Our Team
David Shaw
Owner
David Shaw was introduced to the boat business at 11 when he began spending his summer breaks working in the service department at KYS for his father, Leon Shaw. He began helping his father restore old boats and bringing them to life and fell in love with the aspect of designing and building a boat. Through his career, David has developed his skill & experience in everything from repair and maintenance to boat building and design.
In 1983 David began working for Jefferson Yachts as a draftsman, designer and technical representative where he fine-tuned the “hands-on” approach to boat building he learned from his father. David developed over 50 new motor yachts for the Jefferson line as well as the popular Marlago Center Console line.
In 2012 David and his wife Becky purchased the assets of Kentuckiana Yacht Sales and Jefferson Yacht. Since then he has re-tooled the Marlago to an all-new 37 with the popular new center cuddy deck design. The New 37 Marlago fits a niche of the market that others are missing, by producing a 37’ center console that can fit normal sized boat lifts, and runs speeds in the mid 60’s with twin engines at a more affordable retail price.
As David’s customers and associates know he is available and willing to help them with their questions and boating needs.
Justin Shaw
Parts, Sales & Marketing Rep
Justin Shaw is the parts, sales and marketing representative for Kentuckiana Yacht Services & Marlago Boats. Growing up in the family business, Justin has been on or around boats his whole life. “I began working in the service department during Summer breaks at 15, since then I have worked in every area of the business. This has helped me build a wide range of skills and understanding of boats”. Justin enjoys spending quality time on the water with friends and being at the helm of a Marlago 37SS!
Justin enjoys talking with new owners of Jefferson Yachts and assisting them with parts and information related to their specific model. In 2015 we created the Jefferson and Marlago Owners Group (Link), which is a forum where owners can connect with each other and communicate with the factory team. If you would like to register as a new Jefferson owner and get assistance with your vessel please don’t hesitate to contact Justin today
Joe Jarles
National Sales Manager
Joe came to us just after he retired from the Fire Department, retiring as a Major in charge of the training bureau.
Joe’s love of boating and his close relationship with the team at Marlago drew him to add his passion to the Marlago team.
When Joe started with the company, he took the helm in charge of our government and commercial sales construction and sales. In 2007 with Joes leadership and a strong partnership with Zodiac, we were recognized as the number one selling Military and Professional builder in the US.
Joe is a car and motorcycle enthusiast and collector.
In 2017 Joe was promoted to the position of Marlago National Sales Manager and oversees the dealer network and development and Marlago’s from completion at the factory to its new owner.
Cell # 941-400-8062 Email: Joe@marlagoboats.com
Kevin Roppel
Customer Service Manager
In my early years my father always had me on the river. My first boat was at 22 years old and continued through my life having boats. My largest was a 73ft Pluckebaum. I have brought boats from Clearwater and Green Turtle bay to Louisville. I have navigated the Abaco’s (Bahamas) in a personal motor yacht. I love boating.
My past work experience started as a mechanic at a small service station and then going to college to get my A&P aircraft technician license. I was then hired by Petroleum Helicopter and moved up the ladder of success there.
After several years working in the south, my father asked me to come into the family business and take ownership after a time. I grew the business from one location to 16 stores in 4 states.
I recently retired from Roppel Industries Inc after 40 years and now I am proud to be KYS’s Customer Service Manager. After my many years of technical and boating experience makes me very happy to be taking care of KYS customers to a high level.
KYS customers are given the VIP treatment and family feeling of security their boats are taken care with passion. My lead tech has been with KYS for 43 years. I am proud to be a part of the KYS Family Team!
RJ Meyer
Rigging and Production Manager
RJ came to the company right out of high school in 1973 as a mechanic and has been working here ever since, with 46 years of experience his expertise and knowledge is unparalleled in the industry. RJ is a master mechanic.
When RJ started with the company, we were building Gibson Houseboats, he was here as we made the transition to building Jefferson Yachts and later in 1994 when the Marlago was born.
As the company grew RJ was promoted to the position of Parts Manager for Jefferson.
His passion has always been for things that go fast! He spent his younger years building drag racing engines and was an avid drag car driver winning numerous races and trophy’s. RJ is now an avid golfer.
RJ now uses his love of speed overseeing the rigging and production of the Marlago 37 SS “Super Sleek”.
Keith Sheffel
Rigging Specialist
Keith joined the Marlago team in 2013 and immediately began his training and is currently a Mercury Marine Level II Advanced Installer.
Prior to coming on-board with Marlago Keith was a Commercial Electrician Apprentice.
Keith assisted in the development of the Marlago 37 “Super Sleek” prior to its 2015 model year launch.
Since we like to give our customers some insight into who our team is, Keith was asked to tell us something about himself… His answer was “I’m Frugal”, we would all agree that is an accurate description of his personality…