Klaybor, the Managing Director of Fassmer Service America, is a man on a mission. His journey began in the small town of Fredonia, New York, where Lake Erie was his playground and his family’s sailboat his classroom. This childhood fascination with the water and boat maintenance evolved into a lifelong passion, steering him towards a career in marine engineering. He graduated from New York Maritime College in 1991, armed with a degree in marine engineering and nuclear power, ready to dive into the maritime industry.
Post-graduation, Klaybor’s career took him from the high seas with Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. to the shores of Florida, where he now leads Fassmer Service America. “Growing up in Fredonia, New York with Lake Erie as my front yard, I was perpetually drawn to the water. My parents had a sailboat, and I spent countless hours on it, fascinated by both the ocean and the intricacies of boat maintenance. This childhood fascination evolved into a lifelong passion, steering me towards a career where I could blend my love for the ocean with my innate problem-solving skills and hands-on abilities.”
Fassmer Service America, established in 2008, is a lifesaving mission in a market that’s growing. The company was founded to address a critical need in the maritime industry – specialized maintenance of life-saving equipment. “We built the first LNG passenger ferry and we build specialized vessels of all classes,” Klaybor says of the Fassmer Group, which has been a global leader in maritime and especially lifeboats since 1850. “Our foray into the wind power sector has us creating generator nacelles for the offshore wind industry, and our expertise in composite technology has led to collaborations with Volkswagen.”
Fassmer Service America performs annual and five-year service on lifeboats, davits and accommodation ladders. Their market is split into four sectors: commercial, offshore, cruise and military. “Our most important product has always been our service,” Klaybor emphasizes. “While lifeboats, davits and accommodation ladders represent the core of our business, we also engage in critical engine work and repair any fiberglass damage that may occur.”
The company’s shift to having experts in the field, driven by regulatory changes and a focus on safety, positioned them ideally near major cruise lines in Florida, their primary clients at the time. However, over time, this focus has shifted, and the U.S. military is now their largest customer by far.
Klaybor’s role as Managing Director encompasses overseeing daily operations and steering his team towards continual excellence. “At Fassmer Service America, every team member plays a pivotal role in our operations, yet there are key individuals who help steer our success through their specific managerial roles,” he says. Carlo Lopez, the Technical Director, handles military accounts, while Mike Kay manages offshore commercial operations. Janek Aas specializes in cruise line portfolios, and Christopher Oberheim works alongside Lopez to manage military accounts. Jessica Caballero ensures that financial and administrative operations are conducted seamlessly.
What sets Fassmer apart is their specialized focus. “We service only what we build, ensuring unparalleled expertise and safety,” Klaybor says. This specialization, combined with a hands-on approach to management and problem-solving, positions them uniquely among competitors.
Fassmer Service America also has two other companies under its umbrella, both in the maritime industry. Fassmer Technical Projects (FTP) provides innovative retrofit, refit and refurbishment solutions for the global maritime industry. Fassmer Performance Marine (FPM), established this year, services pleasure boats and fishing boats. FPM is the official east coast of Florida representative for Glasstream GSX power boats.
Klaybor’s biggest challenge right now is finding individuals with a strong work ethic who are committed to their roles. “We remain dedicated to the pursuit of excellence by meticulously selecting team members who not only possess the necessary skills but also share our passion for the maritime industry,” he says.
Looking ahead, Klaybor foresees the cruise industry leading a shift toward hybrid and fully electric tender boats. This transition could significantly impact the maritime industry, driving innovation in vessel design, propulsion systems, and maintenance practices. As the industry evolves, Fassmer Service America is poised to lead the charge, leveraging their expertise and commitment to safety to shape the future of maritime services.
The news of Fassmer Service America’s growth and innovation in the maritime industry is a testament to the company’s dedication to safety and excellence. As the industry continues to evolve, Fassmer Service America’s focus on specialized services and commitment to finding the right talent will be crucial in shaping future developments. The company’s expansion into new markets and sectors, such as pleasure boats and fishing boats, and their foray into hybrid and fully electric tender boats, could set new
