About Us
Driven to share a unique experience of the Chicago waterline
Yachti was founded by Liam J. Poczatek in 2019 with the goal of providing access to the Chicago shoreline to as many people as possible. We want to make Yachti the newest, must-try boating experience in Chicago. With our passion toward boating culture, we are making a great time on the lake synonymous with Yachti.
Our Crew
Liam J. Poczatek
Founder and Head CaptainLiam graduated with his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University majoring in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, & Management and a minor in Theater Studies. He is the Founder and Head Captain of Yachti. Liam grew up on the Chicago shoreline and in the Chicago boat scene. He currently holds a 100-ton Master Captain’s License. His goal is to build a service that enables Chicagoans and travelers alike to experience Chicago's shoreline in the most seamless way possible.
Liam loves everything boating and has a deep fascination for history. He is an avid climber and a former DePaul Cheerleader. Liam’s favorite spots in Chicago are The Bourgeois Pig Cafe & Japanese Island. He is looking forward to spending his summer outdoors, enjoying time in The Playpen with his friends, and showing off Chicago to people who are interested in Its rich history.
Sara Schoen
Co-Content CoordinatorSara graduated from Roosevelt University with her bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. Her role within Yachti is Content Coordinator. Sara’s goal is to make Yachti a well-known name that is associated with quality and entertaining. She aspires to curate a fun and authentic experience that provides an introduction to the boating culture.
Sara’s favorite thing to do is going to concerts, no matter if it’s an underground show or a outdoor festival. She is extremely passionate about design and creativity in branding. Sara’s favorite place in Chicago is the lakefront trail off the Museum Campus. She is looking forward to reintegrating with the city this summer, after having a year without the city feeling alive!
Jess Olin
Co-Content CoordinatorJess specializes in story telling with a bachelor's degree in creative writing. As co-content coordinator and designer, her role works closely with Sara to ensure a cohesive brand image and story from end-to-end. She has helped to build our portfolio of marketing materials including posters, fliers, business cards, and brochures.
Jess has a passion for ice cream (and food in general, but especially ice cream) and created her own little adventure for the summer called the Ice Cream Bucketlist. She did some research and made a list of the best ice cream places in the greater Chicagoland area and has made it her goal to visit each one! You can follow her summer adventure on Instagram at @theicecreambucketlist.
Sophia Van Acker
Public Relations and Facebook InternSophia graduated with her bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from Loyola University Chicago. Sophia works as our Public Relations and Facebook Intern. Her goal is to increase Yachti’s brand awareness within the boating community and mass public. Sophia plans to foster a solid network through company partnerships to expand Yachti’s influence.
In her free time, Sophia loves golfing, rollerblading, and fitness. She is passionate about sociology, sports, and behavioral neuroscience. One of her favorite spots in Chicago is North Avenue Beach. This summer, Sophia is excited to meet new people.
Damien A. Johnson
Website and Twitter InternDamien graduated from Saint Xavier University with his bachelor’s degree in strategic communication. He works as our Website and Twitter Intern. Damien is looking to build strong connections with potential customers through social media outreach and engagement. His biggest goal is to create a seamless website experience that helps promote brand loyalty.
In his spare time, Damien loves spending time with his pets, playing guitar, and enjoying films. He is passionate about politics and fencing. His favorite place in Chicago is the Chicago Music Exchange. Damien is looking forward to attending concerts again this summer.
Dalia Salazar
Instagram InternDalia graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University - Kelley School of Business majoring in marketing and a minor in Portuguese. She works as Yachti’s Instagram Content Manager. Dalia’s goal is to showcase how all of Yachti’s services are exceptional. She is looking to convey the versatility of our services by demonstrating how it can fit into anyone’s itinerary. Dalia is eager to connect and share other’s experiences on our Instagram.
Dalia loves taking her dog, Hunter, on bike rides or walks around town. She has a passion for riding horses, occasionally representing IU alumni at hunter/jumper shows. Her favorite place in Chicago is the Riverwalk. She loves relaxing in the Adirondack chairs with Hunter who acts like he owns the Chicago River. Dalia is still new to Chicago, having grown up in Texas. This summer she plans on checking a few touristy things off her bucket list.