About us
Who We Are
Specialty Marine & Industrial Supplies, Inc.
Specialty Marine & Industrial Supplies, Inc. was founded by Sharon Whalen in 1991 to fill a local need for quality specialty marine products that was not being filled by the existing supply houses. In 1993, Sharon’s husband Mike Whalen joined the business. Mike, a Jacksonville Beach native, has spent his career in the marine industry. He is a graduate of the FCCJ and of a Management Training Program conducted at the former Jacksonville Shipyard. Mike worked for several years as a Field Technician for the General Electric Company and has hands on experience in the installation of the products that Specialty Marine sells. He and the rest of the sales staff bring many years of experience and combined knowledge to the Company. In 2019 Mike Doherty purchased the company from Sharon who is looking forward to some free time and a hard-earned retirement. Mike Doherty has also spent his career in the Marine Industry, mostly in new ship construction and repair.
Specialty Marine’s strength lies in the fact that it provides a “one stop shopping” source for many of the Military Specification components required by the contractors who work at the local yards and at ship repair facilities around the world. We “Specialize” in sourcing materials, parts, and components unique to the marine and industrial communities. The Company also sells directly to the U.S. Navy, United States Coast Guard, State and Local Governments. The Company also has a proprietary deck drain conversion product that it markets.
At Specialty Marine – OUR CUSTOMER’S SATISFACTION is our primary concern. We exist because of our customers and it is our job to ensure that when they do business with us – they leave satisfied that they have received value for their dollar and with an intention to return.
Meet The Team
Our Staff
Mike Doherty
Owner
Mike Doherty moved from Alaska when he was 2 and has lived in Jacksonville ever since except for 9 years in Mobile, Alabama. He attended Georgia Tech and earned a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation he went to work at Mayport Naval Station for Atlantic Marine had a long career with shipyards in Jacksonville and Mobile working in quality assurance, estimating, project management, and yard management. He brings experience from both Navy and commercial ship repair and new construction.
Mike Whalen
Sales Manager
Mike Whalen is a native of Jacksonville Beach. He has over 44 years of marine and shipyard experience. At the age of 18, he went to work for Jacksonville Shipyard. There he underwent extensive management training and moved up through the ranks to Ship Superintendent. At 25, he went to work for G.E. Marine for 2 years in the Field Engineering Services Division. With countless years of marine experience, he worked as a Marine Surveyor for Hull and Cargo Marine Surveyors and then went to Atlantic Marine Inc. for 5 years as a Quality Assurance Inspector. He joined his wife Sharon Whalen in 1993 after working 27 years in the shipyard industry.
Connie Callahan
Accounting
Connie is a native of upstate New York but has spent her adult life in the Jacksonville area. She has over 15 years in the marine industry. Starting as an Administrative Assistant in Procurement for Earl Industries she advanced to Buyer then Purchasing Manager. She continued in that position through the transition of ownership to General Dynamics NASSCO. Taking time off she attended Florida State College of Jacksonville where she earned an Associates degree in Accounting Technologies. Connie is responsible for accounts payable and receivable while assisting with sales and purchasing.
Greg Meece
Inside Sales
Greg is a native of Greensboro, NC. He retired from the United States Coast Guard as an MKC. He brings
with him 30+ years of engineering and mechanical experience.
STEVE FOURAKER
Shipping/receiving/INVENTORY CONTROL
Steve is a native of Jacksonville and has an extensive background in television, media production, and newspaper management.
Mon-Fri: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
info@specialtymarinefl.com
1420 Mayport Road
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233