order parts and supplies for jobs to be completed. Set up manufacturers training courses. Manage the shop when the Supervisor was out. Report to marina management daily to provide status updates for ongoing work and projects.
- Design and install the electric propulsion system in the first all electric pump out boat in CT which is currently in use in Branford. Worked closely with Torqeedo engineers to design system. Installed solar panels and charge controllers to extend battery capacity while boat was in use. Performed all A/C and refrigeration installations and repairs.
- Frequently diagnosed mechanical problems and determined how to correct issues.
- Performed troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair of marine electrical equipment.
- Inspected and tested equipment, machinery and components to diagnose issues, recognize defects, and determine appropriate repairs.
- Resolved mechanical issues using both technical and manual skills.
- Collaborated with coworkers, discussing assembly, and needed product adjustments.
- Completed detailed inspections of electrical and mechanical components to identify issues.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify source of mechanical system malfunctions.
Education
High School Diploma -
Noble HS
Berwick, ME06-1991
Skills
- Technical support
- Coaching and mentorship
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Project planning
- Reliable and responsible
- Service order flow
- Preventive Maintenance
- Service documentation
- Critical thinking
- Service scheduling
- Staff training and development
- Team leadership
- Problem-solving
- Estimating and quoting
- Project management
- Technical troubleshooting
Certification
- ABYC Master Marine Technician
- Yanmar certified small engines and sail drives, medium engines and ZT drives, Common Rail engines, YDS and Smart Assist
- Westerbeke, Kohler, and Fischer Panda Generators
- Hamilton Jet Drives
- NMEA 2000 and Marine Electronics installer
- Dometic A/C dealer
- US Navy veteran
Timeline
Service Manager / Marine Electrician
Chester Point Marina
10.2024 - 12.2025
Marine Service Supervisor / Service Manager
Birdon NE
08.2022 - 10.2024
Service Manager/ Lead Technician
Breakwater Marine Services
02.2021 - 08.2022
Lead Mechanic / Service Manager
Bridgeport Boatworks
05.2020 - 02.2021
Mechanical Technician/ Assistant Shop Supervisor
Pilots Point Marina
02.2012 - 05.2020
High School Diploma -
Noble HS