Galati Yacht Sales Transitions to 100% Employee Ownership

One of America’s most respected names in yacht brokerage, Galati Yacht Sales, has announced its transition to 100 percent employee ownership, marking a new chapter in the company’s 55-year legacy. The move transfers full beneficial ownership to employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) — a structure designed to share both responsibility and reward across the Galati family of staff.

Under the new framework, Galati Yacht Sales’ leadership, management, and day-to-day operations remain unchanged. What will evolve, however, is the collective sense of ownership and pride behind every sale, service, and client experience.

“Becoming an ESOP company amplifies what already makes Galati Yacht Sales special,” the firm said in a statement. “Employee-owned companies are proven to achieve higher engagement, stronger performance, and greater long-term stability. For our customers, that means even more passion, pride, and personal investment in everything we do.”

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1970 on the docks of Anna Maria Island, Florida, Galati Yacht Sales began as a small, family-run operation and has since grown into a global yachting powerhouse. The company now spans 14 offices across the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica, including four service yards, and represents many of the industry’s most iconic yacht brands, among them Viking, Valhalla, Princess, Prestige, Absolute, and MJM Yachts.

For President Jo Galati, the shift to employee ownership is both a natural evolution and a tribute to the team that built the brand’s enduring reputation.

“For more than 55 years, our family and dedicated employees have built Galati Yacht Sales into the powerhouse it is today,” said Galati. “Establishing an ESOP is the natural next step to ensure future success.”

Empowerment Through Ownership

By extending ownership to every employee, Galati Yacht Sales joins a select group of elite, employee-owned companies that emphasize longevity, accountability, and shared vision. For clients, it signals an even deeper level of service and commitment; ensuring that every interaction is guided not just by expertise, but by genuine investment in the outcome.

The result is a future built on the same foundation that has defined Galati Yacht Sales for more than half a century: trust, craftsmanship, and the belief that the best results come when everyone has a stake in success.