Employee Spotlight: Q&A with Tony Latella

A Lifelong Mainer with a Talent for Metalwork and a Deep Respect for Maritime Craftsmanship

What is your background? Where are you from? What are some of your hobbies? Any fun facts about yourself?

I’m from Wiscasset, Maine, and I’ve lived there most of my life. I started working right out of high school at Washburn & Doughty doing structural welding on commercial tugboats, then spent some time at Bath Iron Works working on Navy destroyers. Outside of work, I like to snowboard, hunt, and fish—ice fishing in the winter and open-water fishing in the spring. I also enjoy reading about history, especially Early American and military history. As for a fun fact, I’ve actually had two close encounters with black bears while hunting. One charged up to about thirty feet before realizing what I was! Both times ended fine, but it definitely makes for a good story.

How did you get into this industry?

I went to a vocational school during high school to learn welding. A few of my friends were doing it, and my dad always told me to get a skilled trade because it would take me far, and he was right. I’ve always liked mechanical work and fabrication, and I found my place in the marine industry early on. My first job was at Hodgdon Yachts when they were still building ships, and I’ve been working in marine fabrication ever since.

What excites you about this industry?

I like that there’s always something new to work on. I get to do all kinds of metal work: stainless, bronze, aluminum, and steel, every project is different. During the winter, I also work on outboard servicing, which keeps things interesting and helps me keep learning. I really enjoy the variety and the hands-on problem-solving that comes with the job.

Why did you choose Bristol Marine?

I started here after doing a side project for Bristol and decided to stay. The appreciation you get here really makes a difference. The benefits are great, but it’s also the way the company treats people. Andy and the team look out for everyone and make sure we have opportunities to grow. I’m going through Yamaha training now, and I like that Bristol invests in their employees and focuses on long-term careers.

What’s coming next for you with Bristol Marine?

Right now, I’m working on winterizations and servicing outboards, but I’m continuing to build up experience with Yamaha certifications and marine systems. I really enjoy the projects that involve classic boats and working alongside people with traditional boatbuilding skills. There’s a lot of craftsmanship here, and it’s rewarding to be part of that.