Associate Editor Aileen Mack joined Dockwalk in July 2018. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. If she’s not at a concert or coffee shop, she is lost in a book, movie or a YouTube rabbit hole. Email Aileen at aileen@dockwalk.com.
In recent years, yachting has seen a surge of new crew trying to get aboard, and subsequently a drop in standards. Recruiting is more than just meeting requirements. And with over a decade of experience on board vessels from 25 to 100 meters, Jessie Frost gained a firsthand understanding of what makes a good crew member through her roles in deck, interior and owner representation. Changes in circumstances in 2022 led Jessie to leave yachting and start Crewfolio, a boutique agency specializing in placing yacht crew, private staff and specialized staff for UHNW clients.
Jessie joined yachting at 18 and never looked back. Her career began as a deckhand and she transitioned into the interior, working up to chief stew. From her experience and conversations with past and present crew, the number one letdown in the industry has always been the misrepresentation and mistreatment of crew, leading to her passion and vocalness about crew welfare.
“Having experienced first-hand the disconnect between crew agents and the realities of yacht life, I felt compelled to redefine crew recruitment with a more personalized approach and a commitment to genuinely supporting crew,” she says.
At Crewfolio, Jessie has placed the human approach at the center of every interaction with clients and crew, taking the time to vet every crew member that registers, and if they can’t find the right candidate, they won’t send a CV to the client.
“I really take the time to get to know both my clients and the crew members we work with, as well as keeping professionalism and the standards of excellence the yachting industry requires at the forefront of each interaction,” Jessie says. “This in turn helps us to represent our clients and candidates better and create a robust relationship between the two.”
Having been in the crew’s shoes, Jessie understands both sides of the recruitment coin, engaging openly and honestly with crew and clients. They strive to always respond, interact and never ghost anyone, but she admits it may take them longer to get back to candidates during busy periods.
“I guess you could say Crewfolio was borne out of the necessity to do better, at a realistic price point,” she says. “Regardless of [owners’] wealth, it is our job to safeguard them and provide a service of excellence — that is ultimately what yachting is all about.”
Celebrating its second year, the agency has received positive feedback, word-of-mouth recommendations and return clients. Though this past season has been challenging due to economic and geopolitical crises, and Jessie notes the industry is shifting as vessels downsize to skeleton crew and many experienced crew explore land-based opportunities. “There are lots of exciting projects and plans brewing to not only keep up with the current mood of the industry but to breathe new life into it,” she says. “I’m very optimistic about 2025 and eager to see the impact of both my initiatives and those of other small businesses working to move the industry forward.”