(954) 764-4880
(954) 764-4880
A Cape Coral start-up in 1973. MarineMax's first acquisition in 1998. A closely-held family firm on Fort Lauderdale's New River today. Three chapters, one set of standards.
Pete Woods · President & Founding Broker · Direct 954.646.2088
"It's all about respect for the customer and addressing his requirements — followed by PERFORMANCE."
Pete has been a yacht broker since 1973, and still says he "can't wait to get to work in the morning." He treats the business as a profession and, in his words, "is definitely starting to get the hang of it."
Way back in January of 1973, Pete — with then-partner Gary Oviatt — started a brokerage in Cape Coral, Florida. "Baptism by Fire" was the theme. Woods & Oviatt advanced quickly and relocated to Fort Lauderdale in 1981. Pete bought Gary out four years later and the firm rose to prominence in the brokerage community.
It was no coincidence that MarineMax's first acquisition after going public in 1998 was Pete's company. They wanted an individual of high integrity, vast product knowledge in both motor yachts and sportfishermen, and proven leadership. Through MarineMax, Pete was introduced to the new-boat world via Hatteras, Sea Ray, and Ferretti.
Seven years later he left and launched Woods & Associates with his wife Anne and son Ryan — and said he'd "been reincarnated." Pete and Anne have been married almost forty years and raised four boys, which Pete calls "truly his greatest accomplishment."
Pete Woods and Gary Oviatt open a yacht brokerage on Florida's Gulf coast. "Baptism by Fire" was the theme — they learned the trade in the deep end and never left it.
The firm moves to the brokerage capital of the world, settling in downtown Fort Lauderdale on the New River — the same waterfront the office calls home today.
Pete acquires his partner's share and the firm rises to a level of prominence within the brokerage community, building the referral base that still drives the business.
When MarineMax went public, Woods & Oviatt was their very first acquisition. Pete is introduced to the new-boat industry through Hatteras, Sea Ray, and Ferretti dealerships.
Pete leaves MarineMax and launches Woods & Associates Yacht Brokerage & Realty with his wife Anne and son Ryan. "Reincarnated," he called it.
Youngest son Matt joins after Florida Atlantic University, adds his insurance license, and brings marine coverage in-house. More than 2,000 transactions later, the firm remains independent and family-run.
Yacht broker since 1973. Founded Woods & Oviatt, sold to MarineMax, and started again. Takes the same conscientious approach to a 20-footer as a 165. Direct: 954.646.2088.
Launched Woods & Associates with his father in 2006. Runs day-to-day brokerage and leads the firm's international closings — Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
Joined in 2009 after Florida Atlantic University. Holds his insurance license and places competitive marine coverage in-house, so survey, binder, and closing run under one roof.
And Anne Woods — Pete's wife of almost forty years and co-founder of the firm. "The essence of a closely-held family business," as the Woodses put it.
The three words have been on the door since 1973. They still mean the same thing.