Employee of the Quarter – Sarasota

Sam Collier is a 5 generation boat builder dating back to the early 1800’s. Sam’s great, great grandfather William T Collier founded the village of Marco Island Florida in 1870 and William Collier’s son “Capt Bill” Collier opened the first hotel now known as the Old Marco Inn and provided the first ferry and cargo service to the island. Sam’s dad Bruce Sr. was chief designer for Wellcraft Marine for many years and brother Chris and late brother Doug have been successful boat designers and builders for most of their lives, with Chris now the chief designer with Chris Craft Boats in Sarasota. Sam’s oldest brother Bruce has worked in R&D alongside his father and brothers for many years and also works for Marine Concepts. Sam chose a different path, after a short stint working with his dad in Wellcraft’s R&D department from 1982-1984, Sam became a full time fireman in Manatee County, quickly rising through the ranks to become a Battalion Chief at Cedar Hammock Station 1, the lead fire station in Manatee County. Sam retired from the Fire Department after 34 years of stellar performance and after running out of projects to do at home decided to come to work at Marine Concepts Plug Shop. Sam is a self-taught craftsman, he is a standout employee, and one of our “Go-To” guys when something needs done quickly and accurately. I can’t say enough about Sam’s personality and integrity. Sam is married with two children and enjoys camping, working on his beautiful home, and his many recreational grown-up toys. Congratulations Sam and thank you for all your service.