Thayer's Marine Staff
Owner

Rich Thayer
Owner
NameRich Thayer
TitleOwner
Rich has recently taken more of an ownership role here at Thayer's. He is working on many different projects right now for our future expansions. His ideas and leadership have helped to bring Thayer's Marine, Inc. to the forefront of the boating industry. Thayer's Marine, Inc. being his only employment, and the boat business being his only industry, has helped him to grab a much deeper understanding of how to do it right. If you have an issue, chances are, he can find your solution.

Dick Thayer
Founder
NameDick Thayer
TitleFounder
Dick founded Thayer's Marine in 1966 in hopes of creating a family business that would span generations. Over the years, Thayer's Marine has become a mecca in the boating industry, but more importantly, it has become a place people stop by just to say "hello," and have a cup of coffee. Customers have become friends, and then extended family. Dick would be so proud if he could see what his dream has become.

Mary Thayer
NameMary Thayer
For years, Mary sat next to Dick, behind the desk crunching the numbers. In 2010 Mary left us to visit a much better place (heaven). This beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother will be greatly missed, but her legacy will always live on through her family.
Managers

Dolores Thayer
Book Keeping
NameDolores Thayer
TitleBook Keeping
Dolores, Rich's wife, is our book keeper. She is in charge of the business financials and accounting. She also has been learning more about how to run and work in the store. She realizes the importance of being behind the counter and working on the ground level with our customers. When she isn't in her office or playing with her grand children, you can find her poking around behind the main desk. She enjoys speaking with everyone who comes into the store and is definitely our social butterfly.

Richie Thayer
General Manager
NameRichie Thayer
TitleGeneral Manager
Having been deemed "Richie" by friends, family and customers, it helps to differentiate him from his Dad, Rich. With hard work, long hours, and high expectations of his team, Richie has elevated Thayer's Marine up to the forefront of the marine industry. Richie strives to provide the kind of atmosphere that makes everyone feel like they are part of the family, and with his "customer first" attitude, you can be sure to receive 5 star customer service. Richie has never had coffee, loves the Patriots, and building lego creations with his son.
Store

Rachel Thayer-Tarner
Creative Director / Media
NameRachel Thayer-Tarner
TitleCreative Director / Media
Along with her brother Richie, Rachel grew up at Thayer's Marine. She can do just about anything, from changing a water pump, picking sand worms, designing ads and graphics, to writing the bank contact for your new boat. Although Rachel likes to remain behind the scenes and leave Richie to maintain customer relations, she's happy to greet everyone from her desk in the center of the store. Rachel is an avid collector of rare tropical plants and adores her two yorkies, Abe and Alf.

Allison Thayer
Retail / Customer Experience Specialist
NameAllison Thayer
TitleRetail / Customer Experience Specialist
Allison, Richie's wife, has been helping behind the scenes for years, but recently left corporate retail to begin her full time journey with us. She is sure to be a unique asset to our team as she has nearly two decades of experience as a retail manager. She is working hard to make improvements to the store as well as assisting with boat deliveries and the overall customer experience.

Jillian Pignataro
Paperwork / Titling
NameJillian Pignataro
TitlePaperwork / Titling
Jillian writes all the paperwork for your boat purchase! She has vast knowledge of titling and registrations in various states, so if you need help getting your new or pre-owned boat registered, Jillian is here to help! As a mother of three and a recent grandmother, Jillian has the patience to work with banks and DMVs to get your problems solved.

Carrie Clapper
Parts
NameCarrie Clapper
TitleParts
Carrie has come over from the service center to take over the parts department. She learns something new everyday and is quickly picking up the never ending in's-and-out's of marine parts! Also keeping in line with our family-centered dynamic, you'll be happy to find that Carrie and Jillian (our office manager), are sisters!

