How did you get into the boating industry?
Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, I always had a love for the outdoors, fishing and hunting. I had the opportunity to move to Southwest Florida and I knew I wanted to get my captain’s license and work on or around the water. I started as a marina attendant at South Seas nine and a half years ago.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Florida?
Being able to boat and fish year round is amazing! Having one of the best fisheries (Pine Island Sound) in the state in our backyard is not bad either.
What’s your favorite thing about working at South Seas?
Simple, our guests, whether it be a first time visitor or one of our frequent floaters. South Seas has amazing support from local boaters, with individuals who come every weekend, to boat clubs who come three to four times a year. The boaters are always great, enthusiastic and excited to be at South Seas! It’s an amazing place to call work.
What’s your favorite day of the year?
Thanksgiving. We always have a nice meal with family and friends, and the fellowship is always a good time. Plus, who doesn’t like Thanksgiving dinner?
Do you think people should eat the fish they catch, or let them go?
I don’t see anything wrong with keeping it, as long as people follow the state’s regulation for season and size and bag limits. I enjoy keeping a few fish a year and cooking them up with my family for a nice fish dinner. We catch and release many of the fish, and we enjoy the time and sportsmanship with other boaters.
What’s the last thing you bought?
Flowers for my wife Beth, just because.
What song best describes your work ethic?
“Don’t Worry Be Happy,” by Bobby McFerrin.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the water?
Fishing. I love to fish the Pine Island Sound for redfish, snook and spotted sea trout. Getting up early and being on the water before the sun rises and catching the morning bite is always a perfect way to start the day.
What’s your favorite decade of music?
60’s. There are so many great songs, bands and artists like Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Doors, Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead… just to name a few.
What’s your pet peeve?
Running out of Heinz 57 ketchup!
You are a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
I would want to be a blue crayon. Every time my daughter has a blue ice pop, she’ll say, “daddy, you know why I picked a blue ice pop?” and I’ll say, “why?” she replies, “Because it’s your favorite color!”
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Surf & turf. We’d have fresh blackened redfish and tri-tip on the grill, adding some grilled corn on the cob, onions, and asparagus to finish off the plate.
If you could go anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
Lithuania, to see where my grandmother grew up and spent her childhood.
