Photo: the Randses
TOMCO MARINE GROUP, INC.
About Us
Its not often in life that you run into someone that you work well with as a team, someone that loves the business, believes in quality and is a skilled craftsman. It is unusual to find three! Tom Nelson, Mike Schoppert and Kurt Dilworth found each other while working the past four years at Nordic Tugs, each coming from not so different pasts. The formation of Tomco Marine Group (American Tugs) was Tom's brainchild that started in meetings with Lynn Senour, a well known West Coast Marine Architect. Tom and Lynn are long time friends and coworkers from early wooden boat building days on Lake Union in Seattle. As a young apprentice, Tom was thrust into positions of great responsibilities as he proved himself on the shop floor. Those responsibilities grew as did the company and he soon found himself president of the Boat Yard. He later founded his own company, building 70 - 90 foot custom yachts as Nelson Yacht Corporation, and prior to starting Tomco Marine Group (American Tugs), Tom Nelson was President of Nordic Tugs.
Mike Schoppert grew up in Alaska and attended Western Washington University - Mike's expertise in fiberglass technology began at Uniflite Corporation where he learned lofting and tooling skills. He later worked at Chris-Craft and Tolly Craft then ending up at Oceanus, where he developed a tooling process and facility to produce the fiberglass components for Zodiac. Mike spent four years supervising the lamination department and later serving as the general manager of Nordic Tugs prior to joining Tomco Marine Group (American Tugs).
Kurt Dilworth entered the boat manufacturing industry just when the luxury tax was taking its toll on the smaller builders. Beginning with Chambers Craft in the late 80's and the restart of that company as Premier Boats in the early 90's, he found himself in supervisory positions of companies that were falling apart. After several years of engineering at the local community college and the University of Washington and an apprenticeship on a two-year conversion of a steel tug to a private yacht - opportunity called at Nordic Tugs.
Starting as a mechanic installing engines, electrical systems, and plumbing, he worked himself into lead positions and as the company grew, maintained position of Head Engineer and developed a warranty / customer service position.
During the past years of their careers, Tom, Mike, and Kurt developed a mutual respect for each other, complimenting their leadership skills. They believed in the people working for them and trusted each other. Now with the formation of Tomco Marine Group (American Tugs), their knowledge, integrity, and craftsmanship culminates in the creation of the American Tug 34', the American Tug 41', and the new American Tug 49' Limited.
Demanding attention and respect as she pulls up to the dock and taming the coastal waters with confidence, the ultimate sport utility vehicle has arrived!!
Mike Schoppert grew up in Alaska and attended Western Washington University - Mike's expertise in fiberglass technology began at Uniflite Corporation where he learned lofting and tooling skills. He later worked at Chris-Craft and Tolly Craft then ending up at Oceanus, where he developed a tooling process and facility to produce the fiberglass components for Zodiac. Mike spent four years supervising the lamination department and later serving as the general manager of Nordic Tugs prior to joining Tomco Marine Group (American Tugs).
Kurt Dilworth entered the boat manufacturing industry just when the luxury tax was taking its toll on the smaller builders. Beginning with Chambers Craft in the late 80's and the restart of that company as Premier Boats in the early 90's, he found himself in supervisory positions of companies that were falling apart. After several years of engineering at the local community college and the University of Washington and an apprenticeship on a two-year conversion of a steel tug to a private yacht - opportunity called at Nordic Tugs.
Starting as a mechanic installing engines, electrical systems, and plumbing, he worked himself into lead positions and as the company grew, maintained position of Head Engineer and developed a warranty / customer service position.
During the past years of their careers, Tom, Mike, and Kurt developed a mutual respect for each other, complimenting their leadership skills. They believed in the people working for them and trusted each other. Now with the formation of Tomco Marine Group (American Tugs), their knowledge, integrity, and craftsmanship culminates in the creation of the American Tug 34', the American Tug 41', and the new American Tug 49' Limited.
Demanding attention and respect as she pulls up to the dock and taming the coastal waters with confidence, the ultimate sport utility vehicle has arrived!!
Tomco Marine Group, Inc. © 2000-Present
1 (360) 466-9277
e-mail us
1 (360) 466-9277
e-mail us
