Team Spotlight - Francois Nel
Francois Nel - Customer Service & Rigger
From Sea to Solutions: Meet Francois Nel
Francois Nel brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience across the maritime, diving, and financial sectors to FKG Marine. As part of the Technical Rigging Sales and Customer Service team, he combines real-world insight with technical expertise to deliver practical, reliable solutions to clients.
Francois began his career as a delivery and charter captain, later moving into the superyacht industry, where he gained valuable experience working on complex vessels and operations. He then transitioned into the commercial diving sector, working as a dive supervisor, before going on to run his own offshore multihull charter business, Sail Arawak SXM. This diverse background has given Francois a well-rounded understanding of the industry, along with a sharp eye for what works in real-life conditions.
Since joining FKG Marine in 2023, Francois has taken a solutions-driven approach to every project he supports. He played a key role in introducing the Caribbean’s first Profurl electric furler service bench, enabling repairs and warranty work to be carried out locally, an important step in improving service efficiency and accessibility for clients in the region. His focus is straightforward: provide clear advice, deliver smart solutions, and keep things as simple and effective as possible.
Outside of work, Francois continues to spend as much time as possible on the water. Whether sailing, fishing, or enjoying island life with his family, his connection to the sea remains at the core of everything he does.
Team Spotlight - Chris Marshall
Team Spotlight: Chris Marshall –Managing Director
At the Helm of FKG Marine
Chris is the driving force behind FKG Marine, bringing over 30 years of experience in the marine industry across the Caribbean. As Managing Director, he guides the company with a clear vision: to deliver reliable, high-quality technical solutions while empowering his team and supporting the broader marine community.
“Our mission is simple,” says Chris. “We deliver technical solutions that exceed expectations, empower our teams to perform at their best, and support the Caribbean marine community.”
Building a Career on Expertise and Leadership
Chris began his professional journey in London, where he honed his operational and managerial skills in logistics and warehouse management. His early experiences taught him the importance of process, efficiency, and teamwork, lessons he carried back to the Caribbean when he joined Budget Marine.
“In every role, I’ve learned that people make the difference,” Chris explains. “It’s about building strong teams and trusting them to deliver.”
At Budget Marine, he oversaw regional expansions, new store openings, and operational growth across multiple Caribbean locations. His leadership helped shape teams capable of operating independently while maintaining high standards of service.
Transition to FKG
In 2016, Chris partnered with Norina Edelman and Fabrice Maitre to acquire FKG Marine and immediately stepped into the role of Managing Director. Chris immediately focused on expanding technical capabilities, improving operational processes, and building a team equipped to handle complex projects across the Caribbean.
“Every project is a chance to demonstrate reliability and dedication,” Chris notes. “We’re not just delivering a service, we’re building trust with every client, every day.”
Leadership in Action
Chris balances strategic planning with hands-on involvement. He ensures FKG’s teams are well-trained, coordinated, and supported while fostering a culture of teamwork and service.
Beyond the Office
Outside of his professional role, Chris is deeply committed to community engagement and marine sector development. He has served as President of the Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago, was Commodore of the St. Maarten Yacht Club, and held leadership positions in several marine and sporting associations.
As sailor, diver, and fisherman, Chris also values balance and personal growth. “Spending time on the water or with family keeps me grounded,” he says. “It reminds me why we do what we do, supporting those who live, work or simply love the life at sea.”
Team Spotlight - Douglas Mason
Team Spotlight: Douglas Mason – Senior Hydraulic Technician
Hailing from Jamaica, Douglas Mason has been an integral part of the FKG Marine Hydraulics team since 2009. With over 16 years of hands-on experience, Douglas brings expertise in hydraulic and mechanical systems. There is no challenge he shies away from—whether it’s on board a mega yacht, a small sailing vessel, or working on heavy-duty equipment such as power plants and work barges.
Certified and trained by industry leaders including Harken, Opacmare, AB-Trac, Wesmar, and Eaton Global, Douglas has mastered a wide range of systems—from stabilizers, winches, and thrusters to cranes, PTOs, garage doors, and complex lifting and steering mechanisms. His extensive technical knowledge and experience have been instrumental in helping FKG achieve Lloyd’s certification in Load Testing and in introducing new services to FKG such as laser aligning shaft lines.
Leading a talented and motivated hydraulics team, Douglas is highly respected by his peers and trusted by clients who rely on his professionalism and problem-solving . Known for his customer focus and dedication, Douglas always goes the extra mile to ensure every job is completed to the highest standard.
At FKG Marine, we are proud to have Douglas as one of our talented technicians and look forward to his continued evolution and contributions to our growing service capabilities.
Team Spotlight - Rojnie Jackson
Team Spotlight: Rojnie Jackson – 10 Years of Dedication and Growth
This year marks a major milestone for Rojnie Jackson, who celebrates 10 years at FKG Marine. Starting his journey back in 2015 as part of the Fabrication Department, Rojnie’s path has been one of steady growth, hands-on learning, and impressive achievements.
Over the years, Rojnie became one of our top Welder/Fabricators, earning a BV certification in Aluminium Plate welding. His dedication and talent led to a promotion to Workshop Supervisor, where he took on more leadership and responsibility within the team.
Never one to stand still, Rojnie took it a step further by learning how to use professional drawing programs — a move that transformed how the department communicates with clients. His ability to create detailed renderings and technical drawings added a new level of precision to our work, improving quality across both small and large jobs.
Today, Rojnie works closely with Department Manager Will Hawkins to lead the fabrication team. He’s handles all job assessments and has become our in-house expert in custom design work, from solar panel frames and dinghy davits to liferaft cradles and beyond. His focus on clear communication and high standards ensures that every customer not only gets an outstanding product, but also a smooth and professional experience.
Here’s to Rojnie and 10 years of craftsmanship, commitment, and leadership at FKG!
