MEET JOSHUA BIRD, THE NEW ENGLAND SALES MANAGER

June 24, 2024

It is with pleasure that we met Joshua this month at the factory. He is the New England Sales Manager. We learned more about his professional career and the upcoming event: the Iguana Summer Tour.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF

After growing up in the marine industry, and a successful career in IT, I opened up one of the first handful of CrossFit gyms in the world, in 2007. My partners and I started of the trunk of our cars at a park, we would post online consistently about it and people came! They kept coming, and it grew to almost a 400-person-strong community. We outgrew our first space and then settled into a 10,000 sq ft. building. The gym and community is still going strong under new ownership today. I did that for 11 years until 2017, and then I took some time to work for myself from 2017 to 2020.

Most recently, I worked for an amphibious boat company as the US Operations Manager. I began by getting my hands dirty as a technician, which, for those starting out, is the best way to learn about anything new. With all my marine experience I proved that I could drive boats, trucks, and trailers- you have to wear many hats in this industry!

There is nothing like driving an amphibious boat, I am convinced about its potential to enhance the boating experience. It is also very practical, and makes getting on the water quicker and more accessible.
Joshua Bird, New England Manager

HOW DID YOU GET TO WORK FOR IGUANA YACHTS?

Four years ago, I didn’t even know that amphibious boats like ours existed! In my previous job in this field, I learned about Iguana Yachts. Our approach is different with more capability on land than our competitors, coupled with luxury, refinement, and high performance on the water. To once again take on a role in the building of a company, to create success in a new market- was attractive to me. I also love the European design.

In North America, boat lines are very traditional and similar, and here is a design that is striking, beautiful, and performs! The battery system that drives the tracks has a low center of gravity in the boat and provides a displacement hull feel- without sacrificing performance. Everyone has been great and welcoming during my first stay here. The first couple of months working here trying to figure out the product and process was challenging.

Everyone at Iguana Yachts has been great and welcoming during my first visit to our Normandy shipyard. As with anything new, figuring out a new product and process is challenging- but our team members are dedicated craftspeople and openly share their knowledge. It was my first time in Normandy and my third in France. I have always loved being in France and am eternally curious to know the country better, so it was a great opportunity for me to work for a French company like Iguana Yachts as the New England Iguana Manager.

You can simply pack your things, put them on the boat, enjoy your day, and come back in. An amphibious boat simplifies the entire process, giving you what you're after more time on the water with family and friends. You also have the peace of mind that your boat is safely on land, waiting for your next adventure. We will see more Iguana Yachts in America.
Joshua Bird, New England Manager

WHAT ARE THE EVOLUTIONS YOU SEE FOR IGUANA YACHTS IN THE FUTURE AND IN NEW ENGLAND?

It’s certainly going to grow. Climate change is undoubtedly having an impact on our coasts, and along with that, impacting marina infrastructure like docks and seawalls. For our family-owned marina business, this is now a key subject we are dealing with, and we are not alone. The amphibious boat removes the need for this infrastructure, which for private homeowners, is becoming too expensive and risky to build if you can even get the proper permits.

As for the boats themselves, every Iguana Yacht answers a specific need. I love the versatility of the Sport. It’s a modern design, and perfect for families. The new Bow Rider has a comfortable, social design that will work great in the US market. The Fisher is perfect for Anglers and offers great protection for full days of fishing. It will excel in coastal US waters.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SUMMER TOUR

We are thrilled to announce the Summer Tour in New England, running from the beginning of July to the end of September. The innovative Iguana Commuter will be making stops at iconic locations including New York City, Long Island, Nantucket, Rhode Island, and Maine. Visitors will have the chance to explore the groundbreaking amphibious design of the Iguana Commuter up close. Join us at one of our stops and discover why Iguana Yachts is redefining the yachting experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the future of boating this summer!

The more we see the effects of climate change in the US, on coastlines and infrastructure, the more sense it will make to have an amphibious boat.
Joshua Bird, New England Manager

SCHEDULE YOUR SEA TRIAL DURING THE SUMMER TOUR IN NEW ENGLAND

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1 November 2024

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30 October 2024

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