Page 39: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 2025)

MATT BINSFELD, CEO, BRENNAN experienced commercial diving teams in creating a deep passion for the work at a explains, “but we’re also a business of

North America. Meanwhile, the Cable young age,” he recalls. “You pair that with families. The people who work here, and Power group re? ects Brennan’s align- growing up on the Mississippi — ? shing, in many cases, their parents or children ment with the energy transition — from canoeing, skiing — and it sets the stage also work here. That sense of shared hydroelectric and nuclear facilities to off- for a lifelong connection to the water.” purpose and loyalty is real.” shore wind and subaqueous cable-laying. That connection extends to how Bren- Binsfeld emphasizes that growth has “We’re very aware of and watching nan views its workforce. “We always come not from chasing size for its own closely a demographic trend, and we've say we’re a family business,” Binsfeld sake, but from cultivating people and pro- been an acquirer of underwater service type companies,” said Binsfeld. “What we see is a lot of the Baby Boom genera- tion are getting to the end of their working careers … and their next generation may not be fully formed or even interested in getting into the business. My brothers and I are all in our 40s, and we've been a strategic buyer of underwater service businesses that we can plug in and lever- age across to grow our own business.”

And the Harbor Services business, a smaller portion by revenue but a foun- dational line since the 1980s, continues to support ? eeting operations and barge management on the Inland Waterways.

Leadership Through Experience

Though Brennan’s reach has expand- ed, its leadership philosophy remains grounded in humility, safety, and service.

Binsfeld credits much of that culture to the company’s early days, and his own upbringing. “Our father was very good about getting us out onto projects and

Jim Brennan passes away. Ralph Brennan is elected the 2nd President of J.F. Brennan

Company and Roger Binsfeld becomes

President of River Steel. The two work closely to run both businesses.

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