Our Brokers

Chet Pawlowicz
Chet's boating experience began more than thirty years ago on the Great Lakes. His profession as a school teacher allowed him plenty of time in the summer to race and cruise sailboats. In the fall of 1980, rather than returning to the classroom, he just kept on sailing, eventually ending up in Annapolis where he chose to stay. He immediately started a yacht refurbishing business which gave him an excellent knowledge base in yacht construction and repair. In 1982 he became a broker with Martin Bird & Associates and was immediately successful. He and a partner bought the business in 1988 and in 2004 Chet became the sole owner.
 
Chet enjoys sailing and power boating on the Chesapeake Bay. Over the years he has assisted hundreds of people in the purchase or sale of their boats. "Buying or selling a boat is a major transaction", notes Chet. "Our expertise and hard-working approach will make that transaction an easy and pleasant experience for you".

Bob O'Brien
Bob has been around boats for most of his life. The fascination began early with childhood summers on the Severn River and has never diminished. Bob has had home ports in Maryland and New England. He is at home on Buzzards Bay as he is on the Chesapeake. Sailing ventures have included passages to and from New England, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Bob is a former Boatswain mate in the Coast Guard Reserves. He has also enjoyed the satisfaction of bringing classic old boats back to life including a 1968 Van de Stadt designed Ohlson Harmony. Rarely does he miss a chance to be on the water.
 
After a long career in the corporate world Bob decided it was time for a change. Combining the lessons of hard work and diligence with the love of good quality boats made for a natural transition to Martin Bird & Associates. What better endeavor could there be than assisting boat owners with finding their perfect boat?
 
"I believe the right yacht must suit her owner's personality and intended use. She should be safe, sound and visually pleasing to her owner. The right boat should tug a bit at your heart strings. A good yacht broker should be knowledgeable and a good communicator and most importantly, a good listener. I look forward to hearing about your 'next boat'."

Mark Parris
Mark was raised on the waters of the Eastern Shore and spent his childhood sailing and tending mahogany Centurys and plywood Penguins. Trained as a molecular biologist in the valleys of Virginia, the love of the water brought him back to the Bay to work and eventually move his family aboard. Sixteen years of raising three children on a 30' cutter has made him appreciate, if nothing else, the value of full water tanks, full batteries and a solid dry hull in a seaway. In 1982, he purchased a sail loft and designed and built custom sails and canvasses for 28 years.
 
During that time Mark has owned and restored a Van Dine 30' cutter, built a 45' Benford steel cutter and continued to restore a 1926 National Guard Armory as a home and loft. Now in Annapolis, he is putting his years of expertise in sail and power to help you find the boat of your needs. Attentive listening and observation, diligent research and insightful creative solutions are attributes that Mark honed in the fields of science and sailmaking. Let Mark apply those valuable skills to help you buy or sell your boat.

Bob Wagner
Bob has spent most of his adult life around boats and on the Chesapeake Bay and has a broad marine background. He has always set his career objective to be working near the water and doing something he loved. Being a yacht broker at Martin Bird & Associates has brought him to that goal. Having bought and sold quite a few boats over the past 20 years, Bob understands the amount of commitment involved in preparing a boat for sale through to the final detail. Communication is a key component in any transaction, especially one with so many emotions attached. Always ready to listen, to lend a hand and to follow through on the details, you can be assured Bob will treat everyone with fairness and honesty.
 
Bob has been the owner of several successful businesses over the last 30 years. Each of the businesses has been very client oriented and marketing driven with a special emphasis on customer satisfaction. When he was not traveling for work, Bob's free time was spent cruising the Chesapeake, including several trips down the ICW, and drag racing along the east coast. Both hobbies allowed him to learn a great deal about engine repair and general maintenance.
 
Bob Wagner's philosophy:
"Boaters are passionate about their time on the water. Every day on your boat is a bonus day and needs to be enjoyed to the fullest. Sellers: We believe in co-brokerage and will network extensively with other brokers to help sell your boat quickly and efficiently. Additionally, your boat will be advertised worldwide and given priority as a valued client. I will use all the tools at my disposal to keep you abreast of current market conditions. Buyers: I have the knowledge and experience in locating, inspecting, negotiating and delivery. I will listen to your objectives and desires and find a boat that fits your expectations. Whether you are buying, selling or trading, I am ready to go to work for you and help you achieve your goals."

Scott Dodge
Scott has been involved with boats since he was a small boy in Southern California. After graduating from Boston College, he lived in Bermuda and when an opportunity arose to deliver a 40'Cheoy Lee to Annapolis, he jumped at the chance. While in Maryland, Scott took over management of a Boston Whaler dealership for a friend who had become seriously ill. When his friend recovered, Scott decided to continue selling boats and make Annapolis his home.

During the past 23 years, Scott has sold many new and brokerage boats and is a Certified Professional Yacht Broker. He has represented several major new boat lines including Catalina, Morgan, Farr Design Pilothouse and Deck Salon boats, and most recently, Tartan and C&C.

When Scott isn't selling boats, he can be found racing or delivering them, logging over 20,000 miles offshore in both power and sailing vessels. He also enjoys fishing and cruising in power boats. Scott always has time for his clients if they need instruction on boating, advice on upgrades or if they just want to go out and sail. It is that commitment that has enabled him to build long- lasting relationships as well as friendships with his clients. Scott believes "a happy client is the best advertisement money can't buy."

"My job is not only to aid a client in finding the correct boat for their needs and requirements, but also to ensure that the purchasing process is as enjoyable as the time you spend out on the water." Let his knowledge and experience work for you to turn your dream into reality.