Karen Trostle
Owner / President
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Annapolis, MD
410.268.1545 / 800.525.0554

A Maryland local her whole life, Karen was raised on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, where her passion for boating began at a young age and continues to this day as an avid boater. Karen began her banking career at Maryland National in 1973, steadily rising through the ranks to become Vice President overseeing the Marine Lending Sales Division. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Graduate School of Retail Bank Management. In 1987, driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and deep industry knowledge, Karen founded Sterling Acceptance Corporation, a marine loan origination company. Now celebrating over 38 years in business, Sterling Acceptance operates four loan production offices across the country. Karen is a Past President of the National Marine Lenders Association (NMLA), having served as President from 2010 to 2012 and as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors from 2005 through 2019. With over 50 years of experience in marine direct, indirect, and floor plan banking, she is widely respected throughout the industry. When not in the office, Karen is a loving grandmother to two young boys and a dedicated volunteer her church and with various charities and non-profit organizations. She treasures time spent with her extended family and enjoys biking, boating, staying active, and spending time in South Carolina with her husband and their dog.

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Dave Trostle
Owner / Vice President
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Annapolis, MD
410.268.1545 / 800.525.0554

Dave’s interest in boating started when he was 12 years old, when his parents bought their wooden 27’ Chris Craft. He learned to navigate the Chesapeake Bay with nothing more than a paper chart, a set of parallel rulers and a compass. In the mid 80’s career opportunities brought him to the Washington, DC area in the home entertainment industry. While working, he was approached with an opportunity to be the new sales manager at an Annapolis, MD yacht dealership. He took the opportunity to get in on the ground floor and build a business, which it certainly turned out to be. He obtained the Trojan Yacht franchise, which was on a strong growth path. Their International Series yachts set the standard for the euro style vessels which are so common today. Within a few years they had become the second largest dealer in the country and he was awarded salesperson of the year twice during that time. The opportunity to come to Sterling Acceptance Corporation came along in the 90’s and was a perfect blend of utilizing his business skills, boating background and industry knowledge, to continue working in an industry he so much enjoyed. Along the way, he obtained his yacht insurance license, currently representing GlobalMarine Insurance, in addition to his responsibilities at Sterling Acceptance. He and his wife Karen are actively involved in boating, spending as much time as possible on their Post 50 during the course of the boating season. They have made many friends on the water along the way, with it being rare that they do not run into someone that financed their boat with them. They have also visited many of the top RV destinations around the country- from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in Maine to the Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Bryce & Zion Canyons in Utah to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, just to name a few. “I must say that, I am one of those people that truly do enjoy coming to work and helping people realize a dream they have of owning that boat or RV they always wanted.”

Matt Brown
Corporate Sales Manager
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Annapolis, MD
410.268.1545 / 800.525.0554

Matt brings extensive experience in customer service, management, and sales to his role at Sterling Acceptance. Growing up in Maryland with boating-enthusiast parents, he spent much of his youth exploring the Chesapeake Bay—an experience that inspired a lasting love for boating and life on the water. That deep personal connection to the Bay, combined with his professional background and strong commitment to client satisfaction, makes Matt a great fit for Sterling Acceptance Corp as Corporate Sales Manager. When he’s not working, Matt enjoys traveling, boating, camping, biking, and making memories with his wife, children, friends, and extended family.

Mary Ann Savage
New England Sales Manager
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Newport, RI
617.633.8287 / 800.525.0554

Mary Ann joins Sterling Acceptance as our Northeast Sales Manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience in recreational finance. Since the 1980s, she has worked extensively in the marine industry, building strong relationships with brokers, dealers, and lenders throughout the Northeast region. Her hands-on experience spans every aspect of the marine loan process—from boat shows to loan closings—making her a knowledgeable and trusted resource for clients and partners alike. Mary Ann’s professionalism and expertise are immediately evident in every interaction. In her free time, she enjoys boating on Narragansett Bay, relaxing on the beaches of Newport, and tending to her thriving garden.     

Susan Cunningham
Florida Sales Manager
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Bradenton, FL 
410.268.1545 / 800.525.0554

Susan was raised in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, surrounded by a large family and a love for the outdoors. Her childhood was filled with fishing in lakes, splashing in streams, and enjoying homegrown vegetables—all part of a close-knit, nature-filled upbringing. She attended East Carolina University, where she continued her education while staying close to the water. Her future husband lured her to Maryland, where she furthered her studies in the Chesapeake Bay area. Susan began her career in the marine industry working with new and used boat dealers, brokers, and insurance agents. In 1993, she joined Sterling Acceptance Corporation and played a pivotal role in expanding the company by establishing our first Florida office. For over three decades, Susan has represented Sterling at major international boat shows, thriving on the connections she builds with salespeople, clients, and lenders. She finds great fulfillment in her work, and even through challenging times, considers it a privilege to help others turn their boating dreams into reality.

Our Corporate Headquaters Staff

Kate Brown
Credit/Closing Manager
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Annapolis, MD 
410.268.1545 / 800.525.0554

Born in Annapolis, Maryland, Kate grew up on the Chesapeake Bay, spending her summers sailing on the Severn River. A dedicated competitor, she sailed in multiple 420 National Regattas. Kate is a proud honor graduate of the University of Maryland, where she earned a degree in Communication with a minor in business. After college, she worked with Veterans Affairs, developing programs to support veterans returning home. Her well-rounded background in sales and customer service makes her an integral part of the Sterling team. When she’s not working, Kate loves to travel—she’s explored much for the US, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia—and enjoys boating, camping, hiking, and spending quality time with her husband Matt, their two sons, Luke and Owen, and close friends.

Katherine Henard
Documentation & Title Specialist 
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Annapolis, MD 
410.268.1545 / 800.525.0554

A lifelong Maryland resident, Katie grew up in Deale, where she spent her days boating, fishing, crabbing, and kayaking with her family on the Chesapeake Bay. Life on the Bay has shaped her identity and continues to inspire her both personally and professionally. Katie earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). While working with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), she discovered her passion for the boating industry. Her deep love of the water, combined with her background in customer service and enthusiasm for boating and water sports, makes her a perfect fit for the Sterling Acceptance team. In her free time, Katie enjoys tossing Chuck-It balls to her shepherd mix Arya, attending live concerts and going to Disney World. Her heart is fullest when she's near the Bay, and she’s passionate about helping her clients find that same sense of joy and connection.  

Jen Richardson
Administrative Assistant  
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Annapolis, MD 
410.268.1545 / 800.525.0554                                                                                                                                                                       

Jen is a recent empty nester who has lived in Annapolis for over 20 years. She and her husband are active in the local sailing community. She comes to SAC with over 20 years’ experience in the home mortgage industry. In 2019 she took a break from mortgages and worked at Atlantic Cruising yachts providing parts and warranty services for Jeanneau and Fountaine-Pajot Yachts. Jen knows boats, making her a great asset to the Sterling Acceptance Team. 

 

 

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