Our Story

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Supplier to the world’s most recognized brands for good reason.

Serving discerning yacht owners and boat builders, We Do Teak offers more than 60 years of combined experience in precision, marine woodworking with an uncommon specialization in teak. Founder and Owner Thomas Gardi combines a mariner’s inside perspective with an in-depth woodworking and business background, setting him apart as both artist and leader. As a result, each member of the team is highly skilled, deeply trained and profoundly committed to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. 

We begin by securing the finest wood and grain from the nation’s preeminent suppliers. But that’s just the beginning.

Our talented craftsmen are driven by an innate desire to embody the human fulfillment of their craft. Through an intense passion for the art of woodworking and a profound commitment to the science of boat building. Each possesses skills that meet the highest industry standards…and exceed them. Each is deeply devoted to creating the stunning outcome every boat owner expects…and deserves.

Customization

We treat each client like royalty because a custom designed vessel is a crowning achievement.

Just as each piece of wood has its own grain, each client is distinct. To ensure a once-in-a-lifetime concept, we evaluate all aspects of a vessel or home from exterior setting and shape to interior function and materials. We never reuse an approach. We never force previous designs on a new project. Whether clients come to us with a fully formed vision, a general idea or a blank slate, we collaborate to create an exclusive design that reflects their individual objectives, lifestyle, preferences and priorities.

Precision

Contour. Shape. Grain. Hue. Integrating them artfully translates precision into perfection for the owner’s aspirations.

With 60 years of combined experience, our team’s work ethic is uncompromising and attention to detail unparalleled. We are meticulous in executing every aspect of a project, monitoring continuously to ensure superior quality throughout the installation, including details that may seem minor to others or overlooked altogether.

Trust

Supplier to the world’s finest, most iconic brands. For the only reason that matters: Trust.

It’s no wonder leading builders seek us out, finding us where trust thrives: at the crossroads of scrupulous reliability, excellence and integrity.

We begin by securing the finest wood and grain from the nation’s preeminent suppliers. But that’s just the beginning.

Our talented craftsmen are driven by an innate desire to embody the human fulfillment of their craft. Through an intense passion for the art of woodworking and a profound commitment to the science of boat building. Each possesses skills that meet the highest industry standards…and exceed them. Each is deeply devoted to creating the stunning outcome every boat owner expects…and deserves.

Customization

We treat each client like royalty because a custom designed vessel is a crowning achievement.

Just as each piece of wood has its own grain, each client is distinct. To ensure a once-in-a-lifetime concept, we evaluate all aspects of a vessel or home from exterior setting and shape to interior function and materials. We never reuse an approach. We never force previous designs on a new project. Whether clients come to us with a fully formed vision, a general idea or a blank slate, we collaborate to create an exclusive design that reflects their individual objectives, lifestyle, preferences and priorities.

Precision

Contour. Shape. Grain. Hue. Integrating them artfully translates precision into perfection for the owner’s aspirations.

With 60 years of combined experience, our team’s work ethic is uncompromising and attention to detail unparalleled. We are meticulous in executing every aspect of a project, monitoring continuously to ensure superior quality throughout the installation, including details that may seem minor to others or overlooked altogether.

Trust

Supplier to the world’s finest, most iconic brands. For the only reason that matters: Trust.

It’s no wonder leading builders seek us out, finding us where trust thrives: at the crossroads of scrupulous reliability, excellence and integrity.

Founder
Founder and Owner

Thomas Gardi

Thomas Gardi We Do Teak

Tom has spent his life on the nation’s waterways. He acquired his 100-ton Coast Guard Masters license in 1997 and, over the next two decades, has operated more than 30 different boats ranging from 34 to 108 feet in length, traveling more than 200,000 nautical miles in 20 countries. In 1993, Tom made Florida his home port and combined his love of working with his love of the sea.

Unique in the industry, Tom is an expert woodworker. Artfully blending craftsmanship of impeccable quality, an innate eye for design and rare attention to detail, he has built entire boats along with a highly successful business, earning it the enviable reputation as the East Coast’s go-to firm for high-end teak decks.

Traditional values, a strong work ethic and a background that is as in-depth as it is diverse are what sets Tom apart and are foundational to his success in the industry. As a Manager, he has directed teams in building and refitting yachts for Nordhavn and American Custom Yachts. As a Sales Representative, he’s sold Beneteau and Catalina sport fishing and sail boats for Johnston Brothers Boat Works and G Winters Sailing Center. As a Captain, he was at the helm of The One More Time, to this day the fastest sport fishing yacht in the world. Tom continues to fish with the world’s best fishermen across the U.S. and internationally – from bluefin fishing in Cape Cod to sail fishing in Mexico and marlin fishing in Bermuda and the Bahamas. Currently, Tom runs a 55 Nordhavn and a fly-fishing operation.

At age 16, Tom discovered his interest in woodworking and began working in a small cabinet shop in New Jersey. There he first developed his passion for woodworking and went on to launch his own furniture and cabinetry business. Tom then combined his love of woodworking with his love of the sea from his childhood on the Jersey Shore. He went on to become a boat captain.
WeDoTeak

Meet Our Team

Lead Craftsman
Master Boat Builder

FRED PEASE

A master artisan and craftsman with more than 30 years of experience, Fred leads the We Do Teak team. He specializes in boat building, fabricating teak decks and other marine products, including cabinetry and custom furniture. Prior to joining We Do Teak, Fred worked for the world’s leading boat builders and helped fabricate American Custom Yachts’ first 10 sport fishing boats. He credits his success to being taught by the finest teachers in marine carpentry. Fred now has the privilege of training his son “Chief,” a key member of the We Do Teak team.