Atlantic Marine and CFCC partner to train the next generation of marine technicians
Atlantic Marine has been a leader in the marine industry for more than four decades, with 47 years in business and over 30 years as a Yamaha dealer. Their partnership with Cape Fear Community College’s Yamaha Outboard Systems program shows how education and industry can work hand-in-hand to create opportunities for the next generation of skilled professionals.
Excellence in Service
Under the leadership of President David Floyd, Atlantic Marine has earned the Yamaha Pro Elite Plus award, distinguishing it as a Marine Service Pro Elite Plus dealership, an honor shared by only 15 Yamaha Service Centers worldwide. Notably, Atlantic Marine is the only Yamaha Service Center in North and South Carolina to achieve this elite status.
“That status comes from our local involvement with the Yamaha program at CFCC, providing exceptional customer service, maintaining clean facilities, and ensuring our technicians are highly trained,” Floyd shared. “We’re very proud of it.”
Building Bridges Between Education and Industry
Richard Lane, Atlantic Marine’s Service Center Director, highlights the foundation of trust in their partnership with CFCC.
“Our partnership with CFCC helps us ensure we’re hiring people who’ve already invested their time and effort into this industry,” Lane explained. “It’s not just a job for them; it’s a profession they’re passionate about.”
This collaboration has paved the way for CFCC graduates to thrive at Atlantic Marine.
Connor Grizzle
After serving as an aviation ordnance specialist in the Navy, Connor Grizzle found a new calling in the marine industry. Wilmington’s charm drew Grizzle and his wife to the area during vacations, and CFCC’s Yamaha program caught his eye while researching.
“When I saw CFCC’s program on the military’s SkillBridge site, it just clicked,” he recalled.
Grizzle admits he was a newcomer to marine mechanics. “The only boats I’d been on were a 14-foot Jon boat and an aircraft carrier,” he joked.
Fortunately, the Yamaha program provided the foundation he needed to succeed at Atlantic Marine.
“The transition was intense,” Grizzle said. “At Atlantic Marine, you hit the ground running. The pace was unlike anything I’d experienced, but CFCC prepared me for it. Without that foundation, I’d have been completely overwhelmed.”
Chase Soyars
For Ocean Isle Beach native Chase Soyars, CFCC’s programs opened unexpected doors. After learning about CFCC from a friend, Soyars toured the campus and discovered the Yamaha Outboard Systems program.
“I knew right then it was what I wanted to do.”
Soyars pursued both CFCC’s boat-building and Yamaha programs simultaneously, taking boat-building classes during the day and Yamaha classes at night.
A Glimpse into Industry
Grizzle and Soyars credit Nickel for their successful transition to Atlantic Marine.
“Spencer not only teaches the technical skills but also prepares you for the industry,” Soyars explained.
Grizzle agreed, adding, “Spencer arranged a tour of Atlantic Marine while we were in the program, which made me even more excited about the opportunity.”
Lane believes these visits are pivotal. “When students visit our operations, they see the business’s pinnacle. It helps them understand what they’re working toward.”
Investing in People
Atlantic Marine doesn’t just hire technicians; it invests in them. The company sends its team members to Yamaha’s advanced training program in Georgia.
“Think of it as the Harvard Business School of tech schools,” said Nickel.
Atlantic Marine covers the costs of these sessions, viewing it as a critical investment in their employees and the industry’s future. “We’re not just employers; we’re mentors. We care about our team as people,” Floyd emphasized.
Soyars echoed this sentiment. “At Atlantic Marine, you’re not just another employee. They’re invested in your success, both personally and professionally.”
Looking Ahead
As the marine industry changes, the partnership between Atlantic Marine and CFCC is more important than ever. With advanced marine technology and electrical systems becoming more complex, the need for skilled technicians keeps growing.
“You don’t just grab a fishing rod and go. Now you’re walking down the dock, hitting a button, and the entire boat comes alive. Technicians need to keep up with that level of technology,” said Nickel.
For graduates like Soyars and Grizzle, the partnership between CFCC and Atlantic Marine has been incredible.
“CFCC and Atlantic Marine didn’t just teach me skills; they gave me a pathway to do something I truly enjoy daily,” Soyars said.
