What is your first memory of being on a boat?
Rowing out to sail on my grandfather’s Pearson Commander around Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
What is something you’ve always wanted to try?
Kiteboarding — I see a lesson in my future!
Name someone who taught you that anything is possible.
My grandfather – he was known as the “Father of a thousand Sailors.” He made sure that every child in town had a chance to get out on the water safely.
What is the best safety tip you can give a new boater?
With over 20 years teaching both power and sail, I would say make sure to take a boating course through an accredited program. There are some great schools that cover all aspects of boating, from the beginning stages to the more advanced courses.
If you could change your career, what would you change it to?
A bartender.
Are you a native Floridian? If not, where were you born?
I was born in San Francisco, but my family eventually moved to my mom’s hometown of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Let’s go Packers!
What is the biggest fear boaters have that they eventually overcome?
Being in the proximity of other boats is a big one. Having uncertainty with other boats around is very common with new boaters.
What is the last movie you saw in a theater?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Name something that you hate to do on your day off?
Errands — also known as those pesky things that get in the way of boating.
What is something you do to be “greener” and earth friendly at the marina?
Plastic is a pet peeve of mine. Every day at the marina we clear the water and general property of any trash or debris. Suntex Marina at St. Petersburg is a Florida Clean Marina, and we are also switching over to LED lighting throughout.
