As the General Manager of St. Augustine Marine Center, Morgan leads the SAMC team in providing best-in-class service to all boaters, noting how proud he is to work alongside professionals that he considers family. Morgan grew up in the boatyard space, knowing from a young age that he would follow his parent’s footsteps in the marine industry. Morgan has worked in boatyards around the world, from North America to New Zealand, developing a true love for the industry. A true professional in the space, Morgan carries a 600 Ton Marine Travel Lift Operators License, State Certified Forklift Operators License, EPA and OSHA Compliance Certification, Emergency Management and RCRA Certification. When not at St. Augustine Marine Center, you’ll find Morgan powerlifting and Strongman training, as he truly believes these activities help him maintain a goal-based mindset and achieve his goals daily. When asked about the SAMC team, Morgan emphasizes “This yard wouldn’t be as incredible as it is without the team that shares the same passion for success!”
A veteran of the industry, Andrew Crawford has been working in the marine industry for over 40 years. His love of the sea began at a very young age, and triggered his desire to work within the space. You’ll find Andrew managing the day-to-day operations in the yard, where he feels fortunate to work with such a great team. He loves interacting with people who come from all over the world and hearing about their experience on the water.
A seasoned veteran, Carl has over 20 years of experience in composites design, build, tools, molding, repair, and restoration within the marine industry. Carl entered the space initially as an avid sports fisherman. From there, he found a craft in working on boats, realizing there is always something new to learn in the space. When asked about his favorite aspect of working at SAMC, Carl emphasized the ability to learn and develop the future of the craft with a top shelf team of industry professionals. Carl is a first generation English American, born in Dunedin, Florida.
Chase McHaffie is the Paint Shop Manager at St. Augustine Marine Center, entering the space after spending years working in the automotive industry. Following high school Chase graduated from Lake Tech’s automotive collision repair and refinishing program in 2014. Looking for a change from the automative space and looking for a way to marry his career with his passion for boating, Chase found St. Augustine Marine Center! Seven years later, Chase plays an integral role as a member of the SAMC team, and notes how grateful he is for the incredible people he works with every day. Outside work, you can find Chase creating works of art with all mediums, especially paint!
As a licensed, 600 Ton Marine Travelift Operator and State-Certified Forklift Operator, Keith Dedeo leads our haul and launch services here at St. Augustine Marine Center. Keith came to St. Augustine realizing that he had the opportunity to really hone his skills in the metal fabrication and weld shop alongside seasoned professionals. At SAMC, Keith noted the great group of people he gets to work alongside, day-in and day-out. When not at work, you can find Keith dressing up in Mandalorian Star Wars Cosplay for charity!
A teammate who needs no introduction, Shannan is the Office Manager at SAMC, engage, with our customers and keeping the business running optimally every day. A certified childcare teacher, Shannan decided to focus her career aspirations on the marine industry after growing up on the water, fishing with her father and working with him at Luhrs Marine Center. Shannan’s love of the SAMC team, whom she considers family, and the customers she gets to engage with keep her inspired and excited about work. When she’s not at St. Augustine Marine Center, you can find Shannan with her five Belgian Malinois!
A true professional in the marine service business, Derek Dacuk is a Yanmar Certified technician and a licensed, 100 Ton Master Captain. Growing up in a fishing community in Montauk NY, Derek developed a love for boats at a young age. His interest in the mechanics of boats came around age 12, when he got his first and started working the deck on boats; his passion continued, and by age 19, Derek was running charter boats in New York. He moved down to St. Augustine, looking to leave the charter business and dig deeper in the marine service industry. Derek notes that St. Augustine Marine Center has provided an enjoyable environment where he is constantly learning new skills and techniques with a seasoned staff. Outside of work, you can find Derek fishing the intracoastal or offshore St Augustine.
