Chris Thomas
Managing Broker & Co-Owner
flagshipyachts1@comcast.net
Cell: 713-870-3299
Chris has been enjoying the boating lifestyle since childhood. Boating and water-skiing has always been a passion for Chris and his family and he attributes his personal success today in the marine industry to time spent on the water with his parents and grandparents while he was growing up.
While attending Oklahoma State University and working on his Marketing degree, Chris found time to peruse his passion for skiing as a 3 event water skier (Slalom, Tricks and Jumping) at the college level for 4 years, he also received the AWSA’s certification as a tournament tow boat driver. After graduation, big box retail management is where Chris found his calling…but it was the customer service he provided and his expectations of the team that allowed him to have the helm at companies like Bed Bath & Beyond and Cost Plus World Market for almost 10 years.
Having a family with three children (Ashley, Haley & Christopher) and ensuring they spend time on the water as a family, Chris and his wife Leslie spend countless hours at LYC ensuring the youth sailing program is not only supported but successful. All three children are accomplished sailors and have competed in TSA regattas, USODA regattas and enjoyed success at the national level. It all comes back to Chris having a deep passion for sharing one of life’s wonderful pleasures with others…boating as a family.
As a General Manager with the marine industries largest retailer for 7 years, he quickly discovered all the best practices and process maps in the world does not guarantee success if the entire team is not on board. There is only one way to do something and that involves putting your heart into it…
Chris has a tremendous amount of experience with power boats and sailboats including: I/O bow riders, sport yachts and yachts, tournament sport fishers and sailboats of all sizes. While boating in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida and Europe Chris has been exposed to some of life’s wonders and he is committed to share those with you and your family.
The team at Flagship Yachts of Texas wants what is right for you…we commit to listen first and understand what it is you need. Only then will we offer you our experience, knowledge and our commitment to exceed your expectations. It does not matter if you are looking for your first opportunity in boating or you have decided your current needs have changed; rather you’re buying or selling you can expect the highest level of customer service and representation with Chris Thomas at the helm.
Joyce Wagner, CPP
Managing Broker
flagshipyachts2@comcast.net
Cell: 281-532-3200
With thirty years experience sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, Joyce relocated to the Houston area with her husband, Gary. She began her sailing experience in 1977 with a first date on a day sail out of Annapolis on a Cheoy Lee 33 and was hooked…not by the date, but by sailing and immediately purchased her first sailboat! Several boats later, and a new husband who promised to eventually live aboard and cruise the world, they have enjoyed sailing from one end of the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean on their 44′ sailboat. During Joyce’s sailing adventures over the years, she sailed a 65′ ketch through the Caribbean Islands and in the San Francisco Bay. During those years, she brought together many Buyers and Sellers of boats, both power and sail, and is now exploring Galveston Bay and the Gulf waters.
In 2005, upon completion of her professional career in investigations and intelligence, she pursued professional yacht brokering. Her years of corporate leadership and Federal service in a profession requiring honesty and integrity has given her exemplary skills which enable her to serve her clients well. Learning how to manage boating adventures and experiencing the joy of perseverance has brought her to a new and challenging career as a Yacht Broker with Flagship Yachts of Texas, LLC. She is a member of the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association and she eagerly looks forward to serving previous, current, and future clients. Member of Lakewood Yacht Club, Waterford Yacht Club, Galveston Bay Power Squadron, and Texas Mariners Cruising Association.
Doug Payne
Brokerage Sales
dougpayne48@gmail.com
Cell: 281-309-8995
Doug has been involved in recreational boating for most of his life. He has over thirty-five years of business experience in sales, executive leadership and board service. Doug spent fifteen years in Chicago in corporate banking running a large part of the city for the largest bank, owned and/or operated three private companies for ten years, and was a managing partner and board member for a large national financial consulting firm where he took early retirement and entered the yacht sales and brokerage business joining Flagship Yachts. Doug brings this vast business experience and integrity to all that he does in the boating business.
Doug’s new and brokerage customers value his knowledge, experience and judgment about sailboats and boating and trust him to guide them in their endeavors to enjoy the sailing lifestyle and fulfill their dreams of owning and operating their sailing yachts.
Doug grew up on the family power boat and has owned six sailboats over the years from 16-46 feet. He has sailed on the Great Lakes, in Southern California, on inland lakes in Arizona and Texas, and on the Gulf Coast. He is passionate about sailing and helping others fulfill their dreams to own and sail their own boats. You can be assured he will help you define your needs and find the right boat for you, and he can be counted on to provide great customer service before and after the sale. You will find him knowledgeable and helpful about sailing, new and used sailing yachts and their ownership. Doug has completed numerous American Sailing Association courses, attended yacht brokerage industry meetings and conventions, and is a member of the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association. To visit my website please go to paynemarinesails.com.
Ruth Gilman
Broker
flagshipyachts5@comcast.net
Cell: 832-788-5427
Ruth has been boating since childhood. She is a fan of power boating and sail. Over thirty years of experience in business before joining the brokerage business in 2008. She moved to Flagship Yachts April 2010 and is looking to establish a customer base. Ruth will work hard to make your buying or selling experience a pleasant one.
John Dillingham
Broker
flagshipyachts4@comcast.net
Cell: 713-444-5633
John welcomes new clients with a smile, great passion and an in depth knowledge of boating centered around blue water. With his own life-long pursuit for spending time on the water from fresh water fishing as a child to countless hours off shore on tournament rigged sport fishers, John’s passion for life and what boating has to offer is something he shares with all his clients – make no mistake about it he has passion for what he does!
Growing up in Texas and on the Gulf Coast has allowed John to enjoy some of life’s true wonders. After receiving his degree from Southwest Texas State, John pursued a career on the PGA golf tour…as a card carrying professional for over 10 years John’s travels allowed him to build some long lasting friendships that still allows him to enjoy some time on the links today when he is not spending time with his wife and beautiful daughter on their West Texas ranch.
Allow John to spend some time understanding your needs and you will be rewarded with a true professional and a soft approach to helping you discover what it is you want from boating. Rather you’re buying or selling, John’s passion runs deep and he will go the extra mile to ensure your expectations are exceeded and all your questions are answered.
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It is not the years of experience one has, but the quality of experience serving clients with honor and integrity that makes a difference. Our mission is to provide every client with “Service Beyond the Expected.” It’s not just a slogan; it is our core business value.
At Flagship Yachts of Texas, LLC you will be treated with respect and friendliness at all times. We will listen to your needs and expectations, and then we will deliver. When you purchase a boat through us, our Brokers will assist you every step of the way, from initial inquiry, search, selection, and throughout the entire purchase process, even beyond the closing. 
