Patti Marine Enterprises, a long-standing cornerstone of the Pensacola Maritime business community, was honored in Washington, D.C. last week as one of only 25 small businesses selected nationwide to participate in the prestigious Small Business Showcase on Capitol Hill.
The event, hosted by House Committee on Small Business Chairman Roger Williams, brought together top entrepreneurs, innovators, and job creators from across the country.
Now in just its second year, the showcase offers members of Congress a rare opportunity to hear directly from business leaders fueling the U.S. economy. Patti Marine stood out as the only shipbuilder invited to the event, representing both the maritime industry and the city of Pensacola with this distinction.
“It was an incredible honor to represent our city and industry in the heart of our nation’s capital,” said Frank Patti Jr., owner of Patti Marine Enterprises. “We’ve been building ships in Pensacola for nearly five decades — to be recognized at this level is a tribute to our team and our community.”
Founded in 1977, Patti Marine Enterprises has become a fixture in the shipbuilding industry and the Pensacola economy. The family-owned company, now spanning three generations, with daughter Mandy Patti and son Frank Patti III, working alongside their father, are known for their high-quality construction, long-tenured workforce, and national accomplishments.
Among the highlights of the D.C. showcase was Patti Marine’s unveiling of its newest venture: a self-built and self-operated dry dock. Supported by a grant from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), the dry dock project will bring new maritime business to the region and generate additional jobs for the Gulf Coast.
“This is more than an investment in infrastructure — it’s an investment in people,” Patti Jr. said. “We’re proud to keep growing right here in Pensacola.” Patti Marine has built more vessels for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers than any other shipyard and received the first-ever “Outstanding Civilian Service Award” presented to a shipyard by the Army. They constructed the first licensed gambling boat in the country and earned many other industry accolades.
Yet, according to Frank Jr., the company’s greatest asset is its people. “Patti Marine is nothing without its employees. Many of them have been with us for over 30 years, and their loyalty and craftsmanship is what make us successful.”
As Pensacola continues to grow, Patti Marine remains a symbol of tradition, innovation, and maritime excellence.
