Employee Spotlight: Sales Broker Kristen Klein

Northrop & Johnson spotlights Yacht Broker Kristen Klein. Her extensive knowledge of the market, shipyards, and builders, as well as her solid network of industry professionals, allows her to offer clients the ultimate buying or selling experience. With more than 15 years of experience in the yachting industry, Northrop & Johnson Yacht Broker Kristen Klein succeeded in closing over $100 million in transactions in her four years as a yacht broker.

How did you get into the yachting industry and what led you to where you are today?

In my freshman year of college, my dad took my family to St. Maarten for spring break. We stayed in the hotel right next to the Simpson Bay Bridge and for the next week got to see beautiful yachts coming and going. My plan after college had always been to travel the world and I decided this was going to be my way to do it! We hung out with the yacht crew, learned all about the industry, and the rest was history. I graduated in December 2006 and by the first week in January, I had my STCW and first job.

What do you think makes N&J special?

1) The leadership team. Kevin Merrigan and Crom Littlejohn are born leaders. They are incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, patient, and a true pleasure to be around. They make me want to be the best broker I can be and the best PERSON I can be.

2) The technology and tools available. The tools our company provides to our sales and charter teams are unmatchable!

What do you like most about your job?

That every single day is different and I get to wear multiple hats. I do enjoy boat shows and I look forward to traveling again!

What accomplishment at N&J makes you most proud?

Every new listing and every sale I’m a part of are an accomplishment! Managing expectations, going through the survey period, and ultimately either representing the buyer or seller through the entire process is sometimes a marathon. Evolving as a broker is an accomplishment in itself!

What is your favorite cruising destination and why?

I once cruised from Kobe, Japan down through the Hawaiian Islands when I was in college and I’ll never forget the amazing scenery. The smell of frangipani’s lingered in the air for those few days of cruising. I also love the San Juan Islands because of the wildlife- orcas, eagles, seals, etc. On a flat day, you can run your hand through the ice-cold water and your fingers create these beautiful, dark, ribbons of water. It’s also hard to beat the Exumas in The Bahamas.

If you had a yacht what type of yacht would you have?

I would have an expedition-style yacht and go around the world! Galapagos, South Pacific and Australia, the Arctic, Norway, Alaska, Costa Rica, and of course all the beautiful places in between! My only other requirement would be a sun deck with no cranes, tenders, or toys on it. I just want to relax up top!

If you had a yacht where would you spend the most time aboard?

I would spend most of my time aboard on the sundeck. I would have a pool up top, as opposed to a Jacuzzi.

What’s your favorite activity you enjoy with friends/family?

I love to cook and my favorite and most meaningful thing I can do for my friends and family is to cook them a delicious meal. I love seafood— snapper, salmon, Mahi, lobster, etc… Christmas and Thanksgiving are always fun menus to plan. I also love boating with my sister and all the activities that go along with that, including snorkeling, diving, fishing.

What is one fun/unique fact about yourself?

I’m good at game shows! I once appeared on Wheel of Fortune and won cash and a trip. I had to attend three auditions before even getting my name picked and then after that I had to go to one more audition, which I had to fly back from an overseas trip a week early to make. I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity and the persistence paid off!

What is one tip for first-time clients?

There is nothing in the world like yachting. Whether a buyer’s goal is to create a place for family time and making unbelievable memories, escaping their day job, or they just like the peace of being out on the water. You only live once, so make the jump and change your life. There is nothing to wait for!