Mario Santaniello
Sales Associate
NameMario Santaniello
TitleSales Associate
Mario is a bass boat owner and tournament angler - so he knows bass boats and he knows fishing. He's also pretty good with electronics and trouble shooting. Here at Thayer's Marine, Mario doesn't have just one job. He helps new boat owners with a walk-through when they pick up their boat, he'll tour the showroom with you, install a fish finder, or tell you about the best pizza places from CT to MA.

Rich Thayer
Assistant
NameRich Thayer
TitleAssistant
Fifth grader Rich has been at Thayer's Marine since he was just days old. He likes to train in every aspect of the company - from parts to detailing sold boats - Rich has tried his hand at everything. In his free time, Rich enjoys practicing martial arts, collecting labubus, and playing video games. If you hear a small tenative voice answer the phone, please be patient and he will eventually get you to someone to help answer your call if he isnt annoying Mario.

Yoda Thayer
Resident Attention Seeker and Cuddler
NameYoda Thayer
TitleResident Attention Seeker and Cuddler
Most days you will find Yoda lounging behind Richie and Allison's desk or sitting in Rachel's chair trying to steal lunch. This Portuguese Water Dog is happy to greet everyone who comes in through the front door with a wagging tail. Also acting like he is starved for attention, he will demand pets and belly rubs from all. Just don't walk in through the back door. Those poor souls are met with the bark of a ferel beast... who will then proceed to lick your face off after he determines there is no danger to his family.

Madison Dorunda
Digital Media Manager
NameMadison Dorunda
TitleDigital Media Manager
Maddy recently graduated from Temple University, where she was a Division I gymnast. She now brings her creativity and energy to Thayer’s Marine, creating content for YouTube, Instagram, and the website. When she’s not in the office, you can probably find her on the pickleball court with her brothers or working on a new crafty project at home.
Service

Robin Bochese
Service Writer
NameRobin Bochese
TitleService Writer
Robin is Dick and Mary’s daughter, and the one who keeps our service department running smoothly. She writes up service orders, organizes files, tracks warranties, and makes sure the service team stays on schedule. After leaving Thayer’s at 16, Robin built a career in the medical field for 36 years and then spent 6 years in the school system. Now she’s back with us, putting her organizational skills and experience to work every day.

Stef Graf
Service Writer
NameStef Graf
TitleService Writer
Stef is our go-to warranty expert. He’s spent his entire career in the service industry — 15 years in automotive and now 7 years in marine. Around here, he handles warranties, insurance estimates, and keeps the service side running smoothly. Outside of work, Stef is all about family life with his 3 kids and 3 dogs, and he loves spending time outdoors.

Elwin Sherman
Lead Technician
NameElwin Sherman
TitleLead Technician
Elwin is our lead technician and has been with us for about 22 years. After retiring from the Air Force, he found his way into the marine industry. Elwin is a Certified BRP tech who carries Mercury and Yamaha certifications as well. Elwin's experience and expertise is vital to continuing our "fix it right the first time" mentality. With over 4 decades of engine repair under his belt, Elwin is without a doubt one of the best technicians in New England. If you cannot solve the problem with your boat, we can guarantee that he will. In his free time, Elwin is an avid bass fisherman.

Paul Morrison
Inboard/Outboard Specialist
NamePaul Morrison
TitleInboard/Outboard Specialist
Paul has many years of marine experience while working in Niantic. He came to us looking for a place that made him feel like family, and well, that was a match made in heaven. Paul is an inboard/outboard specialist and carries with him many years of Mercruiser schooling.

William Gwiazdowski
Technician
NameWilliam Gwiazdowski
TitleTechnician
William started with us in 2008 while still in high school, and with Elwin's help, has progressed rapidly through his certification process with Evinrude and Mercury. He is also a pro at installing electronics and rigging new boats. Over the past decade, we have seen him grow and develop into a great technician and strong team member. William's hobbies include collecting vintage outboards and other vintage mechanical items. He loves to go boating and test drive all of the old engines he brings back to life.

