Amherst Marine Staff
Meet Our Team
Max Verhagen
Owner, Sales
Name Max Verhagen
Title Owner, Sales
Max became the owner of Amherst Marine in 2020 and has been driving its growth ever since. In September 2023, he relocated the business from Amherst to Waupaca to expand operations and better serve more boaters. Outside of work, Max enjoys snowmobiling, snow skiing, boating, water skiing, and spending quality time with his wife and three kids.
Jason Wise
General Manager, Sales, Web Site, Parts Dept
Name Jason Wise
Title General Manager, Sales, Web Site, Parts Dept
With over 15 years of experience with Amherst Marine, Jason is both Verado Certified and Mercury FourStroke Certified. He plays a key role in managing our technical operations and parts department. Whether he’s typing away at the computer, on the phone, or helping customers at the counter, Jason keeps things running smoothly. Outside of the shop, he’s all about winter—he loves snowmobiling, camping, the outdoors, and staying active with Boy Scouts. When he’s not doing that, he’s busy cheering on his kids in their sports.
Gene Buelow
Technician, Rigging/Electronics Manager
Name Gene Buelow
Title Technician, Rigging/Electronics Manager
With over 20 years of experience with Amherst Marine, Gene is MerCruiser Certified, Mercury Certified, Verado Certified, and Mercury FourStroke Certified. He’s our go-to expert for rigging and electronics, known for his precision and know-how. Outside of work, Gene enjoys boating, horseback riding, hunting, snowmobiling, and spending time in the great outdoors.
Darren Perrault
Technician/Storage Driver
Name Darren Perrault
Title Technician/Storage Driver
Darren joined the Amherst Marine team in the spring of 2018, bringing years of small engine experience with him. He enjoys spending time in his shop, hunting, boating, and hanging out with his dogs. Next time you see him, be sure to ask about the Red Dodge—he’s always got a story to tell!
Justine Panzenhagen
Marketing Coordinator
Name Justine Panzenhagen
Title Marketing Coordinator
Justine joined the Amherst Marine team in the spring of 2024 and has quickly become a valuable asset. She focuses on creating engaging content for our social media platforms and staying on top of online messages. During the busy season, you might also find her helping out at the front desk or answering phone calls. In her free time, Justine enjoys snow skiing, water skiing, e-foiling, boating with friends and family, and spending time with her fiancé.
Brian Verhagen
Door Greeter
Name Brian Verhagen
Title Door Greeter
Meet Brian—our official Amherst Marine "door greeter" (yes, he even has business cards and email address to prove it). Brian is also part owner and Max’s dad. He partnered with Max back in 2020 to help purchase the business and launch it under new ownership. In his free time, Brian enjoys traveling, fishing, boating, spending time with family and friends, and chasing after his four grandkids.
Devin Buelow
Service Technician
Name Devin Buelow
Title Service Technician
Devin (aka Junior) has been a part of the Amherst Marine team for over five years. A Mercury Certified Technician, he brings valuable experience working on boats and small engines. Outside the shop, Devin enjoys horseback riding, boating, hunting, and spending time outdoors with friends and family.
Jeff Uhl
Driver/Keeps the Staff fed
Name Jeff Uhl
Title Driver/Keeps the Staff fed
Jeff is a huge asset to Amherst Marine helps get storage boats ready for spring and delivered. Also he helps out in the fall with getting your boats put away. Jeff enjoys wood working, cars, golfing, oh yeah and he's a Ford guy.
Joseph Zivney
Service Technician
Name Joseph Zivney
Title Service Technician