Kristen Klein

My Present

Hi, I’m Kristen Klein, Yacht Broker with Northrop & Johnson, based in South Florida. I’ve been with Northrop & Johnson since 2012 in a sales brokerage role, building my business over more than a decade through long-term client relationships, market insight, and consistent deal execution.

With nearly 20 years in the yachting industry—including six years spent working onboard—I bring a practical, real-world understanding of yacht operations and ownership. I specialize in advising clients across a range of yacht types, from pedigree American builds to modern European brands and custom projects. My approach is both analytical and relationship-driven, with a focus on comparable data, strategic pricing, and positioning to ensure successful outcomes.

My Past

I earned my MBA and B.S. from the University of Florida, where I developed a strong foundation in business strategy, finance, and economics. Originally from Clearwater, Florida, I began my career working onboard yachts, gaining firsthand experience in vessel operations, maintenance, and guest experience.

That time at sea continues to shape how I evaluate yachts today—from mechanical systems and refit quality to layout functionality and crew flow—allowing me to offer clients a well-rounded, practical perspective throughout the buying and selling process.

My Future

My focus is to help clients navigate the yachting market with clarity and confidence. Whether sourcing the right yacht, structuring a deal, or advising on market timing, I aim to deliver thoughtful, data-driven guidance tailored to each client’s goals.

I prioritize long-term relationships and take pride in being a trusted advisor throughout the ownership lifecycle—not just during a transaction, but across the broader yachting experience.

My Outside-Office Life

Outside of brokerage, I’m deeply connected to the ocean through both exploration and conservation. I’m an active scuba diver, a certified scientific diver through the American Academy of Underwater Sciences, and volunteer with marine conservation initiatives, including coral restoration programs and hands-on scientific efforts. Becoming AAUS-certified remains one of my proudest accomplishments.

I volunteer as a diver with Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the coral nursery program at Mote Marine Laboratory, contributing to reef restoration and public engagement. My involvement also extends to sea turtle hatchling rescue on Fort Lauderdale Beach, sea turtle tagging, manta ray tagging in Mexico, and whale shark tagging in Madagascar, along with other conservation efforts focused on protecting marine ecosystems.

Some of my most memorable experiences have come through diving. A standout was a liveaboard expedition in the Galápagos Islands, diving alongside hammerheads, sea lions, and manta rays. Another unforgettable trip was diving in Socorro Island—what I call the “manta ray superhighway”—where the abundance of marine life is extraordinary and curious dolphins regularly swim alongside you. These moments continually reinforce my passion for the ocean and the importance of protecting it.

When I’m not traveling or scuba diving, I enjoy spending time at home with my awesome Rhodesian Ridgeback and two rescue cats.

Fast Facts

My favorite cruising destinations are The Bahamas and the Pacific Northwest

I’ve been with Northrop & Johnson since 2012

I have nearly 20 years of experience  in the yachting industry

If I owned a yacht, I’d plan a full global circumnavigation with the goal of supporting marine research

I was once a contestant on the game show Wheel of Fortune

I spent a semester abroad during college with the Semester at Sea program, circumnavigating the globe