Newport, RI Office Embarks on a Growth Program

Northrop & Johnson’s Newport, Rhode Island, office is set to undergo growth following a restructuring to meet the growing demand of the local market. Located in the heart of New England and the sailing capital of the United States, the Newport office caters to clients in the Northeastern U.S. and beyond. This office has an exceptional group of sales brokers who are extremely knowledgeable and always strive to make their clients happy.

Yacht Broker Bruce Leffers has had a successful 35-year-plus career as a yacht broker and has been a principal part of Northrop & Johnson for the last 21 years. Bruce has spent much his life on the water and loves sharing his passion for yachting with his clients. Due to Bruce’s experience and knowledge of the marine industry, he can deliver a high level of service and integrity to his clients.

Yacht Broker Hank Halsted has been a sailor virtually his whole life. Hank spent years as a professional captain on both sides of the Atlantic and participated as captain or navigator in numerous races. Hank is deeply involved in the professional development of yachting. He served as President of the Yacht Architects and Brokers Association and on the Board of Directors. He also is a founding board member of the International Yacht Council. Hank is pleased to share his wealth of knowledge on yachting and the marine industry’s intricacies with his clients, who he also considers to be close friends.

Yacht Broker Bill Titus has spent more than 23 years at Northrop & Johnso serving his international clientele. He has more than 35 years of experience in the marine industry. Bill is an avid sailor who has won the Heineken Regatta five times in the Maxi-Cruising class and is the three-time overall winner of Block Island Race Week. Bill is extremely detail-oriented and has a keen understanding of his clients’ specific needs and desires. He loves assisting his clients and helping them find their dream yachts.

Yacht Broker Brian Commette began his career in the marine industry in college, working in a boatyard. Throughout the years, he learned a competence with all trades, including mechanical, fiberglass, rigging and electrical. Brian later transitioned into yacht brokerage and has been a successful yacht broker for more than 25 years. Brian served as both as a board member and president of the Yacht Brokers Association of America (Y.B.A.A.).

Yacht Broker Michael Geraghty grew up on the shores of Long Island and began racing sailboats and operating powerboats before his seventh birthday. While attending S.U.N.Y. Maritime College, Michael enjoyed racing and helped the team to second in the nation. Michael was a delivery captain for more than a decade before moving ashore and becoming the Director of Sales of Defender Industries. Now a yacht broker, Michael loves sharing his enthusiasm for yachting with his clients.

Yacht Broker Robert (Bob) Leslie, grew up on the water. He did a brief stint in the Navy before joining the yachting industry as a broker for Graves Yacht Yard in 1971. Bob has been an instrumental part of Northrop & Johnson, once owning the Massachusetts office of Northrop & Johnson. He has been an industry leader throughout his 40-year-plus career in the industry.

Yacht Broker Elizabeth (Liz) Swain has been hooked on the ocean since her first experience sailing a Herreshoff 12 ½. Liz joined Northrop & Johnson in June 2019, after an impressive resume that included crewing for offshore deliveries, working for Sailor for the Sea, working for Prince William Sound Science Center in Alaska and living aboard her sailboat and running a rigging and electrical business. Liz loves sharing her passion for the ocean with clients and has a wealth of knowledge to help them find their dream yachts.

Office Manager Megan Biehn is an instrumental asset to the Northrop & Johnson Newport, Rhode Island, team. Megan served in the U.S. Navy and has a deep-seated love for the ocean. She brings a wealth of administrative and management experience as well as an excellent positive attitude to her role.

For more information on Northrop & Johnson’s Newport, Rhode Island, office, please contact Press@NorthropandJohnson.com.