PHOTO COURTESY OF IRISH BOAT SHOP
Michael Esposito announced his planned retirement as president of Irish Boat Shop at the end of 2023, after nearly 30 years with the company. He joined the business in 1994 after an early career in competitive sail boat racing and instruction, including participating in the 1986 America’s Cup, and has served as president of Irish Boat Shop since 2007.
“Michael has done a wonderful job of carrying on with the goals and values of my father, Dave Irish,” says Irish Boat Shop board chair Susan Irish Stewart. “My dad wanted the Boat Shop to care for boats so people can have fun boating. Michael has made this his principal focus in leading the company so the Boat Shop can continue this mission into the future.”
Esposito was instrumental in continued growth for the company, and during his time as president he helped modernize marine facilities in Harbor Springs and Charlevoix, and led the creation of a new Irish Boat Shop sales and service facility in Traverse city, Michigan.
“It was privilege to have worked with Dave Irish on a daily basis and then be given the opportunity to serve and lead Irish Boat Shop for these many years,” says Esposito. “It’s also been an absolute blast. I believe Irish Boat Shop has made a difference in the lives of its employees, the communities we work in and protecting the waters of Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes basin.”
Originally from Westerly, Rhode Island, Esposito and his wife plan to keep Harbor Springs as their home after his retirement.
“There is no better place to work, play and raise a family,” adds Esposito. “I’ll miss coming to the Boat Shop every day to engage with our team and customers after almost 30 years, and I’m proud that Irish Boat Shop is prepared for another 60+ years of helping people have fun with their boats.”
To learn more, visit irishboatshop.com.
