News

How did the opportunity arise for Dockside to become part of the IMM Group?

It really started with Lila and I becoming friends when IMM opened an office next door to Dockside in Isle de Sol, Sint Maarten. In 2017, Hurricane Irma hit everyone hard, and our conversations turned to the future of Dockside. We had already realized we shared the same values and work ethic and so began our discussions, over many a lovely meal, about what it would look like for Dockside to join the IMM group. For Lila, it was imperative that Dockside continue with someone who shared her values. And, as they say, the rest is history….

So, you mentioned aligning with your values. Are there any other reasons why Dockside specifically was appealing to your group?

When IMM moved to the Caribbean, we understood very quickly that to provide great yacht repair, refit and maintenance, we also needed to provide great yacht service. Once we grasped that, our goal was to become a leading service provider in the region. Acquiring Dockside was a completely natural step in the realization of that goal. An unexpected upside of being involved in Dockside has been the depth and quality of relationships that we develop with our clients, given the sensitive and important nature of what we do. Providing the level and quality of service required has been, frankly, challenging. Providing superb service 24 hours a day and 7 days a week in the Caribbean takes a huge amount of commitment and ingenuity. But providing that level of service is what makes Dockside such a unique company. I love the company and find the work incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. I’m so glad that we decided to bring it into the group.

So Lila is much less involved now. But how about Kass?

Lila was always much more behind the scenes; Kass has always been the face of the Company. Lila’s goal upon the sale was to transition into a less active role, and then retire.  Kass remains highly involved in Dockside management and remains an integral part of the company.  Even today, when we go to the Monaco yacht show and mention Dockside, almost everyone will ask, ‘Is Kass Johnson still around?’ And I am always happy and proud to say that she is! She remains incredibly well known and well liked!

When we purchased Dockside, my goal was to find a way to allow Kass to do what she loves in the company, namely to retain the captain and client contact and the advisory roles that draw on her incredible wealth of experience. I’m quite proud because I think we have done that as an organization, and Kass is now in a role that really works to her strengths. Removing some of the daily operational stress has been key, as this sector can be unpredictable and challenging! So, I think for many captains, she’s just as involved as she ever was, but for her there is less stress and a tad bit more free time during the hectic winter months.

And Finally, you are now the CEO of Dockside. Can you tell us a bit about the leadership style that you bring?

As I have developed the new team, we’ve grown a lot together over these past years. I’m working more and more at coaching others and letting them take the lead in the organization. Being as honest as I can be here; becoming good leader is a process of growth, and it’s not always easy. I am working personally to find the balance of assisting others to provide the excellent level of service required without always being involved in each step and decision. This is a real process for me, a personal journey, let’s say. To figure out how to allow each of us, including myself, to work to our strengths, and give people the space to succeed. And to allow and support that process while ensuring that the service remains flawless.