We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Golfieri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind our success at Lei Boat Charter is providing an exceptional experience for our clients. Our journey into launching a boat charters business was inspired by our deep love of the ocean, connecting to wildlife and the healing the experience that a sailing brings. Everyone deserves the opportunity to forge a connection with the sea and experience a sailing adventure along the gorgeous Southern California Coastline. We wanted to bring that magic to each one of our guests.

Since curating unique experiences was the inspiration of why we started our business, we make sure that our brand delivers top notch quality to each and every person we welcome aboard. Putting our clients first, always, is the number one reason we have been successful year after year. We remain committed to providing world class service and fostering unforgettable memories for all our guests.

What should our readers know about your business?
Lei Boat Charters is a yacht charter business based out of the stunning Marina Del Rey, California. What sets us apart is our world-class crew and unwavering commitment to prioritizing our clients above all else. We specialize in crafting unforgettable experiences infused with exceptional service, comfort, and style.

As a kid, I had a knack for starting businesses. It was such a thrill. From lemonade stands to garage sales where I would sell art projects and my parents old belongings collecting dust. I’d even organize productions enlisting kids in my neighborhood. We’d sell tickets to our shows and of course our parents were the only ones who ever showed up. I worked hard through school, played sports and graduated from a good college. I veered into advertising and eventually medical sales, trading entrepreneurial pursuits for a traditional 9-to-5. I worked under many strong leaders who had a profound impact on me professionally. I gained priceless knowledge that would catapult my career to business ownership. The stability of a steady paycheck and benefits was comforting, but in my soul I knew that’s not where I was meant to be.

Enter Lei Boat Charter. After an unexpected turn of events and a hardly gentle nudge from my husband, in Feb 2020 we launched our business in Marina del Rey, Ca. Lei started out as a part-time side hustle. My husband, our children and I love the ocean, sea animals and the healing effects of sailing.We had the simple goal of sharing our love and passion for the nautical lifestyle, while also bringing in some extra income. Then, just a month later, the entire world shut down due to the global pandemic. Initially, the shutdown was detrimental to all the plans we had for our business launch. By May 2020, locals were looking for fun, safe, socially distant activities – and chartering a boat emerged as the PERFECT getaway. What began as a simple passion project blossomed into a thriving business, fueled by our love for the sea and a desire to share it with others. Mostly everyone who has come aboard comes back with a new group they would like to share the experience with.

By May of 2022, my scheduled became unbearable. The charter business had exploded, we added a second catamaran and I found myself working early mornings, late nights and weekends on the charter while maintaining a highly demanding medical sales job. Doing all of this while trying to be a present and loving mom and wife, running a household had me exhausted and quite frankly miserable. After crunching the numbers we realized that financially I could leave my corporate gig and focus full time on my business. So I did just that. In doing so, I was able implement processes, effective training tools for the team, create media kits, a booking platform, digitized participant waivers and so on. Lei Boat Charter finally felt like official company and by taking the time to put all of these key processes in place, we were able to streamline the business and focus on the fun stuff… marketing, sales and growth.

Fast forward to March 2024, and we’ve expanded to three catamarans and one power yacht, each embodying luxury and adventure on the water. Running Lei Boat Charter has been the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my life. Gone are the days of a steady paycheck and weekend breaks – now, I’m on call 24/7, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. But despite the trials, I’m immensely proud of the business we’ve built and the joy we bring to our clients.

Our top priority remains the client experience. In an era of scams and hidden fees, we pride ourselves on integrity as constantly asking, “What would we want as clients?”

For anyone with entrepreneurial dreams feeling frustrated or unsure, I’ve been there. It’s a journey with highs, lows, and plenty of preparation – but trust me, your dreams are within reach. Let’s connect, brainstorm, and support each other along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a great question because I am originally from NorCal and have family and friends visit often!

Needless to say, I’d kick off the week by booking a day aboard a luxurious boat charter. We’d start our adventure with a mimosa toast and indulge in a delicious brunch prepared by a talented local private chef. It would set the perfect tone for a memorable week ahead, filled with laughter, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.

The days following would include:

– We’d kickoff our days with hot yoga at a local Core Power.

– Outdoor hikes in Malibu – probably the Escondido Falls this trail leads to the tallest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains.

– A wine day trip to Los Olivos with a stop at the most perfect tasting room at Future Perfect Winery.

– Of course we’d have to enjoy all the culinary delights SoCal has to offer. My favorite dinner restaurants include, Taverna Tony in Malibu, Bottega Louie Downtown LA, Scopa Italian Roots in Venice, and Sugar Fish Marina del Rey.

– We’d certainly need a night out for live music at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give the ultimate shout out to my hubby, Valter Golfieri. He always lends me his ear no matter the time of day or night. He believes in me and is my constant source of strength when self doubt creeps in. Shout out to my three amazing daughters, Layla, Emelia & Isabella (inspo behind the name Lei, which also means her in Italian) thank you for bringing meaning and joy to my life. Everything daddy and I do, we do for you. Thank you to all the amazing, strong women in my life who inspire me daily. None of this would be possible without you. Lastly, thank you to my parents, who fueled my entrepreneurial spirit from the get.

Website: www.leiboatcharter.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leiboatcharter/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-golfieri-6677515/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leiboatcharter

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lei-boat-charter-marina-del-rey?osq=lei+boat+charter

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