Joshua Lee, Founder and Managing Director of Lee Marine. “All the candidates bring their own distinctive specialities to the business of yachting in South-east Asia. We work together on this common focus,” says Joshua. This year, 2017 – Lee Marine celebrates twenty years of business – what a rewarding start – being honoured with the Asia Boating Award – Personality of the Year.
Their respected reputation and continued upwards growth is not by chance. Similar companies may be stretched over the globe with various offices and agents, yet this wee giant, Lee Marine, is completely hands-on with Joshua Lee at the helm along with a dedicated team holding experience far beyond other yacht brokerage companies in Thailand. These facts make an enormous difference. The brokerage and new yacht sales company’s owner is at your side the entire way through purchasing, selling or building your dream, your yacht, and after sales support.
Twenty years ago, Joshua Lee, an avid yachtsman sailed into Phuket for the first time. As he tried to list his centre-cockpit 37’ sailboat for sale, which he lived on, Lee recognised what was missing – professional, quality marine and yacht brokerage services. As a result, at 23 years old, he moved from Brisbane, and in 1997 Lee Marine International Marine Brokerage was born. What started as a way to sell his own boat grew to become an internationally known and respected company.
Foremost, Founder and Managing Director, Joshua Lee builds his business on passion and expertise. As Thailand’s leading luxury yachting company – they specialise in the sale and purchase, after-sales care, management and construction of some of the finest yachts in the world.
Martin Holmes was the first to join Lee Marine as a yacht broker. Now as the company’s General Manager, Martin recalls his first impression of Joshua, saying “his vision was already raising the bar for professional yacht sales and services. Even today, as Lee Marine solidifies a more internationally respected reputation, sights are set higher again. Lee Marine is known for their passion and personal touch.”
Two young, motivated talents combined and Lee Marine started soaring. Within the first months of opening their business, Lee Marine sold a sizeable yacht from the Australian brand Riviera, and has been their exclusive Thailand dealer ever since. Soon the Ferretti Group with their brand range – Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Riva, CRN and Custom Line engaged the ambitions of this team with Lee Marine being named Best Pershing dealer in Asia Pacific. These sexy models continue to push design boundaries and popularity.
Robb Report recently recognised Joshua Lee as one of the top 10 CEO’s in Thailand in their Anniversary issue – ‘Through Leader’s Eyes’. Lee Marine is Joshua’s baby. He is involved in every crevice of his corporation. He sees the potential for Thailand and South-east Asia’s incredible cruising grounds. The proof comes again as Lee Marine is involved with newly built, custom designed superyachts that will soon grace Asian waters. Gems from Feadship and Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) already have Asia-based owners. More milestones – kudos to Lee Marine.
For a long time Joshua Lee may have been viewed as mad, overstating the yachting potential and spending too much money. Now those dubious voices seem to have been silenced. “Our belief is that you need to invest and re-invest to be sure you reach your ultimate goal – that of doing your best and satisfying clients”, states Joshua.
Joshua concludes that, “our approach to business – we see slow and fundamental growth of Phuket while outsiders may see fast. We are here for the long run. Trust and partnership with buyers, seller and builders is of paramount importance. The yacht owner’s satisfaction is superlative and fundamental. Simple.”
This year, 2017 – Lee Marine celebrates twenty years of business – here’s to creating more of the very best for many decades to come. Happy 20th Anniversary Lee Marine.
