Keep your engines running in this new year with The Triton and networking sponsor RPM Diesel Engine Company, on the first Wednesday of February (Feb. 1). Bring your business cards to catch up with captains, crew and industry professionals from 6-8 p.m. at 2555 State Road 84 in Ft. Lauderdale.
Until then, learn a little more about RPM Diesel from Mike Desderio, service manager.
Q: What should everyone know about RPM Diesel Engine Company?
In 1956, RPM Diesel Engine Co. opened its doors with a total of three employees. Today RPM is complemented by a staff of more than 50. We are an authorized dealer for MTU-Detroit Diesel, Kohler, Northern Lights and Westerbeke diesel engines and generator sets.
RPM has its own fuel injection and turbocharger facility onsite. We are also an authorized dealer for all major diesel fuel injection systems, including Bosch, Delphi, Stanadyne, Denso, Zexel, Yanmar and Delphi.
In 2010, we invested in electronic unit and common rail injector test benches, widening our service capability. In 2012, we will be upgrading our fuel injection equipment, further widening our service capability.
RPM Diesel Engine Co. is a one-stop location for all your diesel needs. We stock more than 68,000 parts in our parts department. We are one of the few dealers that have a complete fuel injection and turbocharger repair facility to complement our state-of-the-art engine overhaul and repair facility.
We offer dependable, fully equipped service trucks for on-site service. Our craftsmen are among the finest in the business.
RPM Diesel has been serving yacht owners, captains and crew in South Florida, the Caribbean and Europe for more than 55 years. Our goal is optimal engine room performance.
Q: Why is it called RPM?
Originally three partners started the business. Those partners were: George Reynolds, Ed Pauly and Spiro Mulligan. George and Ed left the partnership. The business continued under Spiro and his wife, Marie Mulligan.
In 1960, Joe Rubano, Marie’s brother, joined the company and, as they say, the rest is history.
Q: Tell us about your background and what you do at RPM Diesel?
My career started at Johnson & Towers in Mount Laurel, N.J. in 1983. I spent seven years with J&T in engine sales, moving to the dyno-room and finally as a mechanic in the field.
In 1990 I relocated with my wife, Margie, to Ft. Lauderdale to find work in the boating capital of the world. My search led me to RPM Diesel and an interview with Joe Rubano. I was hired on as a service technician, promoted to service coordinator and then to my present position for the past 18 years as service manager.
Q: RPM has its finger on the pulse of everything diesel. What's new?
The big news for the past several years has been common rail fuel systems and electronic engine control. With ever-increasing restrictions on engine emissions, the need for greater engine control is required.
We have seen the changes in the on-highway segment now coming to the marine industry, from propulsion to generators. We are constantly training our technicians and acquiring necessary special tools to service the new generation of engines.
Q: RPM was recently awarded the Captains Award for sales and service as dealer of the year. What's that all about?
RPM was the leading dealer in the southeast for sales and service for Kohler Generators. We are proud of the award due to the fact that we work hard to ensure our customers get the service they demand and this award proves that.
For more information, visit RPM Diesel online at www.rpmdiesel.com or call +1 954-587-1620. We'll see you on Feb. 1 at RPM, just west of I-95 on the north side of State Road 84.
