John Bodnar
St. Petersburg
Summary
Accomplished Maritime Leader and USCG 500-Ton Master with a background spanning high-level technical engineering and luxury hospitality. Expert at commanding U.S. vessels while maintaining a sophisticated atmosphere for guests. Combines deep mechanical knowledge in HVAC and IT systems with years of experience navigating domestic waters, ensuring ship integrity and premium service standards are consistently met.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner / Operator
St. Thomas Boat Rental
St. Thomas USVI
01.2010 - 03.2025
- Launched and grew a premier charter firm, providing tailored excursions on the water with a focus on reliability and guest engagement.
- Managed all mechanical upkeep and safety inspections, ensuring the fleet remained in peak condition for demanding schedules.
- Built a reputation for excellence by creating a welcoming, professional environment for passengers from all over the world.
General Manager
Magic Moments Yachts
St. Thomas USVI
05.2008 - 05.2010
- Directed daily operations for a large-scale yachting company, supervising a diverse team of crew and support staff.
- Streamlined boarding and hospitality procedures to enhance the quality of the voyage for every passenger.
- Maintained strict oversight of budget and logistical planning to support business growth and fleet expansion.
IT Project Manager
Dentsply International
York, PA
08.2002 - 05.2008
- Supervised complex technical deployments across three corporate sectors, ensuring systems were optimized for high-capacity performance.
- Coordinated between various departments to implement innovative solutions that improved organizational workflow.
President
Bodnar’s Services Inc.
York, PA
01.1996 - 08.2002
- Founded a commercial refrigeration firm specializing in large-scale installations and industrial climate control.
- Developed the hands-on mechanical skills necessary to perform critical repairs in isolated environments, a vital asset for independent maritime operations.
Education
A. S. - Information Science & Technology
Penn State University
HVAC/R Technology Program
York Technical Institute
Skills
- Maritime Command: Expert ship handling, USCG regulatory compliance, and safety protocol implementation
- Technical Systems: Advanced troubleshooting of refrigeration, HVAC, and onboard computer networks
- Operational Leadership: Full-scale fleet management, crew supervision, and vendor relations
- Guest Relations: Delivering high-touch, boutique travel experiences focused on local heritage and professional service
Certification
- USCG 500-Ton Master License
- Endorsements: Sail & Towing, STCW II/3, VI/1, VI/5, VI/6
- Security & Safety: Vessel Security Officer (VSO), Facility Security Officer (FSO), Crowd & Crisis Management
- Technical: Universal Refrigeration Certificate, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Timeline
Owner / Operator
St. Thomas Boat Rental
01.2010 - 03.2025
General Manager
Magic Moments Yachts
05.2008 - 05.2010
IT Project Manager
Dentsply International
08.2002 - 05.2008
President
Bodnar’s Services Inc.
01.1996 - 08.2002
A. S. - Information Science & Technology
Penn State University
HVAC/R Technology Program
York Technical Institute