Meet Our Nationwide Sales Team
Karen Trostle
Owner / President
Annapolis, MD
410.268.1545 / 800.525.0554
Karen has been a Maryland local her whole life, being raised on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. She has been fortunate enough to enjoy the boating lifestyle from a young age and continues to be an avid boater.
Karen began working at Maryland National in 1973 and eventually worked her way up the corporate ladder to become Vice President in charge of the Marine lending sales division. She has a degree from the University of Virginia’s Graduate School of Retail bank Management. In 1987, Karen decided to branch out and start a marine loan origination company, Sterling Acceptance Corporation. Celebrating more than 31 years in business, Sterling Acceptance has four loan production offices around the country.
Karen Trostle is the current Past President of the National Marine Bankers Association; serving as President from 2010 to 2012, and has been on the Board of Directors since 2005. She boasts 40 plus years of marine direct, indirect, and floor plan banking experience. Aside from volunteering for many charities and non-profit organizations, Karen enjoys biking, health and fitness, and spending time on the boat with her husband and dogs.
Dave Trostle
Owner / Vice President
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
matt@sterlingacceptance.com
Annapolis, MD
410.991.7686 / 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
North East Regional Sales Manager
Newport, RI
617.633.8287
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
Bradenton, FL
410.268.1545
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 Headquarters Staff
Kate Brown
Credit / Closing Manager
kate@sterlingacceptance.com
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 earned multiple top finishes in 420 National Regattas. Kate is a proud honor graduate of the University of Maryland, where she earned a dual degree in Business and Communication. After college, she worked with Veterans Affairs, developing programs to support veterans returning home. Her well-rounded background in finance, 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
katherine@sterlingacceptance.com
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
j
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.