Adam Levine's Road To Rising Success
Adam Levine, one of IYC's most dynamic young consultants, brings a unique blend of technical expertise and hands-on yachting experience to IYC and his clients. Based in South Florida, Adam has quickly become a top performer in the US market, specializing in guiding new clients through the luxury yachting market.
We spoke with Adam to discuss his journey, his rapid success at IYC, and his insights into the US yachting market:
Background
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into yachting?
My path to becoming a sales consultant was an unexpected one. I hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and came from a corporate background. However, I grew up on the water and worked as a captain in the South Florida area during college, providing me with firsthand experience in the yachting industry. As my brokerage career began to take off, I decided to leave a role in corporate consulting and pursue yacht sales full time.
How does your background benefit your clients?
My background brings a unique perspective to my clients. Having a technical background provides me with deeper insight into the product and the complex systems onboard. This also was amplified by having firsthand experience onboard vessels as a captain. However, having an engineering background also affects how I approach the sales process and any obstacles that arise in a deal. Facing all issues with a logical and methodological approach.
IYC
How did you come to join IYC? What has your journey been like so far?
I joined IYC about two years ago from a smaller brokerage. The move has truly been transformative, enabling me to scale my efforts globally and connect with an exclusive clientele. Working with IYC has been instrumental in developing my career, allowing me to represent myself in various capacities, pursue larger listings, and offer enhanced services to my clients, including yacht management and charter services.
What is one of your favorite deals so far from your time at IYC?
One of my proudest accomplishments with the company so far was closing a deal on a late model 30 meter vessel. The client was new to yachting and reached out to me from another listing looking for guidance. We started from the ground up - determining his use case and getting him acquainted with ownership of a vessel of that magnitude. What made this deal even more special was the client’s satisfaction with the process. They now keep the yacht under IYC’s management and are exploring placing the vessel with IYC for charter. It's a great example of how a first-time inquiry can grow into a long-term, committed partnership.
US Yacht Market
When it comes to the US market, what trends are you seeing at the moment?
I’m seeing a significant shift towards larger-volume yachts in the 20-35 meter range, especially in North America. Clients appreciate the greater value a larger volume vessel can provide, prioritizing space for items such as a fifth state room, beach clubs, tender storage, and overall comfort over speed and sportiness. There's also a growing demand for new technology - including zero-speed stabilization systems, Starlink, and alternative propulsion options.
How would you describe the current state of the US yachting market?
The market is very cautious right now, with many buyers and sellers adopting a wait-and-see approach. There's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the upcoming U.S. elections and economic factors. As a result, we’re seeing an inventory build-up, with yachts staying on the market for much longer - sometimes up to a year or more. In this environment, pricing and perceived value are the driving factors for deals. For both sellers and buyers, its crucial to be informed on market trends and have realistic expectations.
How do you help clients in these market conditions?
Transparency and knowledge are key. I keep my updated clients on current market trends, recent sales data, and realistic valuations to guide their decisions. For sellers, I have open and honest discussions about pricing strategies and how best to present their vessel to make it more competitive. And for buyers, I focus on finding a yacht based on their specific use case, wants and needs, while analyzing the market to secure the best value from both on and off-market options.
New to Yachting Clients
What's your approach for clients who are new to yachting?
My approach is all about authenticity, education and trust. I believe in being straightforward and setting realistic expectations. I take the time to understand the client's needs and desires to best guide them through every aspect of yacht ownership and the sales process. Before viewing any yachts, I sit down with them to discuss their intended use, budget, and expectations. This personalized approach builds trust and ensures that the decisions made are truly aligned with the client’s goals.
What are your goals for your future with IYC?
I’m excited to grow alongside the industry and my clients as they transition to newer and larger yachts. IYC’s continual expansion of its global presence and fleet aligns with my professional goals. I’ve already extended my client base into international markets and look forward to further growth. Additionally, I aim to deepen relationships with my current clients by providing expertise at every stage and offering the full range of IYC’s services to them. I’m also committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, helping clients navigate today’s dynamic market and enhancing their overall yachting experience.
Do you have any final advice for potential clients?
Be well-prepared and understand every facet of yacht ownership. Purchasing a yacht is just the first step - it's essential to be fully informed on the costs, maintenance, and operational requirements that come with it. Going into ownership with proper expectations will make for a more enjoyable experience and set a client up for a successful long-term ownership. Partnering with a knowledgeable consultant who prioritizes your needs and offers transparent, expert guidance throughout the process is key to ensuring a smooth and rewarding ownership experience.
