Established in April 1990 Independent Marine Surveyors aka IMS started operating as a full service equipment management/Inspection company effectively reducing and controlling maintenance and operating costs for its clients. Services and program development were provided with a full understanding of operations and equipment management. So effective was this approach that by 1995 IMS although the smallest, was the busiest inspection/management company in the New Jersey/New York area. By 1997 IMS expanded it's representation to all major ports and inland locations in the country.
Independent Marine Surveyors success as a company has everything to do with hands on experience. The owner John Citarella as a young man had a mechanical background focused on small engine, marine engine and pump repair as well as hand laid structural fiberglass hull design and processes.
John was later groomed in the Intermodal/Maritime leasing industry during the transitional technology period. Working from the ground up at Xtra Inc. a world wide specialty leasing company that owned its own repair facilities, Intermodal Inc.. John had the opportunity to develop his managerial skills working with a brilliant engineer, L. Henry Boyd, as well as accountants and VP’s who directly interacted with each other developing programs and building industry.
From filing interchanges to writing policy, standards and procedures, John worked all facets of leasing Co. and repair facility functions pioneering chassis refurbishment, re-framing and modification programs as well as receiving a tire re-manufacturing education. Holding managerial positions from 1978 through 1988 in equipment control, operations, leasing, repair facility and sales resulted in a well rounded broad education thus holding a corporate director position prior to opening Independent Marine Surveyors LLC. in 1990.