Klaybor and his team lead Fassmer Service America, a crucial player in maritime safety services for North and Central America and the Caribbean, particularly specializing in maintenance of lifesaving equipment like lifeboats and davits. With a background rooted in his upbringing by the shores of Lake Erie, Klaybor developed a passion for the maritime world during his childhood, which he honed academically at the New York Maritime College where he graduated with a degree in marine engineering and nuclear power in 1991.
Prior to joining Fassmer in 2009, Klaybor traveled the world as a marine engineer with Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. and later worked on cruise industry projects with Drew Marine and defense contracts at Northrop Grumman. His diverse career path eventually led him to a recruiting role at Flagship Management, where he discovered the opportunity to work at Fassmer.
The Fassmer Group, established in Germany in 1850, specializes in shipbuilding and lifesaving equipment. It has a strong history of innovation, including the construction of the first LNG passenger ferry. In 2008, Fassmer Service America was established in South Florida to meet a growing need for specialized maintenance of lifesaving equipment, attracting major cruise lines and military contracts due to increased regulatory demands for safety.
Fassmer Service America provides comprehensive maintenance services, including annual and five-year inspections of lifesaving equipment across four market sectors: commercial, offshore, cruise, and military. While the cruise sector was once their primary focus, the U.S. military has increasingly become their largest client.
As Managing Director, Klaybor oversees daily operations and a dedicated team, including Carlo Lopez, the Technical Director, and Mike Kay, the Service Manager, each responsible for different aspects of the company’s operations. A unique feature of Fassmer is their specialization; they only service the equipment they manufacture, which ensures unparalleled technical expertise and high safety standards.
Fassmer also operates two additional companies: Fassmer Technical Projects, focused on retrofit and refurbishment projects in the maritime sector, and Fassmer Performance Marine, which caters to the pleasure boat market. This expansion aims to leverage their expertise in service to greater audiences, including pleasure craft and fishing boats.
Facing challenges in talent acquisition due to the industry’s labor market, Klaybor emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong work culture that aligns with their company’s values of integrity and commitment. Looking ahead, he envisions Fassmer Service America evolving alongside advancements in hybrid and electric propulsion systems, thereby enhancing their service offerings to accommodate new technologies.
Overall, Klaybor finds fulfillment in ensuring the vessels serviced by his team are safe and prepared for operations, underscoring the critical nature of their mission in promoting maritime safety.
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