Captain Daniel Andrews didn’t plan to run a nonprofit—he just wanted to protect the waters he grew up on. But what started as one fishing guide’s frustration became a movement. In this powerful episode, the co-founder and executive director of Captains for Clean Water shares how he built one of Florida’s most effective environmental advocacy nonprofits from the ground up.
Daniel reflects on early challenges, game-changing wins, and the relentless public mobilization that helped them push back against powerful interests. He also opens up about how a personal family health crisis revealed deeper connections between environmental degradation, the sugar industry, and public wellness—strengthening his resolve to fight for systemic change.
Whether you’re launching a nonprofit, navigating advocacy work, or simply passionate about impact, this episode delivers hard-won leadership insights, practical lessons, and the conviction it takes to lead with purpose.
“You don’t need to exist as a nonprofit unless you’re willing to put all your chips on the table every single time.”
—Captain Daniel Andrews on Leading with Relentless Commitment
→ 20:04 – Lessons in Leadership: Failure, Growth & Team Building
“Surprises happen all the time in advocacy, and those challenges keep us energized and inspired.”
—Captain Daniel Andrews on Turning Obstacles into Fuel
→ 31:33 – Balancing Passion with Sustainability
Refusing to sit back and watch the waters he loved deteriorate, Daniel co-founded Captains For Clean Water in February 2016 to fight for the ecosystems and communities affected by poor water management. Just one year later, he made the heart-wrenching decision to leave his thriving charter business and step into the role of Executive Director full-time.
Daniel believed there were plenty of fishing guides in Southwest Florida—but not enough people fighting to protect the water. Today, he leads a powerful movement that combines grassroots advocacy, science, and policy to preserve Florida’s waters for future generations.
