After High School, Les moved to Florida to attend Florida Atlantic University, where he graduated with degrees in Finance, Marketing, and Management. While in school, he would get out on the water whenever he could between work, classes, and exams to fish or hop sandbars. Living in South Florida, meeting people with boats was easy for him, so he could get on the water frequently and increase his experience by going from being on the water a few months a year to year-round. As a result, he would find himself on everything from 25’ center consoles to 112’ Westport yachts, eager to go with anyone who would invite him and soak up whatever he could learn from them.
Upon graduating from College, Les became the International Director of Sales and Marketing for Contender Boats and later became a part owner of the company. During his time at Contender, he not only grew the brand domestically and internationally exponentially, but he directly assisted in the design and development of several models and features, including the full Luxury Sport “LS” line. He also traveled the world fishing in tournaments promoting the brand and found a way to make his passion for being on the water a career. Due to this, Les has gained a respected name in the marine industry. In addition, he has created great relationships worldwide with manufacturers, dealers, brokers, marinas, service providers, and accessory/component builders, making him a great broker.
After many successful years with Contender, Les sold his shares and left Contender to try his hand in the tech industry, but after a few years, he found his way back to the water. Les started his own company building a custom sportfish boat brand, Stewart Yachts. Les began designing, developing, and creating custom sportfish boats for avid anglers who want a high-performance fishing vessel with a yacht-like luxury finish.
