We’ve all seen those adverts online that claim you can become an internet entrepreneur and earn money whilst running your business from somewhere hot and exotic. But with the training, support, marketing materials and technical systems of Boatshed™ that lifestyle has become a reality for Alan Giles of Boatshed Phuket.

Alan, what first got you interested in boats and boating?

I can’t really remember a specific instance; I have always been around boats. My father was the agent in Guernsey for “Coronet” and “Dell Quay Ranger” motor boats when I was a child. When I was perhaps 11 or 12 years old I got a weekend and holiday job helping the owner of a 36’ Moonraker, which at the time was one of the biggest and best power boats in St Peter Port harbour, on which we spent weekends cruising around Guernsey and the other Channel Islands, and summer holiday trips to the UK and cruising the coasts of Normandy and Brittany.

Can you tell us about your first boat?

My first boat was a 16’ ring power boat, with an 85 Hp Yamaha jacked up 5” above the transom for racing. It used to turn sideways without warning occasionally and eject us from the cockpit! Amazingly we also used it for trips to the other island and even occasionally to Dilette on the French coast. My first real boat was a 21’ Coronet which had been re engined with a Volvo 175; quite a fast boat in those pre “Sunseeker” days.

I don’t have a boat at the moment but I’m doing a lot of dreaming; no time and no money, but I still get out sailing in club races and the occasional regatta.

So, you’ve been a broker for 6 years. What made you choose Boatshed?

The necessity of starting a business of my own. There are limited opportunities for employment for foreigners (Farangs) in my adopted home of Phuket.

What are the more challenging aspects of what you do?

Handling the varying personalities and expectations of the “characters” buying and selling boats.

What is the best thing about your job?

Variety, and not being stuck in the office. Most of my work can be done from my iPad, working hard when necessary but being able to get away for a couple of days when we’re not busy. We enjoy traveling around and visiting other islands in southern Thailand.

What is great about boating where you live?

Ask the 12 million visitors who arrive at Phuket airport every year! The weather, the food, the lifestyle, the hundreds of islands in Phang Nga Bay and all the way down to Langkawi in Malaysia.

Do you have any advice for someone thinking of selling their boat?

Presentation, presentation, presentation.

Do you have any advice for someone thinking of becoming a broker?

Talk to people already doing the job, and make sure it is right for you.

A Boatshed business could earn you £80,000+ p.a. We’ve made great headway in becoming the world’s largest brokerage, we’re now seeking enterprising people to join our ranks. All business models include training and support, marketing materials and access to the ground breaking Boatshed™ System. Find out more at BoatshedBusiness.com

Peggy Melmoth

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How to buy a boat – the process / Thinking of selling your boat? / Floating Market Returns to Birmingham / 2013: Our amazing year! / Get started with your own Boatshed business / More news articles and stories.

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