The Story
John’s passion for saltwater fishing began in South Florida at an early age on family fishing trips to the Florida Keys. His love of the ocean expanded to include diving, boating, water skiing, sailing, and spending time at the beach.
After graduating from college with a degree in construction management, John entered the corporate world. He quickly became fascinated by the business of business. As a family man and business buff, his love for the coast never wavered. He maintained close contact with the ocean and fishing through frequent family trips to the coast.
In May 2012, on a trip to Bimini, Bahamas, John hatched a plan to leave the corporate world and launch an e-commerce business based on the saltwater-inspired lifestyle, promoting the concept that adventure is within reach. He sold the business in 2018 to concentrate on fishing, investing, and writing. And that’s where he is today, settled in as a freelance writer.
The Details (the boring stuff)
My Life in Bullet Points
- Batchelor of Science Construction Management University of Florida
- Columbia University Executive Management Program
- South Carolina Unlimited General Contractor’s License (not active)
- US Coast Guard Captains License
- Business Professional with years of experience with a publicly traded international construction company
- Small business experience with ecommerce saltwater lifestyle apparel firm
- Avid saltwater fisherman, inshore, nearshore and offshore
- Experienced freshwater fly fisherman
- Afficiando of all things coastal
Corporate Business Experience
John started his career in construction as a carpenter’s apprentice during the summers while he attended college. After graduating with a degree in construction management, he worked his way up to the position of operations director for a large international publicly traded construction and property firm.
He has 32 years of experience in all aspects of the construction business, including director of operations, project executive, project manager, and quality manager. He has successfully completed projects of all sizes, up to $100 million.
John has consistently contributed to revenue growth and improved bottom-line performance through positive leadership and strong management skills. He is analytical and decisive, with excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills. John has a proven track record of successful projects and satisfied customers, often resulting in additional projects.
Small Business Experience
John started and ran a saltwater lifestyle apparel company from 2014 to 2018. He was responsible for all aspects of the business, including:
- Designing and sourcing apparel
- Sales and e-commerce
- Website maintenance and product descriptions
- Blogging, SEO, and social media
- Managing consultants
- Financial analysis, inventory management, and shipping and receiving
He sold the company to an overseas apparel company in 2018.
Coastal Lifestyle and Saltwater Fishing (casual first person)
Growing up in South Florida, I spent my youth diving, fishing, water skiing, sailing, hanging out at the beach, or on boats with friends and family. I’ve never lost my love for the salty life. Even during my years in the corporate world, my family would make frequent trips to the coast. I’ve been listening to Marley and Buffett, and reading Hemingway, McDonald, Hall, and Hiaasen as long as I can remember.
Saltwater fishing is another passion of mine. I’m fascinated by the planning, the equipment, the environment, and the sense of challenge and adventure that comes with every outing. It never gets old or boring!
I’ve been fishing, diving, boating, and all that stuff my whole life, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than out here. A little breeze, a little sun, a little salt, out here with friends and family-it doesn’t get any better.