Marinalife was excited to connect with Roland Adams, general manager at two Suntex Marinas properties on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas – Hurst Harbor Marina, built in 1975, the only design/build marina Suntex has built, and Crosswater Yacht Club, finished in 2013 in which Roland played a significant role in the construction and buidling of this property.
1. How did you get into the marine industry?
There is a great story about that, but it’s really long. The short version is that I started as a Ski Boat driver at Lakeway Marina on Lake Travis. Fell in love with boats as I grew up camping and boating with my family. I fell in love with marinas the first day I walked down the docks to work.
2. What is your full title?
They call me general manager, but sometimes you find me cleaning the bathrooms. In the marina business, I’ve learned there is nothing that is out of your job description. I tell my employees “that’s not my job” should never be stated at our marinas.
3. What is your dream boat?
The Nordhavn 60 to do some long-range cruising with my wife (Sharon).
4. What do you do with your time off?
I love to boat. We recently spent time with friends in the Florida Keys boating, diving and taking in the offshore world championships in Key West.
5. What are some events you host each year at your marina?
We host three major events benefiting Folds of Honor, a non-profit that provides educational support to spouses and children of fallen and wounded soldiers. We have a BBQ in June, we celebrate Patriot Boating Days all throughout July, and when things cool off, we host a Car Show and BBQ rib cook-off called Rods and Ribs. Last year, we raised almost $44,000 for Folds of Honor.
6. You’re an Austinite? What is your favorite thing to do in the area?
Yep, native Austinite, I love Austin. Even after its tremendous population boom, I just take it in smaller doses. I can’t stand traffic, so we live very close to the marina. In fact, I golf cart to work. Sometimes Sharon and I take the top off her Jeep and just go explore. We were married in Austin 24 years ago and Key West is the only place I have heard her say she would move. I’d have to agree.
7. If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you?
No question, Matthew McConaughey. He’s an Austinite too and would totally get me as a child, young adult and professional. I use that last term loosely.
8. If you had a super power, what would it be?
Healing. I think it would be awesome to be able to heal anyone of anything.
9. If you were on a deserted island, what is one thing you would bring?
My Leatherman, it’s the ultimate survival tool.
10. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Whatever it would be, I know it would get old, but I think it would take longer for me to get tired of lobster. I once ate lobster every day on vacation in Cozumel.
