Member Spotlight - Travis Martin
Beginning his career as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Palmer Johnson Yachts, Travis Martin transitioned to Bay Engineering, Inc. (BEI) in 2011. Under the mentorship of Joseph Fischer—a distinguished SNAME Fellow and Taylor Award Medal winner—Travis developed both as an engineer and a leader at the company, transitioning through roles such as Piping Department Supervisor, Director of Engineering, and Vice President. In 2019, recognizing Travis’s dedication and stewardship, Mr. Fischer entrusted him with the BEI legacy by selling him the company. Today, Travis proudly serves as its President.
During his tenure at BEI, Travis has been involved in numerous projects, including new construction and vessel conversions. Notably, he was the Project Engineer for design of the dredge ELLIS ISLAND for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, the largest hopper dredge in the United States at the time of its construction, and design of the Great Lakes self-unloader MARK W BARKER for Interlake Maritime Services, the first U.S.-flagged, Jones Act-compliant ship built on the Great Lakes since 1983. Both vessels were nominated as a "Significant Boat of the Year" by WorkBoat Magazine.
Travis is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Wisconsin and also possesses a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute. His academic background includes bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and physics from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Within SNAME, Travis is actively engaged with the Great Lakes and Great Rivers Section, currently presiding as its Section Chair.
Questions:
1. At what point in your career did you join SNAME?
I joined SNAME in 2015, a little over 6 years into my professional career, and started volunteering within the Great Lakes and Great Rivers Section as Meetings Chair in 2016.
2. How has SNAME membership been of value to you in your career?
Being a member of SNAME has been a cornerstone of my professional development, particularly through its vast networking opportunities and technical resources. I enjoy and have found value in the collaborative nature of SNAME, which fosters a shared space for exchanging ideas, advancing discussions, and collectively creating opportunities for mentorship, networking, and collaborative projects.
3. When did you know you wanted to pursue a job in the maritime field?
My fondness for math and physics steered me toward an engineering degree, but it wasn't until my tenure at Palmer Johnson Yachts that the maritime field captured my interest. Perfecting mechanical systems that were as unnoticeable as they were functional provided an engaging challenge. Later, at Bay Engineering, I had the opportunity to take part in the vessel design process from initial concept through production and delivery — and that's when I was truly hooked. While contributing to the design of luxury yachts was rewarding, I've discovered greater fulfillment in working on functional vessels such as dredges and bulk freighters. Being part of a skilled team that contributes to keeping vital commodities moving, supporting our infrastructure and economy, has been an incredibly fulfilling aspect of my career.
4. What advice would you give to those entering the maritime field?
There are plenty of opportunities available right now in the maritime field, so this is a great time to start a career. My advice would be that when considering your first job, prioritize who you will be working with over the specific role or company. Seek a mentor who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing their expertise. Learning from an experienced professional is invaluable — you'll gain insights that surpass what you can glean from textbooks alone. The wisdom and practical knowledge passed down from a seasoned mentor will lay a robust foundation for your career.
5. What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy reading and playing games with my children. My kids are still at the fun age where they enjoy my company, so I make the most of it by spending as much time with them as possible.
6. What is your favorite book, movie or tv series?
I am a sucker for science fiction, especially when multiple realities or time travel is involved. I'm aware this sort of thing can prompt some eye rolls, especially from my wife, but the idea of rethinking life's choices and contemplating the outcomes of different paths, if we had the chance to choose again, really intrigues me. My favorites that explore these themes are "Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch and "Replay" by Ken Grimwood.
7. What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love competitive swimming, and swam in college for 4 years. My passion for swimming might be a reason I felt such a connection to the maritime field, or at least I like to think there's a connection. Now, my kids are starting to get into it, which is fun, even if they're a bit reluctant to take swimming tips from their dad.