YATCO’s broker of the month series examines the unique life experiences that brought these brokers into the world of yachting, who influenced them, and what they seek to change in the industry.
Sebastiano Pitasi is a Senior Sales Advisor and Partner for NEXT Yachting.
Featuring Sebastiano Pitasi, Senior Sales Advisor and Partner of NEXT Yachting
How did you get your start in yachting?
As a child, I was fascinated by yachts and ships, and my biggest dream was to work in the maritime industry. However, I would have never imagined in a commercial position. It all started by chance. I was about to complete my degree in naval architecture, and I wanted to find a career that would allow me more independence.
A friend of mine was working for an Italian brokerage house, and he happened to be leaving for another opportunity. He suggested, ‘Why you don’t apply and give it a try?’ Eleven years later, here I am.
Is there anyone in particular who influences you – someone in the industry that you look up to, and why?
It is hard to name one person. I have been lucky enough to meet and work with many influential people, from owners to crew members throughout my career.
Each person on my journey has contributed to broadening my area of expertise.
What do you enjoy most about the yachting industry – and what do you wish you could change?
Working in the yachting industry means I get to do what I love as a profession.
I enjoy the hidden challenges in each transaction and the ability to overcome them and close the deal. I like being in touch with clients and advising them throughout the sale or acquisition of their yachts. Above all, I love sharing my passion with them.
I would like to change the cliché of what a ‘yacht broker’ is and evolve how the external world sees us. I hope to see a more dynamic industry soon. Our sector needs younger and more ambitious people, and I would like to see more women in leadership positions.
What are some of the challenges you come across at work, and how do you approach them?
There are always challenges and complications that can arise across each process in our industry.
The key is never to give up and keep in mind that there is always a solution that can be found for each problem.
You need to stay rational and do not let panic overtake you.
Tell us about your greatest accomplishment.
I believe that for a salesperson, accomplishment is always the deal that comes next. There is always that excitement and that motivation of what the next deal could be.
However, if I look back at my career and where I stand today, that is the ultimate accomplishment. As someone once famously said, it is not about the destination; it is about the journey, and for me, that could not be any more accurate.
