Women Making Waves: Kristen Frohnhoefer
Kristen Frohnhoefer
President, Sea Tow Services International; President – Board of Directors, Sea Tow Foundation
Education: B.S. in Spanish and 7-12 Teaching Certification, Dickinson College; M.S. in Education, Johns Hopkins University
Years in the marine industry: 33 years
What first drew you to the marine industry? My father, Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer. He had a passion for the water. His dream was to make his living working in the marine industry. With Sea Tow, he was able to accomplish his goal. Even though I did step away for 10 years to teach middle and high school Spanish and French, I remained involved in Sea Tow as a second job and always knew I would come back full time, which I did in 2003.
Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? Yes and no. I obviously had opportunities available to me that others would not have since Sea Tow is our family business, but at the same time I also needed to prove myself, perhaps more than others, that I am not just “the boss’s daughter.”
If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why?
I would have to say effectively and smoothly transition leadership of Sea Tow International and the Sea Tow Foundation to me and my brother, Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer III, after my father’s passing in 2015. Many family businesses fail when the second generation takes over. In our case it was a smooth and well planned for transition with Sea Tow stronger than ever in 2016.
How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I would like to think that what I do every day is inspiration: By showing others that women play a significant role in the marine industry. By showing women that while we might not know it all, we can certainly learn something new every day.
What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Cooking and photography. I make a mean risotto!
What is your favorite place to go boating? While I do love catamaran cruising in the Caribbean for a vacation, there is nothing like home, so Peconic Bay and the waters of eastern Long Island will always top the list!
