Movers and Shakers: Cannons Marina Hires Former Editor of Advanced Diver Magazine, Andrew White

LONGBOAT KEY – While going through dozens of applications for the sales specialist position, Cannons Marina’s co-owner Lucile Miller, was looking for much more than just a good resume. “I was looking for a rock star,” Lucile says, “or maybe a dock star would be more apropos.“

Qualifications for her “dock star” go far beyond just being a good salesperson. “We’re looking for someone with the same passion for boating that we have. And someone with an insane amount of boating and diving experience so they already know what our customers want and need.” And when she met and interviewed Andrew White, she knew she had found the dock star she was looking for. “His resume was amazing, his boating experience was even better, but what really spoke to me was his genuine love for what he does. When you have someone who loves what they do, the customer is the one who benefits.”

Andrew White certainly has had a life-long love of boats. Born and raised in Bradenton, he spent weekends and summers at his family’s beach house in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. “My dad taught me how to boat and fish and I have loved both from an early age,” says Andrew, whose father, Dr. White, was a family physician in Bradenton for 39 years. “He passed on so much knowledge to me about fishing and boating.  I think I took my first trip to Egmont Key when I was only two. My mom brought me onshore in a basket!” Andrew, who has two children, makes it a point to pass on his knowledge to them. “I teach my son and daughter how to fish almost verbatim as how my dad taught it to me.”

One other thing that makes Andrew perfect for the job at Cannons is that he is really inspired by our part of the world. “I am absolutely passionate for what we have here in this part of Florida. There’s no place more magical…and getting out on the water is the best way to enjoy it,” says Andrew. Cannons Marina's owner, David Miller, appreciates Andrew’s respect for our area. "One thing that really impresses me about Andrew is how he is so connected to our community and that he is such devoted dad,” says David. “This speaks to a lot of our customer because it mirrors who they are. We deal with a lot of parents who take their kids out on the boat. Andrew is the perfect person for them to talk to.”

Andrew’s family connections and passion for boating are not the only things about him worth mentioning. His boating history and resume are outstanding – he knows the boating lifestyle inside out. From working as a mate on a Marlin boat to holding nine different diving certifications, White is the guy you want to go to for any boating-related questions. In fact, White is considered a noted boating authority and was recently asked to test boats for one of the marine industry’s most well respected independent testing service, BoatTest.com. He currently tests new boats and motors and writes non-biased reviews for the web site.  

Formerly, White was the editor of Advanced Diver magazine with whom he went on many diving expeditions and helped map shipwrecks. Andrew was previously employed as Wellcraft’s Corporate Brand Manager for the Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) Kingfish and Striper tournaments where he traveled with the tour and emceed tournaments throughout the Eastern U.S.  Most recently, Andrew has been self-employed as an independent contractor in the boating industry where he has represented a variety of brands at boat shows throughout the country.

Andrew’s position at Cannons Marina is a Sales Specialist where he will be helping customers buy or sell new and used boats and motors. New boats that he will be selling include Southwind and Grady-White Boats, the last of which he is particularly eager to work with.  “I have had a very long love affair with Grady-White,” he says. “It’s everything you could want in a boat.” He is also equally excited with the rest of the Cannons’ staff that he’ll be working with. “I can’t say enough about how supportive, knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming everyone at Cannons has been. I have found myself a wonderful spot here, I feel right at home … and the view out the window isn’t so bad either!”

Cannons Marina is located at 6040 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, Florida (ICW Marker 33). Andrew White can be contacted by phone at 941-383-1311.