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Community Highlights: Meet Nicole Golfieri of Lei Boat Charter


Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Golfieri

Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From a young age, I always had a natural talent for entrepreneurship. Whether it was setting up lemonade stands to selling off my parents belonging at an unauthorized yard sale or organizing neighborhood productions, I thrived on the excitement of starting ventures. As I progressed through school and sports, I eventually earned a degree from a respected college. My career path led me into advertising and later into medical sales, where I honed my skills under the mentorship of exceptional leaders. Despite finding stability in the corporate world, I felt a persistent tug towards a more entrepreneurial path.

Enter Lei Boat Charter. In early 2020, following a serendipitous turn of events and encouragement from my husband, we launched our business in Marina del Rey, CA. What started as a part-time endeavor born from our family’s love for the ocean and sailing quickly transformed when the pandemic hit. Despite initial setbacks, the demand for safe, socially distant activities propelled our charter business forward. This side hustle passion project blossomed into a thriving venture, driven by our dedication to sharing the nautical lifestyle with others.

By May 2022, the demands of managing a charter business alongside my corporate role became overwhelming. After careful consideration and financial planning, I made the leap to focus full-time on Lei Boat Charter. This transition allowed me to implement crucial systems, from streamlined booking platforms to comprehensive training for our team. With these foundations in place, Lei Boat Charter evolved into a well-oiled operation, freeing me to concentrate on growth and client experience.

Today, in June 2024, Lei Boat Charter has expanded to encompass three catamarans and four power yachts, each offering luxury and adventure on the water. Running this business has been a transformative journey, trading the predictability of a paycheck for the unpredictable thrills of entrepreneurship. Despite the challenges, I take immense pride in the company we’ve built and the joy we bring to our clients’ lives

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We’ve faced countless struggles and growing pains, but each challenge has made us stronger. Working with my husband has been incredibly fun and rewarding. However, managing a home, three very busy daughters, and a company together sometimes leaves us with little time for ourselves. For awhile there we were only talking about business, logistics, the kids and obligations. We had to do a serious pump of the brakes and be very mindful and intentional about prioritizing our relationship amidst all the chaos.

Another area we’ve struggled was bringing in the wrong vendors and partners. Being so busy sometimes we’ll just accept a referral from a colleague or friend without really digging in to see if the vendor/partner really is a fit. This has been costly and emotionally draining, but it taught us invaluable lessons. Now, we meticulously vet everyone we work with, ensuring we build the best team from the start. The result? A smoother journey, fewer headaches, and a future full of promise and success!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lei Boat Charter?
Lei Boat Charters is a yacht charter business based out of the stunning Marina Del Rey, California. What sets us apart is our world-class crew and unwavering commitment to prioritizing our clients above all else. We specialize in crafting unforgettable experiences infused with exceptional service, comfort, and style.

Pricing:

  • Yacht charters starting at $800 for harbor cruises

Contact Info:

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