Paul has been involved in the marine industry for almost his entire life, having started as a dock boy on Eastern Long Island in the late 1960's and working his way up to the position of captain on custom sportfishing boats in the tournament circuit. He holds a 500 ton U.S.C.G. Masters license, has traveled many of the oceans of the world and is also a licensed private pilot.

In 1992, Paul began working in a yacht brokerage position in Jacksonville Fl. and in 1996, he opened Flannery Yachts, Inc where he was a new boat dealer, ran a complete marine service company and enjoyed great success in the brokerage markets. In 2004, Flannery Yachts combined efforts with HMY Yacht Sales and launched the North Florida representation for various high end production new boat brands as well as brokerage sales. His affiliation with HMY lasted for 12 years and the final two years of Paul's brokerage career were spent with SYS Yachts as Director of Sales, Palm Beach Division.

In early 2018, Paul was approached by the Executive Committee of IYBA and asked to assume the role of Executive Director on a full-time basis, where he currently directs the day to day operations of the association. His current duties involve the coordination of seminars, networking events, legislative affairs and working with the Board of Directors to shepherd the growth of the organization. When asked what he enjoys most regarding his career, he says that he genuinely enjoys the opportunity to continue to "give back" to the industry which has given him so much.