South Florida Intercoastal

Faces in the Industry - Chad Allen

By: MIASF Staff

Date posted: Oct 21, 2020 Wed

Tell us where you are from, what brought you to Florida, and how long you’ve lived here.

I am originally from Tawas Bay, Michigan. My parents moved to FL when I was 13 and I finished middle and high school here in Fort Lauderdale.  I then did my undergrad in Seattle at the University of Washington and returned to FL in 2002 to obtain my master’s degree in business administration and have been here ever since.

Where do you work, what is your job title, and what does your job entail?

I am the Founder/President of Coastal Tank. We are a specialty yacht cleaning & coating service subcontractor.  Our services include, pump outs & marine waste disposal, tank cleaning, bilge cleaning, epoxy coating repairs, pipe jetting, exhaust stack cleaning, HVAC air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning and galley hood cleaning.  I handle all of the estimating, scheduling and operations management.  We have a team of 8 foreman & technicians and are going into our 4th year in business.

How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?

I grew up power boating and racing blow boats in Tawas Bay, MI.  I have always had a passion for boats and being on the water. After completing my MBA, I worked as an owner’s rep for several commercial high-rise projects. When the real estate market crashed around 2007, I shifted gears and went to work for a company in the marine industry and gained nine years-worth of experience and relationships.  I identified a need for a tank cleaning subcontractor who could deliver the professional and courteous service and founded Coastal Tank in 2017.

What is your favorite or most valuable benefit of membership in MIASF?

Staying informed of industry trends, news and developments as well as networking and being able participate in city and county events that the association in involved with.  I am also involved with USSA and YPY (Young Professionals in Yachting).

Describe any other community organizations or events with which you are involved.

We have been involved with the Broward County Waterway Cleanup for the past three years as a Site Sponsor.  We also work with and are regulated by the USCG.

Tell us about your hobbies and what kinds of things you do for fun.

My main hobbies are fishing, surfing and golf as well as spending time with our two sons Chase and Mason. I also own and operate a fishing charter business called Soul Cat Outfitters which has been in operation for 1 year.