This week I chat with Merrill Charette a long timer listener to the podcast (and a podcaster himself!) about his upbringing, experiences and how he ended up in the maritime industry.
I really enjoyed chatting with Merrill who is a fascinating character and a great raconteur. In this interview we cover;
How he grew up the '6th child' with his other siblings being 5 Old English Sheepdogs!
His very sports orientated childhood and his (and his fathers) obsession with Lacrosse
The benefits of focus and determination to achieve his potential in lacrosse
How he attended 4 high schools in 5 years experiencing bullying at every turn
Tough love from his father
Why he gave up lacrosse and rebuilt his identity
Dealing with authority (when you know they are wrong)
The 1000 Origami Crane Challenge and how it changed him
Completing a challenging 2,200-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail
Quitting law school
The difference between moving on and giving up
How a random comment from a stranger "You could always live on a boat" led him to the maritime industry.
How he negotiated for and bought his first boat
How he taught himself to sail his first voyage from New York to Boston
Finding a new community of boat owners
Becoming a boating entrepreneur as an outsider to the industry
Artificial intelligence and the maritime industry
