Today we’d like to introduce you to Sergei Zelinsky.
Hi sergei, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Born and raised in Riga, Latvia (Eastern Europe). I had a great opportunity to move to the US with a buddy of mine at the age of 18. We were young, free and hungry for adventure. Except small college in Minnesota was not too exciting, so few years later I came down to Miami on a vacation and immediately fell in love with the city, the vibes, Latin influence And everything else this city has to offer. That same year I moved to Miami before another harsh ‘ Minnesnowta’ came around again. I travelled to Medellin Colombia and learned Spanish, which is my fifth language now and is cery helpful in Miami. I found my passion in videography, photography, design and social media marketing and worked on many different projects in Miami and later somehow ended up guest starring in Burn Notice series “Rough Seas” episode as Bulgarian arms dealer. That brought me to Los Angeles where MY frIend Taylor and I produced documentary called HOMELESS IN LOS ANGELES 2011 (which you can find on Hulu and Anazon Prime. I also did acting in Union series such as CSI Miami, curb your enthusiasm, entourage, burn notice and a few other ones. After three years in LA I returned to Miami because I really missed my friends, our beautiful beach and this 305 culture. One day my Russian friend who does not speak any English asked me to help him find some clients for his yacht to charter, if possible. Then two other boat owners who are Cuban nationality and also do not speak much English either, also asked me to help them out. I found and purchased great domain ‘rentboatinmiami.com’, built a website, published these vessels and started marketing them. Less than a year later,
I have over 30 vessels available for charters from small boats to a massive 200-person mega yacht.
The reason for growing my portfolio fast is because now I am able to utilize all my previous experience and combine all the tools I have. I created at least one video for each boat because I believe that people rather see a video than just a still image. This year I have produced almost seventy video clips to feature these boats and yachts on my website, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Google, etc.
From the very first time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In general, there has been two major challenges- tourists and weather lol. Unfortunately, Miami attracts A certain crowd that do not behave well in public places. What I’m trying to say is that loud music, screaming people and twerking created a lot of issues for both owners, brokers and captains. Manny Marinas do not allow commercial charters anymore. And I do not blame them, you can only imagine those traumatized both owners who actually live on those vessels and we’re forced to witness this behavior next to their “homes” or “front yards” per say.
And of course, kinky Miami whether Is one never ending challenge that comes with a very little notice sometimes. And it is challenging to Please everyone when mother nature act up but I manage to please everyone so far, fingers crossed.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m focused on providing people with the best price possible because I learned that by charging less I make more. The way it works is that adding very little commission to each charter brings same client back over and over besides their referrals As friends and family. I’m focused on establishing Professional relationship While treating clients as family. I always invite those who want to meet in person to my Lincoln road office and offer a beverage or a meal while we discuss boating options. I want people to feel welcome and remember Miami as a positive place despite all the negative reputation that we carry along.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Couple of important lessons I learned is that persistency is the key to success and you always need to plan on bad weather and no booking streaks that come along every once in a while. Also, creativity and being unique is very important when it comes to marketing. I always try to use new strategies and learn from younger generations. And by far the most important lesson is to be there for your clients immediately or as soon as possible. I never make client wait for more than a few minutes for a response. Whether it’s a new inquiry, Booked client or a returning one- I always do my best to communicate immediately at any hour of the day or night.
Contact Info:
- Email: rentboatinmiami@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.rentboatinmiami.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentboatinmiamicom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rentboatinmiami
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR5cd1Gy6llNV3NqL66IIsQ
