Mark W. Young
President of Young’s Electronics Systems, Inc
40+ Years in the Marine Electronics Industry
My foundation in marine electronics began with my enlistment in the United States Coast Guard in 1976. My first duty station was aboard the USCG Cutter Hamilton, a high endurance 378’ Cutter, based in Boston, MA.
At the end of my five years with the Coast Guard, I married Susan and continued my development in marine electronics. I can still remember Loran-A, a first generation Loran-C and the seafarer depth sounders!
Susan and I moved to Cape Cod, MA in 1980, where I took a position as an electronics technician with an established marine electronics dealership in Falmouth, MA. I continued to work in Falmouth for five years while Susan and I started a family.
In 1990, I made the bold move to start up a new company, Young’s Electronic Systems, Inc. I started with a tool bag, a test meter, a few customers and of course Susan. It has been 30 plus years that we have built a great team of specialists, acquired many wonderful friends within the industry, and gained thousands of customers.
I saw the need to become more involved within our industry. I therefore became a member of the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA). In 1998 I was nominated to the position of Northeast Regional Director for the NMEA. In addition to the NMEA, I have also been highly involved with the Certified Marine Electronics Technicians (CMET) program, aiding in the development of the installation standards for the industry. In 2002, my position with the NMEA expanded to Vice Chairman of the board. I became Chairman in January 2005. My focus during my three-year tenure as Chairman of the NMEA was to carry forward the programs established by the NMEA, including supporting NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, and our technical training programs.
By 2008, our adult children Stephen and Megan became employees at our family business; Young’s Electronic Systems. Stephen had just finished up with 4 years of active duty in the US Air Force specializing in avionics electronics. Stephen now runs our service/installation areas of our company. Megan received a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst and moved right into Susan’s position as office manager, well she really handles all that internal stuff. Susan is still supporting the family business but at a more leisurely pace, “Part-Time.”
In order to expand our customer base and services offered, in 2013 we purchased a facility in South Yarmouth, just off the Mid Cape Highway, Exit 8. Our new facility is “Best in Class” offering expanded product lines with Full Sales, Service & Installation capabilities; both in house and mobile service.
In conclusion, as our industry evolves, our company will evolve as well, providing our customers, the industry, and all boaters the technical support and services needed. I, along with all employees of Y.E.S., will strive to ensure customer service and professionalism is our number one priority. This has been the focal point of Young’s Electronics and has subsequently enabled the company to grow and expand to where it is today. The company looks forward to servicing our customers, “our friends” for many years to come.