Hi all, I am currently a civil mariner working on the Great Lakes. I am at Sea until late January which will make me away for a little over 180 days. I have been in the industry going on 4 years, starting out Longlining on a Catcher Processor on a Commercial Fishing Vessel on the Bering Sea. Beauty Bay was the name of the Vessel. The work was tough, the seas were unforgiving and the hours were 16 plus. The then job tested myself and crew made up of mostly greenhorns, while gone for 4 months in ways that would have made many quit on day 1. From there i went to another company based in Seattle Washington named Coastal Transportation, where i moved up from Ordinary Seaman to Able Seaman in little over a year. This company transported cargo from Seattle, to ports in Alaska for the people that live and work there seasonally or full-time. I stayed there for a little over 2 years and recently decided to join a Union on the Great Lakes.
What i realized is that being at sea has given me some time away from distractions to really figure out who i am, what i want, and if this career is actually for me. Being at sea has been a wild ride but I feel after going on 4 years that it is time to graduate from this industry and pursue a land based business that i would be happy with After much experience, situations and long work hours, sailing for companies which some value the mariner more than others, i have been planning to leave after my season on the Great Lakes is done. I have met excellent people who are well rounded and nice, and I also have dealt with characters who have zero to contribute and only seek to gain by any means. I have had sleepless nights due to the waves crashing and the boat vibrating. I have endured much hardship to the point where it’s time to either smarten up or be stuck on the water. I can say, for some people, it is in their blood, and for others it’s just a means to an income.
To pursue a service based business which will be catering to those who have and those who have not. To those who work and to those who are out to have fun. To those who are craving a snack, or to a new business that needs a reasonably priced catering sponsor to bring hot dogs, sausages, chips and drinks for a grand opening. I want to collaborate with non-profits and churches that do things for the community and bring excellent customer service in a Stand In Hot Dog Trailer that can hold firm during winter.
For the past couple of months i have already formed an LLC online, acquired a business bank account, and have already put half down on a $15,000 trailer to serve from. To be an entrepreneur and a go getter like i have always have been, but on my own terms while also being a good example of what can be accomplished with a focus and dedication. I am not here to get a free ride, nor am i so lazy i cant work a few more months at sea but i would be nice if i could go home and start up this business without worrying about if i have to sign another contract to be able to pay for the equipment needed.
Equipment list- Stand in Hot dog Trailer, Ford Ranger to Pull Trailer, P4500i Generator,
Everything else i could swing with my current income without having to take out a loan from a bank. I already have student loans work $10,000 which i am also attempting to pay off so i can start my business debt free.
Thank you for reading :)
My cash app is $bbqgoose