The following is an interview with Robin Smith, co-owner of Smith Marine Inc., conducted by Discover Marblehead. Smith Marine is located at 16 Anderson St. To learn more about its services, go to smithmarineinc.com.
Tell us about Smith Marine Inc. and why you started it. Smith Marine Inc. is a full-service marine contracting company with our office headquartered in Marblehead. We specialize in heavy civil and marine contracting, as well as towing services throughout New England and the East Coast. Our pier terminal is based in Everett, where our tugs and crane barges call home port. Over the years, we have built many piers in Marblehead and the North Shore, while servicing many of our own yacht clubs with marina maintenance, piling driving, pier construction and rehabilitation. My husband, Andy, and I had our first barge built in 2003 when we started the business in an effort to fulfill MassDOT’s need for a Boston-based bridge inspection company. Andy was in the Merchant Marines and out to sea for 50% of the year. As we began to start a family, we collectively decided that shoreside living while working on the water was a better choice for us with young boys. I developed and managed the office side of the business while Andy managed the field operations. Matt Plauche, my business partner, joined us in 2005 and we continued to expand our services to meet the needs of our federal, state, commercial and private entities. As a certified woman-owned business and disadvantaged business enterprise, I help clients meet diversity and minority participation goals while delivering high-quality work on every project.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? The best piece of business advice I’ve received is to stay true to your core values, build strong relationships with your clients and employees and remain flexible. In the fast-changing marine industry, adaptability is essential — whether adjusting schedules, accommodating clients, assembling the right team or managing emergencies. Flexibility, anchored in what truly matters and building relationships have helped guide me through challenges of running a marine construction business.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? It may seem a little crazy as there are so many beautiful spots to choose from, but my favorite place in Marblehead is the little red Boosters Snack Shed at Piper Field. The Boosters mean a lot to me, and I’ve spent almost eight years devoted to this organization, and our little red snack shed, in particular. The snack shed is a place where I can clear my mind from work and life’s demands, surround myself with smiling faces who just want to talk about candy, be present at every one of my boys’ sports games over the years and volunteer with an organization that I deeply appreciate. You can learn more about all the amazing things we do as an organization to bridge the gap between the athletic department and ALL teams at MHS at marbleheadbooosters.org. #mhdproud
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? My maiden name, “Cockayne,” is pronounced Cocaine and I graduated from a small private school in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, where I learned to drive on the left side of the road. This could be the reason my husband has never let me behind the wheel when we’re driving together.
The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.
