Stefan Johansson is the founder and CEO of Windward Marina Group. Over the past 30 years, Mr. Johansson has gained extensive experience in the maritime industry. Mr. Johansson was a Founding Principal of Prime Marina Group with 5 marinas spanning from Miami to Cape Cod. Prior to founding Prime Marina group, Mr. Johansson Built more than 1,000 slips in Northern Europe, along with Marina Cottage rentals and best-in-class marina facilities in 3 separate locations. In 1982 Mr. Johansson founded Sunhouse Construction and grew it into one of the most dynamic commercial contractors in South Florida, generating in excess of $500 million of revenue. Using Sunhouse as a platform for growth, he acquired, developed, managed and owned over 20 million SF of commercial real estate, specifically in the Retail, Hospitality and Multifamily sectors.  

After acquiring the St. Augustine Marine center in 2018, the Marine Center has quickly become one of the most respected and trusted service and refit facilities in NE Florida.  

St Augustine marine center also paved the way for two additional acquisitions in Florida by acquiring the St Augustine Shipyard across the river, and Beach Marine in Jacksonville Beach. 

 Mr. Johansson grew up sailing on the west coast of Sweden, then moved to the US in 1979 to further his education. Mr. Johansson holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and a master’s degree in Finance from the University of Miami. 

As a 5th generation boat builder, ship’s captain and marina operator, stemming from Captain Johansson in 1882 Stefan’s great, great Grandfather, one could agree that yachting, marinas and boat-building is part of his DNA. He is very proud to continue the family’s legacy and passion for the maritime Industry. 

Allen “Gus” Gustafson brings 26 years of Military and Federal Law Enforcement experience to the Windward team. Gus retired from Federal service at the end of last year. He has over 11 years of progressive leadership experience steering operations and training organizations to successful outcomes. In his last assignment, he served as the Director of the National Marine Training Center for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) where he was responsible for the training and certification for all of Air and Marine Operations and U.S. Border Patrol Riverine nationally.

Gus is thoroughly versed in Marine Operations, project/program management, financial/resource administration, and leadership. He is a graduate of the CBP Second Level Command Prep and the University of Maryland Smith School of Business Leadership Institute. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1992 following combat operations during Operation Desert Storm. Gus brings over 20 years of marine experience and holds a USCG 100 gross ton masters license.

Gus has been married to Kelly Gustafson for 25 years and has two sons, Tanner and Peyton.

Paulina Johansson is the Project Manager for sustainability and placemaking at Windward Marina Group. She joined us after graduating from Bucknell University with a BSBA in Managing for Sustainability. While at Bucknell, Paulina served as the student executive assistant for the Managing for Sustainability department within the College. She directed interdepartmental projects and served as the liaison between students and professors. Paulina has gained experience in placemaking and architecture during her time at Arquitectonica in Miami, Florida. She also further enhanced her people-management skills while working at WES (Women Executive Search) in Stockholm, Sweden. Paulina has an inherent passion for the marine industry, having experience in marine conservation research projects in the Virgin Islands along with a focus in her studies on marine and coastal sustainability.

Christopher Simon is the Vice President of Marina Operations of Windward Marina Group. He joined us from the Robert Finvarb Companies where he also serves as Vice President of Portfolio Asset Management. When first joining Robert Finvarb Companies, as an Analyst, his primary focus was on the analysis of overall hotel performance, investor relations and preparing internal financial reports. In 2015, Christopher was promoted to the Director of Asset Manager. As Director, along with his previous duties, he worked closely with all hotel leaders and focuses on the implementation of specific revenue and sales strategies to further drive top-line performance for all properties. In addition to his active role in the revenue generation of the hotel portfolio, Christopher is responsible for the project management and scheduling of over $12MM in renovation projects. During this time Christopher utilizes his construction knowledge with his revenue expertise to ensure that all properties, undergoing significant renovations, still meet the desired returns to investors.  Christopher is also involved with the selection, negotiation, and evaluation of leases for the Finvarb Retail Portfolio, which consists of over 30,000 SF of commercial space. Christopher is a graduate from Barry University with an M.B.A specializing in Finance.

Guo Fu Li is the Controller of Windward Marina Group and joined the Company in August 2019. He joined us from the Robert Finvarb Companies where he also serves as Controller. Guo Fu received his Bachelor of Accounting at the University of Central Florida. He has spent over 12 years combined in both public and private accounting, providing his extensive working experience in a broad cross-section of industries. Guo Fu started his career in the assurance and advisory services department of HLB Gravier, LLP, a local accounting firm in Coral Gables, FL. There he led engagements for real estate, manufacturing and distribution, and governmental and not-for-profit entities. Most recently, Guo Fu worked with Vertical Bridge, the largest privately-owned communications tower owner and operator in the country, where he oversaw the accounting operations and financial reporting.

Daniela Trudel is the Chief Financial Officer for Windward Marina Group. She joined us from the Robert Finvarb Companies where she also serves as CFO. Daniela graduated from Auburn University with a Masters in Accounting in 1992 and has been a Florida CPA since 1995. Daniela has spent over 21 years combined in both public and private accounting, providing her extensive working experience in a broad cross-section of industries. Following graduation from Auburn, Daniela became associated with the auditing and consulting firm of Grant Thornton, LLP, the 6th largest accounting firm in the world. There she served as an Assurance Services Manager for 5 years. In 1998, Daniela became the Director of Special Projects and ultimately the Director of Finance for Blue Dot Services, Inc., a consolidator of air-conditioning and plumbing companies through-out the United States. During her time at Blue Dot, Daniela oversaw the acquisition and integration of over 80 companies into the Blue Dot roll-up. Most recently, Daniela was Chief Financial Officer for Presidential Aviation, a leading private air charter company based out of Fort Lauderdale, FL.