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Sales Department
Chad Hovsepian
Position: General Manager
Phone: +1 352-475-3434
Chad co-founded Lake Area Watersports in 2004 and has been faithfully serving customers all over Florida since. He and his family love extreme sports on and off the water. Chad’s favorite thing to do on the water is cruise as a PASSENGER in someone else’s boat! If he’s not at the shop, you might find him riding his dirt bike with his family, working around the house, or announcing a sporting event at the local high school.
Carrie Carter
Position: Sales Assistant
Phone: +1 352-475-3434
Carrie is a passionate organized sales professional in premium boat brands. With a lifelong love for the water, she brings genuine enthusiasm and firsthand experience to every customer interaction. Whether it’s watersports, fishing, or exploring the open ocean, Carrie has spent years enjoying and learning the boating lifestyle her knowledge of watersports gear makes her a great employee to have in our proshop. She has a deep knowledge of local waterways and boating culture that allows her to guide customers with confidence, helping them find the perfect boat for their adventures. Carrie doesn’t just help sell boats and watersports gear she connects people to unforgettable experiences on the water with their families.
Something unique about Carrie? She once worked for Maritime Museum aboard the historic Jean Mary paddle wheel boat, owned by actress Debbie Reynolds adding a one-of-a-kind chapter to her already impressive background on the water. Her favorite place to be is in the Caribbean snorkeling cruz bay!
Thom Jones
Position: Sales
Phone: +1 352-475-3434
Thom recently transitioned into our sales team after serving as our shop foreman for many years, bringing with him a deep, hands-on understanding of boats and marine service. Having grown up in Melrose, Thom spent his early years on the water working on boats, exploring the lakes, and developing a lifelong passion for the marine lifestyle.
As an avid barefoot skier, Thom still finds any excuse to get out on the water. When he’s not helping customers find the perfect boat, he enjoys classic cars, spending time with his family, and hanging out with his golden retriever, Sonny—who, fittingly, loves the water just as much as Thom does.
With years of technical experience and a genuine enthusiasm for boating, Thom is a trusted resource for anyone looking to get the most out of their time on the water. Wanna go for a Boat Demo call Thom #GETABOAT
John Wayne
Position: Sales
John is a dedicated professional in boat sales with a strong passion for life on the water. With extensive knowledge of fishing and a deep understanding of G3 and Bennington boats, he takes pride in helping customers find the perfect fit for their needs.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hunting out of state and fishing for large grouper. When he’s not on the water or in the field hunting, he values quality time with his family, having cookouts and making the most of every moment together.
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Service Department
Jonathan Badillo
Position: Gelcoat Repair Specialist Technician
Jonathan is our Gelcoat Repair Specialist and a valued member of our service team. He brings skill, precision, and attention to detail to every repair, ensuring each job is completed with care and quality craftsmanship. Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys spending time on the water boating, riding dirt bikes, and making memories with his family. He especially appreciates any opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. His combination of hands-on expertise and passion for outdoor life makes him a great fit for our team and a trusted resource for our customers.
John Ernest
Position: Shop Foreman Service Advisor & Factory Certified Technician
Retired Senior Chief USN 22 years Bachelor of Science Professional Aeronautics Embry Riddle Aeronautics University Father of 2 kids loves wake surfing, good BBQ fishing and riding dirt bikes. Persistent always finishes the job no matter how hard it gets.
Favorite Quote ‘Why put off till tomorrow, what you can do today!”
Cody Kowaslchuk
Position: Lead Detailer
Cody is a dedicated member of our team who specializes in boat detailing, bringing care and attention to every vessel he works on. His passion for boats goes beyond the job, when he’s not at work, you’ll often find him out on the water exploring Florida’s beautiful springs. Cody loves the outdoors making the most of his free time camping, riding four-wheelers, or heading out to a music festival. His hands-on experience and genuine enthusiasm for boating- outdoor adventures make him a great resource for customers who share the same lifestyle.
Justin Lazzaro
Position: Factory Certified Technician
Justin is a Factory Certified Technician with specialized certifications in Power-Pole systems and Yamaha outboards, bringing a high level of expertise and a strong passion for the marine industry, Justin takes pride in ensuring every customer’s engine performs at its best. Outside of work, Justin is an avid sports enthusiast who loves both saltwater and freshwater fishing that goes hand-in-hand with his commitment to health and fitness, which keeps him energized and focused in both his personal and professional life. Most of all, Justin looks forward to sharing his love of fishing with his young son and creating lasting memories on the water. #getaboat your kids will Thank you!
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Administrative Department
Wendy Baxley
Position: Office Manager
Buddy Boy
Position: Operations, Supervisor & Boat Tester
Unbeatable Customer Satisfaction in Sales, Service & Products
Whether you’re looking for a new or used boat, getting your boat serviced, or the latest and greatest in new apparel and gear, we have you covered! At Lake Area Watersports we pride ourselves with a knowledgeable staff, excellent customer service, and the best options of new and used boats from the top brands in Melrose, FL and surrounding areas. Stop by or call us today so that we can make your next boating venture a breeze!