NoJo Spotlight: Chief Commercial Officer Crom Littlejohn

Northrop & Johnson spotlights Chief Commercial Officer Crom Littlejohn who has forty years of experience in the yachting industry. Crom is an integral part of Northrop & Johnson overseeing sales, charter, charter management and crew services, globally. He has a can-do attitude, a passion for the industry and loves seeing team members succeed.

How did you get into the yachting industry and what lead you to where you are today?

I’ve known since the age of 13 that being a yacht broker was my future in life. Born and raised in Indialantic, Florida I grew up around, on and in the water my entire life. It was a great upbringing that instilled a passion for the water at a young age.

After some time in college, I decided to head to Fort Lauderdale seeking a broker’s position and was offered a position on an 82’ (24.9m) yacht, which in 1981 was a BIG boat! After several years cruising The Bahamas and East Coast of the United States, it was time to move ashore to start my long-desired career helping others enjoy my passion for the water and boats. After many years as a yacht broker, charter manager, and charter broker the opportunity arose to move into a management role at Northrop & Johnson, and I jumped at the opportunity to work with what I felt was the best team in the industry.

What do you think makes N&J special?

I know it is a cliché, but it’s our people and company culture that makes N&J so very special. It is a place that is enjoyable and fun to work at every day and I continue to learn and grow thanks to the fabulous team that we’ve been fortunate to assemble.

What do you like most about your job?

I love the hustle and variety of each day. Being passionate about the entire yachting industry provides me the ability to affect many different divisions. I work with team members from four different commercial divisions across nine hours of time zones, each with very different needs and views.  Every day is different from the last and we work together to overcome challenges and create new opportunities.

What accomplishment at N&J makes you most proud?

Watching the growth of individual team members, especially junior team members. It is a thrill to see them transition into knowledgeable and experienced members of our team while meeting or exceeding their personal goals.

What is your favorite cruising destination and why?

Oh, there are so many! I enjoy going to new places as it is a big thrill to learn the nuances of each new location. My favorite destinations though would be a tossup between the Great Lakes and The Bahamas. They are very different from one another, but both offering something very unique and exciting.

If you had a yacht what type of yacht would you have?

I often ask myself this question and have realized that there is no one perfect yacht, so I’ll just need to have a few as everyone should!

If you had a yacht where would you spend the most time aboard?

I would spend my time aboard with family, friends and maybe a bottle of tequila or two. I’d spend time my time outside, much of it in the water, enjoying and sharing my passion for boating.

What’s your favorite activity you enjoy with friends/family?

Anything that gets us together and on the water!

What is one fun/unique fact about yourself?

I am a fourth-generation Floridian. My great grandfather actually founded Indialantic, where I was born and raised.

What is one tip for first-time clients?

Find a broker, be it sales or charter, that listens well, understands your likes and dislikes, and let them go to work for you. Working with multiple brokers is typically not a productive way to find the best outcome.

Any additional info to share?

There is no finer way to spend time with family and friends than aboard a yacht be it your own or through charter. It is an experience unlike anything else and will leave you with one-of-a-kind experiences and memories that will last forever. Our team has a passion for helping clients discover the yachting lifestyle, speak to one of them today, and see for yourself.

As a world-leading luxury yacht brokerage, Northrop & Johnson delivers professional services in luxury yacht sales and purchasing, private yacht charter, new yacht construction, charter management, crew placement and more. For all your yachting needs, from superyachts for sale to luxury yacht charter and beyond, contact Northrop & Johnson today.