Sea Tow family’s second generation takes the helm
Sea Tow Services International, Inc. has named Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer III its CEO and his sister, Kristen Frohnhoefer, president.
The new titles recognize the leadership roles both have held at Sea Tow for the past several years, especially after the untimely passing in March 2015 of Sea Tow Founder, Captain Joseph “Joe” Frohnhoefer, Jr.
“Joseph and Kristen spent their childhoods immersed in the Sea Tow business – Joseph out on Sea Tow boats and engaged in operations with his father, and Kristen in the office engaged in all aspects of administration from with me,” said Georgia Frohnhoefer, chairwoman of the STSI Board of Directors. “Occasionally they traded places, which allowed them to do most everything that every local Sea Tow operator does today, which lets them better understand what is best for the Sea Tow Network and for the future of Sea Tow. Together, we are carrying on Joe’s vision for the company.”
Capt. Joseph Frohnhoefer III, a graduate of SUNY Maritime College, virtually grew up on a boat. His experience ranges from being one of the first Sea Tow deckhands, to becoming a Sea Tow Captain after earning his first U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license at the age of 19, to currently holding a 1600 Ton Master, Chief Mate – All Oceans, All Seas license after sailing deep sea cargo vessels for four-and-a-half years. Of course he continued to work at the Sea Tow business between voyages and finally joined Sea Tow full time in 2002. As CEO, Capt. Joseph III oversees Sea Tow’s entire business with a focus on its domestic and international external operations, including legal, franchise development, operations, and compliance. He also maintains key relationships across the marine industry. In addition, Capt. Joseph III serves on the Board of Directors of the Sea Tow Foundation and AFRAS (Association for Rescue at Sea).
Kristen Frohnhoefer graduated from Dickinson College and spent ten years as a Spanish teacher. During her summers off, she worked for Sea Tow, learning about every aspect of the business. Joining Sea Tow full time in 2003, Kristen has been able to use her education and prior Sea Tow experience to help bring the company to where it is today. As President, Kristen is responsible for all internal operations, including the membership program, marketing, sales, communications, and 24-Hour Customer Care Center operations. In addition, she focuses on business development and maintains key relationships across the marine industry. Kristen also serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Sea Tow Foundation and on the Board of Marine Marketers of America. Kristen was named a Mover and Shaker by Boating Industry in 2012.
“Captain Joe would be proud, as I am, to see his children assume control of the company he founded now more than 30 years ago as the creator of the private, non-emergency towing industry,” added Georgia Frohnhoefer. “It is a special testament to the strength and longevity of any family-run business when the children of the Founder assume the reins and direction of the company. Working with our many Sea Tow franchisees, employees and partners, we will guide Sea Tow into the future; always with Capt. Joe Jr.’s pioneering spirit in our hearts.”
