If Tinta Latina’s Latino of the Month Joel Romero’s life were a book, it would be in the uniquely American genre of the immigrant success story. True he arrived from Australia with a university degree in electrical engineering and well established in yacht service and sales, but he has since created a number of related business ventures including SeaNet Company, Inc., whose niche in the luxury market is Fractional Yacht Management.

Similar in concept to home timeshares, 3-year-old SeaNet’s Fractional Yacht Management allows one to enjoy all the benefits of yachting at a “fraction” of the cost. Included in the price are concierge services, captain and crew services, and maintenance. Annual fees start around $150,000 according to Mr. Romero.

“One can’t go boating all the time,” Mr. Romero explains the concept. So it is important that when leisure time is available it be spent on-board enjoying, rather than using the precious time to get ready for the experience.

Coupled with his 29 years of experience in yacht sales and service, the Latino of the Month’s entrepreneurial spirit has spurred the success of SeaNet, and the company is enjoying a growth spurt. Now with 10 yachts the company claims the largest yacht fleet in the United States, and there are plans to expand it.

There are offices on the West Coast, East Coast and in Europe. Yachts are moored in Miami, San Diego, Newport Beach and Marina del Rey. International sites include Spain and Ixtapa and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The tie to Santa Barbara? With the amount of concentrated wealth in the area and luxury home timeshares, Santa Barbara is a natural for marketing SeaNet’s unique yachting option.

There’s no secret formula for his accomplishments and achievements. “Follow your instincts, be diligent at it, and make goals for yourself” is the father of three’s advice for others aiming for success. He and wife Audrey’s children are Alexandra, Sophia, and Ethan.

It’s no surprise one of Mr. Romero’s hobbies is boating, and he also likes snowboarding and cooking. In addition to being a busy entrepreneur—he is still a yacht dealer in addition to running SeaNet—Mr. Romero makes time for a number of local and international charities supporting underprivileged and medically challenged children and also recently helped to rebuild a local church.

For more information on SeaNet and Fractional Yacht Management, visit SeaNetCo.com.