Jenny Gezella has been in the marine industry for 25 years and is currently based in Naples, Florida, serving as President of Hoffmann Marine. Jenny oversees 46 boats across the United States, including dinner yachts, traditional paddlewheel boats, ferry boats, sailboats, and rental boats. Additionally, Hoffmann Marine operates docks and marinas across the country. As President, she oversees all day-to-day operations of the business, working closely with operators in each company.
Jenny has been instrumental in the growth of Hoffmann Marine, expanding the company from a single boat in 2018, to nearly 50 vessels across Florida, Missouri, Michigan, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Washington. She has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s presence on Mackinac Island, Michigan, where Hoffmann Marine operates ferry service, docks, and Sip n’ Sail Cruises, and is among the largest real estate owners in the area.
Jenny is very active both directly in her community, as well as with many charities across the US, founding Mini Golf2Gulf, a fundraiser supporting NICU babies and families. Additionally, Jenny serves as Chair of the American Cancer Society Leadership Board, Chair of President’s Council for Make A Wish of Southern Florida, Chair of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and was a past president of the N.A.P.L.E.S. Group, Secretary and Development Chair for Lee Memorial Health Foundation, and serves President of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. Jenny was honored to be recognized as a Gulfshore Business 40 under 40 recipient, as is a Graduate of the Leadership Collier Program.
Q & A with Jenny
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1. What inspired you to get into this industry?
The Best Events are on the Water. It's such a fun experience! I absolutely love being a part of people's most special moments!
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2. What do you love most about being part of the tourism community?
Welcoming people to this area and getting to show them the beauty of this area. Naples is truly a special place from being on the water, the sunsets, wildlife, amazing dining, shopping and arts.
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3. What’s something most people don’t know about your business or what you do?
That we prepare all the food on board daily! Naturally people think it's catered but we do it all in house and the food is incredible! It's one of the biggest compliments on board.
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4. Your favorite local spot(s)?
Syren, golfing at one of the many courses here and of course watching the sunset from the boat!
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5. Your favorite meal in town?
Too many to choose from!
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6. Your favorite experience in town?
The Naples Princess of course!
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7. Any memorable visitor story or moment that stands out?
My very first wedding I planned down here for a lovely couple from Minnesota. They loved the area so much after visiting for their destination wedding they finally just moved down here and celebrated their 20th Wedding Anniversary with us! Its amazing to see what this place does for people.
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8. Your favorite time of year in SWFL?
October/November - After Hurricane Season