In today’s hyper-connected world, a lack of online recruitment options in any industry seems unimaginable.
But this was the void discovered by Phillipe Perut, CEO and co-founder of Coboaters. Boat owners said there were no trustworthy forums available to find help. Experienced crew members had similar issues regarding their next adventure. Many were still perusing notice boards at the nearby yacht club.
“When I was younger, if we wanted to sail, we would walk the dock and ask around,” Perut said. “Here is a tool you can use as your sailing network.”
Working out of his home office in Warwick, the French-born entrepreneur, who moved to the United States in 2013, set out to solve the problem. Launched in March, the company has amassed more than 1,500 members and 300 boat owners.
Coboaters.com, the company’s website, runs on membership subscriptions and includes a robust vetting and rating system. Members upload certifications and answer questions about their work experience. Boat owners create profiles.
And there is no third-party advertising.
“I’d rather ask for a light fee than have to deal with advertisers,” Perut said. “My only focus is on getting people the right crew at the right time. That’s the differentiator.”