The Biz
J/ob Opening?
Longtime lurker Jim "Jimmy J" Johnstone gave us a call the other day to tell us that he’d be leaving J/Boats, effective December 23rd, after 15 years with the business founded by his family. When we asked him why he was calling us, he said, "you’d find out before everyone else anyway, so I figured I’d call you first."
Jimmy wore about a dozen different hats at J/Boats. At various times he was production manager, sales manager, class coordinator, and his face has been a regular and welcome fixture at hundreds of J/Boat events. When asked the reason for his departure, the former Laser Radial World Champion said, "With three kids in private school, it was time to think more long-range, and J/Boats didn’t offer me the kind of opportunities that my new position does, though it’s been a great ride with some of the best people in sailing." Johnstone will now be working with the insurer Gowrie, Barden & Brett in their marine insurance department, so long-time J/Boat suppliers and customers can find him there – or expect a cold call soon. Jimmy added one thing he was very excited about: "Hopefully in the near future I’ll get my Cat 1 status back, so I’ll finally be able to race in so many classes that I’ve been excluded from – classes that include many of my friends."
