Crew Members

When Chris looked back at his childhood, some of his fondest memories were of his family up at their cottage on Conestogo Lake, boating their summers away. As Chris's own family got older, he and his wife, Karen, decided it was time to create their own boating memories; Chris and Karen purchased a used Bayliner Ciera. Chris, Karen and the kids enjoyed a few summers on it, but then it came time to sell. This is when Chris's passion for sales switched gears from cars to boats and C.A.S. Power Marine Ltd. was launched! Chris has gone from selling out of a friend's garage as a one-man operation to employing 10 full-time crew members in a brand new shop, store and showroom. In his last few years, Chris spent much time boating with his family and friends in and around Port Dover with trips out to Pottahawk, Long Point's Lighthouse or longer Lake Erie boat trips to Leamington or the other way to Port Colbourne. Chris and Karen also enjoyed boating down in Florida in the Fort Myers, Cape Coral area living and Delivering the Dream! In loving memory, 1957~2023

Chris's favourite story to tell about Dan is from Spring 2008. Dan dropped off his resume looking for a Marine Engine Mechanic Apprenticeship Placement, Chris went running out the door after him, interviewed him and gave him the placement on the spot. Dan's boat racing hobby meant he was the one fine-tuning his racing outboard and making any necessary repairs to both his engine and boat. In Chris's eyes, Dan was a gold-star to add to our service department. The kicker to the story is Chris didn't realize he was hiring his daughter's future husband! Dan completed both his placement and apprenticeship with C.A.S. Power Marine Ltd. and has gone on to, not only mentor other apprentices in our service department, but is also a spokesperson for Ontario's boating industry giving presentations to elementary and high schools in Waterloo Region as part of the Speaker's Bureau organized through the Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region. Dan has also taught basic mechanical courses with the KW Power & Sail Squadron. Dan is a Certified Marine Engine Mechanic with the Province of Ontario, a Suzuki Marine MasterTech since 2009, a Mercruiser Certified Technician and Volvo Penta Certified Technician. Dan & Vanessa purchased C.A.S. Power Marine from Chris in November 2021. They look forward to continuing Chris's vision of Delivering the Dream of boating to our hundreds of customers throughout Southern Ontario.

Derek's family has always had a cottage on the water. When the economy took a down-turn, so did Derek's previous career as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic. That's when Derek decided to jump into the cool waters of the marine mechanic! After completing his first year in Georgian College's Marine Engine Mechanic course in 2009, he came to C.A.S. Power Marine Ltd to finish his placement. Derek stayed on for his full apprenticeship period of 3 years and, after gaining his Certification from the Province of Ontario as a Marine Engine Mechanic, he has mentored other marine engine mechanic apprentices. Derek has been able to not only draw on his years as an aircraft mechanic, but also his passion for fishing on the Great Lakes, to make sure his service customers are getting their boats serviced and maintained to their potential. With C.A.S. Power Marine Ltd, Derek has been a Suzuki MasterTech since 2010, achieving Bronze Award status once and Silver Award status twice! Derek is also Volvo Penta Certified, Mercury & Mercruiser Certified and a certified ABYC Marine Elecrtician. Derek is a trusted and dependable long-time Crew Member and a huge asset to our service department. Sorry no choosies for your service tech :)

Kirk's dipped his toes in a couple of different areas at C.A.S. Power Marine Ltd.

After spending a few years in the accounting world, Vanessa decided to come on board and start working for her dad, Chris. In 2007, Vanessa started off with only real-world, helping-out-with-the-lines experience at the Parts & Service Counter. At that time, we didn't have dedicated staff for each department. Vanessa grew into the Service Advisor role then fell back on her accounting experience to fill the Bookkeeper & Service Manager roles. Also an asset to the Sales team, she handles all of the ownership transfers. Over the years, Vanessa has gained valuable service & parts experience and has become an integral crew member at C.A.S. Power Marine Ltd. Vanessa is not only Chris's daughter, but also Dan's wife! Vanessa & Dan purchased C.A.S. Power Marine from Chris in November 2021. They look forward to continuing Chris's vision of Delivering the Dream of boating to our hundreds of customers throughout Southern Ontario.

Lidia started part-time with C.A.S. Power Marine Ltd. in 2012 as the Accounts Payable Clerk, a newly created position at the time. Her experience working with large corporate accounts was almost too much for C.A.S., but her and Vanessa hit it off just right, which was a good thing since they shared a tiny office at the Cedar Creek location. Lidia always has a smile on her face and is ready to help out the rest of the crew (even when it means dirty hands to tend to the gardens or count old, dusty parts inventory!). As the company has grown, her position has evolved into a full-time Accounting Clerk. We're glad to have her a part of the crew, especially since she keeps everyone fed and laughing!