Lewis launches concierge program

Sep 13, 2019 by Lucy Chabot Reed

By Lucy Chabot Reed

Fort Lauderdale-based Lewis Marine Supply has launched a new concierge program for yacht captains and senior crew. Called Supreme Marine, the program has two dedicated concierges to take calls and answer emails from captains looking to place orders. 

“We know it’s not a new concept, chandlery – but we strive to have real one-on-one VIP service,” said Melissa Opila, head of the new program.

The service can support any request except food and wine provisioning. Lewis Marine’s core focus is on equipment, maintenance and repair parts, but it will source and deliver other items for good clients.

The service works for yachts and captains in South Florida as well as ports farther afield. Lewis’ fleet of seven trucks runs parts around South Florida daily to eliminate traffic time for captains and crew.

Melissa Opila, head of the new Supreme Marine by Lewis Marine Supply. Photo provided

Opila said she has been with Lewis 26 years, working in just about every department, including purchasing, sales and export sales. Her colleague in the new program, Mindy Fagan, has been with Lewis about 20 years, much of it in logistics.

“It’s just the two of us to start, but 30 people are on the Lewis team backing us,” Opila said.

“I’m definitely prepared to hire as many people as we need as the program grows,” said Stefanie Hingley, Lewis’ vice president of marketing. “In order to maintain a certain degree of service, we definitely will be hiring.”

An overhaul of the Lewis Marine website will include online ordering for Supreme Marine by the end of the year, Hingley said.

“It’s one of those things — the more you work together, the better the system becomes,” she said.

“And the better your concierge knows what you need,” Opila said.

For more information, visit suprememarinebylewis.com.

Lucy Chabot Reed is publisher of The Triton. Comments are welcome below.

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About Lucy Chabot Reed

Lucy Chabot Reed is publisher and founding editor of The Triton.

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