Meet the Crew
We’re one big family at SWS.
Not only are we family owned and operated, but we’ve cultivated a “Lake Life” culture that has drawn together a diverse crew of talented and dynamic individuals, all united by their love for summer in Muskoka.
Our Philosophy
Making time: We believe in making time for the people you care about. This means we work as a family, taking care of each other and making service to others a priority.
Being active: We play as hard as we work and would always rather be outside. We crave action, take risks and never shy away from adventure.
Sound like your jam? Apply now.
Geordie Newlands
Geordie started working for SWS in 2001 and worked his way to the top. During Geordie’s first 5 years with SWS he worked in almost every role, making him the right guy to take over the company. Geordie graduated from the University of Guelph in 2006, purchased the company, and is now the director. He lives full time in Port Carling, where he is a member of the Port Carling Fire Department and father of two boys. Geordie loves all aspects of water skiing. When he’s not on the water he enjoys downhill skiing, curling, playing hockey and running.
Val Newlands
Val has been involved with SWS since 2006, but became an official employee in 2014. Val works at SWS Boatworks, managing the surf shops, ordering, receiving and merchandising, as well as managing our marketing, social media and website. Born and raised in Muskoka, Val enjoys every season and activity that the area has to offer. Val, Geordie and their sons live on Brandy Lake in Port Carling where they enjoy their nightly skis on the calm water, at least when the ski shows don’t consume their evenings!
Charlie Newlands
Charlie has been working at SWS since he was 15 years old, starting on the docks of Clevelands House. Since then, water skiing has been his life. He has traveled the globe performing in professional water ski shows in Malaysia, India, China, Turkmenistan, USA & Australia. Charlie has competed and been a lead organiser on every Canadian National Water Ski Show Team. Charlie can be found in just about every act in the Ski Show, loving and living life large.
Lisa Elder
Lisa has been with SWS since 2013 and is known as everyone’s “mom” and assistant. She stumbled upon SWS when she was looking to get out of the city and hasn’t looked back since. With a BA from Laurier University and many months of travelling across four continents, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her desk. Lisa works primarily as the Administrative Assistant at SWS Boatworks, but has many responsibilities throughout the company’s operations.
Julie Soos
Julie has been with Boatworks since 2005 and became part of Team SWS in 2018 when SWS purchased Boatworks. Julie is the Office Manager/Service Coordinator in Port Carling, keeping all the employees and customers happy. Julie welcomed her 4th child in 2019, has a very busy home life and work life, but somehow manages it all with a big smile.
Hailey Mulhall
Hailey, is the first face you see when you come to the service department in Minett. She is one of our newest staff starting at the beginning of 2023. This is her first summer in Muskoka, but she is no stranger to cottage country as she hails from the Georgian Bay area and loves boating there. She used to build boats before coming to SWS. Some of her hobbies include anything creative; photography, sewing, art and she loves spending time outdoors camping and fishing in her spare time. Much like her personality, she loves anything sweet. Hailey has a 5-year old son, Charlie who is her world.
Cheryl Tregear
Cheryl’s upbringing in Muskoka afforded her ample opportunities to spend time on the lakes, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the natural environment. Her career journey led her to join SWS six years ago, and although she briefly pursued other avenues, she eagerly returned to the organization when presented with the opportunity in the summer of 2022. According to Cheryl, SWS is an exceptional workplace, which motivated her to make the decision to come back.
Cheryl is married to her best friend of 25 years, Ted, They are parents to a big fur baby, Cally, who they rescued and have given a great, spoiled life. During her time off she loves to go and visit her family in Owen Sound.
Scott Miller
Scott is the Service Manager in Port Carling. He started with Boatworks in 2004 and became part of Team SWS in 2018 when SWS purchased Boatworks. After work, Scott enjoys fishing and photography. He has a true love of the outdoors and life on the water.
Peter Soos
Peter is our head mechanic in Port Carling and started working with SWS when Boatworks was purchased, where he had been with Boatworks for 30 years! Peter knows everything there is to know on the lakes in Muskoka, he has a true love for being on the water. Peter is a father of two and loves to travel during the winters with his family.
Sales
Our sales team are boat fanatics, eager to share their love and knowledge of boating in Muskoka.
Service
Our experienced and skilled team of technicians offer expert service at all of our Boatworks locations.
Ski School
For more than 50 years, SWS has introduced thrill seekers to the exciting world of watersports.