Maryann's Exclusive Interview with Yacht Femme

A Must-Listen!

We're thrilled to announce that Maryann Johndrow, the visionary founder of BoatBot, recently sat down with Yacht Femme for an exclusive podcast interview! Get ready to dive deep into her journey, her insights on the yachting industry, and the groundbreaking technology behind BoatBot. Listen to the podcast to hear Maryann's story in her own words!

And now, we're also excited to give you an inside look at the driving force behind BoatBot: our founder, Maryann Johndrow. Her journey from childhood boating adventures in Cape Cod to revolutionizing yacht management in Newport Beach is truly inspiring.

A Lifelong Passion for the Sea

Maryann's connection to the water began early. Growing up in Fall River, MA, her summers were spent exploring the coasts of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. This early exposure fostered a deep love for boating that would shape her future. "I grew up boating in Cape Cod and now reside in Newport Beach, CA," Maryann shares. "The ocean has always been a part of my life."

From Tech Success to Yachting Innovation

After building a successful tech company that automated hiring for casinos, Maryann and her husband decided to retire early and pursue their passion for boating. However, they quickly realized that the yachting industry lacked the technological solutions they were accustomed to.

"We bought a 50’ boat but struggled with unreliable management," Maryann explains. "Upgrading to a 64’ Absolute, we took on the challenge ourselves and quickly realized the industry lacked a simple, effective digital solution."

This realization sparked the birth of BoatBot in 2023. Maryann saw an opportunity to bring her tech expertise to the yachting world, creating an intuitive platform to streamline yacht ownership for everyone.

Leading the Charge at BoatBot

As the founder and driving force behind BoatBot, Maryann wears many hats. She oversees marketing, sales, and operations, focusing on AI-driven solutions like CaptainAI to simplify maintenance and management.

"My role at BoatBot is multifaceted," she says. "I spend a significant amount of time refining and demoing the system during the sales process while also enhancing our offerings and messaging. Additionally, a major part of my role involves building industry relationships and networking."

Her typical day involves everything from managing emails and coordinating with her nimble team of 20, to demoing the system for new clients and building crucial industry connections. "We have a fun, hardworking team that knows how to balance work and play," Maryann shares.

The Power of CaptainAI and BoatFax

One of Maryann's proudest accomplishments is the launch of BoatBot and the development of CaptainAI. This AI-powered tool can answer virtually any boating-related question, providing boat owners with instant access to information and troubleshooting guidance.

"Our initial release of CaptainAI is already impressive, but the 2.0 version is even more advanced," Maryann explains. "We envision CaptainAI becoming a comprehensive resource for all things boating."

Another groundbreaking feature Maryann and her team developed is BoatFax. Recognizing the challenges of tracking a boat’s history, BoatFax provides a one-click transfer of a boat with all service records instantly attached, much like CarFax for cars.

A Vision for the Future

Maryann sees technology as the key to improving efficiency and addressing the challenges facing the yachting industry. She envisions a future where AI and digital platforms bridge the gap created by a shortage of qualified technicians and streamline the entire yacht ownership experience.

"I believe technology is key to improving efficiency and allowing the remaining technicians to work more effectively," she says. "I also see the industry as highly fragmented, and I anticipate a consolidation in the future. Technology can play a major role in achieving this."

A Personal Touch

Beyond her professional achievements, Maryann is a passionate individual with a competitive spirit. "I can outdrive most of the guys I know on the golf course, but they always beat me at putting!" she laughs.

Her advice to her younger self? "Be patient! I’m very much a go-getter and want to hit the ground running. I’ve found I can get pretty excited about AI and technology, but I need to remember that not everyone shares the same excitement for it."

Maryann Johndrow's dedication, vision, and passion are driving BoatBot to revolutionize the yachting industry. We're proud to have her at the helm, navigating the future of yacht management with innovation and expertise.