Vinny Mucci
Electronics/Rigging Specialist
NameVinny Mucci
TitleElectronics/Rigging Specialist
Vinny is a very busy man. On top of rigging new boats, servicing trolling motors, and helping all of you get your electronics issues sorted, he is the President of the CT BASS Federation. He is also an excellent marksman and enjoys designing courses for clay shooting. Amoung the long list of Vinny's tallents and hobbies, one of his favorites is bird dog training... but at the very top is cooking for his wife, Linda.

Steve Brown
Fiberglass Repair
NameSteve Brown
TitleFiberglass Repair
Steve has been with Thayer's Marine for over 10 years and has over 35 years of fiberglass, woodwork, and boat making experience. He's worked with Davis Yachts in North Carolina and Chris Craft Boats as a shipwright. Whether it's a 35' or 16' fiberglass boat Steve can handle the repair in a fast, professional, and precise way. With his expertise and fine eye for detail will get you back on the water safe and fast!

Jeff Green
Technician
NameJeff Green
TitleTechnician
Jeff is a very humble 30 year Mercury certified master tech. He is an extremely hard worker and everything he does around the yard is with great care. He enjoys cooking and mountain biking on the weekends.

Connor Perpetua
Tech in Training
NameConnor Perpetua
TitleTech in Training
Fresh out of highschool, Connor has been under Rich's tutilliage for the past couple years. He's a fast learner and is on his way to becomming a marine tech.

Mike McMahon
Technician
NameMike McMahon
TitleTechnician
Mike has been with Thayer’s Marine for 2 years and brings a ton of technical skill to the team. He’s a Mercury Outboard Certified Technician as well as a Certified Gel Coat Technician, and before joining us he worked as a Harley-Davidson tech. When he’s not in the shop, Mike loves to spend his time tournament fishing.

Brandon Dart
Yard Manager
NameBrandon Dart
TitleYard Manager
Brandon is our Yard Manager and has been part of the Thayer’s Marine crew for 6 years. He knows the yard inside and out — in fact, he can tell you exactly where every boat is parked and, if it’s not new, who used to own it. When he’s not here, Brandon loves to hike, fish, and spend time outdoors with his friends. He’s also your go-to guy if you’re looking for a recommendation on the best local brewery.

Nico Alvarado
Detail Team
NameNico Alvarado
TitleDetail Team
Nico has been part of the Thayer’s Marine Detail team for about a year and has already made an impact with his hard work and positive energy. Outside of work, he loves spending time with his family and two kids, and he’s also an avid collector of sports memorabilia.

Josh Miela
Technician
NameJosh Miela
TitleTechnician
Josh has been in the marine industry for 3 years and is currently working toward his Mercury Technician certification. When he’s not in the shop, you’ll most likely find him out bass fishing on his pontoon boat. We’re happy to have Josh as part of the Thayer’s Marine family!

Jeremiah Washington
Detail Team
NameJeremiah Washington
TitleDetail Team
Jeremiah has been with Thayer’s Marine for 2 years and leads the team as our Head Detailer. He’s no stranger to the boat industry and brings years of experience, along with the work ethic he built running his own flooring business. When he’s not making boats shine, Jeremiah loves riding his Harley and spending time on the open road.

Albert
Detail Team
NameAlbert
TitleDetail Team
Albert has been with Thayer’s Marine for about a year and is a true jack of all trades. With a background in construction and mechanics, he’s now putting his skills to work in detailing while also training to become a Mercury Boat Technician. Albert’s versatility and drive make him a valuable part of the team.

Mark
Yard Manager
NameMark
TitleYard Manager
Mark has been with Thayer’s Marine for 10 years. Before joining the team, he spent 27 years in construction, and he’s been around long enough to know just about everything that goes on here. He’s known for his wise — and blunt — humor, so if you don’t want the honest answer, don’t ask Mark the question.