Building a Legacy

Nestled in a protected cove just off the Monongahela River in Millsboro, Pennsylvania, is a popular destination that has welcomed boaters and outdoor enthusiasts for decades. Beyond the natural beauty that surrounds it, Engle’s Holiday Harbor stands as an example of sustainability, stewardship and community—values that have been at the heart of the Engles family’s mission since the marina’s inception nearly 80 years ago.

Finding Value
For Barb Engle, co-owner and steward of the marina, Engle’s Holiday Harbor is more than just renting slips, providing boat parts, selling life vests or servicing engines.

“Engle’s Holiday Harbor has always been more than just a business,” she said. “It’s a legacy. Growing up here taught us the value of hard work, community and respecting the natural environment that makes this place unique. Every decision we’ve made has been about ensuring that this marina remains a thriving, sustainable destination for generations to come.”

This deep-rooted sense of responsibility is evident in the way Barb and her husband, Rob, have managed the marina as third-generation owners. What Rob’s grandfather, William C. Engle, started as a radio and small engine repair shop in the 1940s expanded into boat and engine sales before moving to the current location as a full-service marina.

“Rob grew up at the marina, spending weekends working alongside his father and uncles, learning everything he could about boats and the business,” Barb said. “With over 50 years of hands-on experience, his passion for boating and the marina has never wavered.”

When Barb married into the family, she took on the role of assisting with managing business affairs. Rob officially took ownership in 2011.

Throughout the years, they have made it a priority to continuously update and modernize the marina, making one major update each year — including upgrading the Wi-Fi, replacing docks, implementing a new POS system and reconstructing a seawall and launch ramp. Most recently they installed a new PA DEP-compliant fueling system.

Good Stewards
Sustainability is not just a buzzword at Engle’s Holiday Harbor. It’s a way of life.
“For us, sustainability isn’t just about compliance. It’s about responsibility,” Barb emphasized. “We’ve always believed in being good stewards of the land, water and our equipment.”

The Engles have implemented numerous eco-friendly practices over the years to minimize the marina’s environmental impact. Proper recycling, maintaining clean grounds and using environmentally friendly materials are just a few of the steps they’ve taken to ensure the harbor remains a safe and healthy place for future generations.

“We lead by example,” Barb explained. “When people see that we take sustainability seriously, they are more likely to follow suit. We also make it easy for them to participate by providing clear disposal areas and keeping open communication with our patrons and staff about best practices.”

The Engles’ approach to sustainability goes beyond meeting regulations.
“We all have to do our part, especially in this industry when we are dealing with chemicals and oils,” Barb said. “Start with small, practical changes. You don’t need an official program to make a difference. Something as simple as properly disposing of waste, recycling materials or investing in energy-efficient equipment can go a long way. Also, don’t wait until regulations force you to act. Being proactive not only benefits the environment but can also save money and headaches down the road.”

A Safe Environment
This proactive mindset has not only earned the marina a reputation for environmental responsibility but has also made it a place where boaters can feel good about spending time with their families.

“We take pride in our marina and believe we’ve made a difference in our area by giving our boaters a safe and environmentally friendly place to bring their families to enjoy the beautiful, clean waters of southwestern Pennsylvania,” Barb said.

That ideology goes beyond fun-filled activities in a beautiful locale. In preparation for an environmental emergency, they have a preparedness plan filed with local agencies. They also partner with local businesses that use their waste oil as a heating source. Another local contractor manages recycling of their scrap metal.

These values that guide Engle’s Holiday Harbor today were passed down through generations, instilling a sense of purpose and responsibility in the family. Barb fondly recalled the simple but effective tool Rob’s father, John, used to maintain the marina’s success.

“My father-in-law carried a small book of contact names and numbers that he collected over the years in his shirt pocket—a simple but invaluable resource,” she said. “To this day, Rob and I still refer to that little book to find the right people to help us tackle our challenges.”

Wisdom and Awareness
This combination of old-fashioned wisdom and modern environmental awareness has allowed the Engles to navigate the ever-changing challenges of running a marina. Whether addressing maintenance issues, implementing new sustainability initiatives or simply making sure every guest feels welcomed, the Engles have consistently relied on their knowledge, experience and a network of trusted contacts to keep the marina running smoothly.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be in a beautiful, protected harbor just off the Monongahela River,” Barb said. “The water is clean, forests line the banks, and wildlife is abundant, making it a truly special place.”

The Engles’ commitment to preserving the area and maintaining high standards ensures that Engle’s Holiday Harbor will remain a vibrant and sustainable destination.

As Barb and Rob look to the future, they do so with a sense of pride and confidence. They know that the foundation they’ve continued to build will support the marina and its community for years to come.