My memories of working on the Starstream began in the summer of the early 1980’s. I still look back on those days and say it was one of the best times of my life. It gave me the opportunity to spend time with my family and stay close with them to this day. I learned hard work and the value of money at a young age and believe there is nothing more rewarding. It has guided me throughout my life.
But I want to take a moment to talk about the man they call Captain Jack. He started working on fishing boats at an early age…..he knew he was meant to spend the rest of his life at sea. A hardworking man from humble beginnings …he built a successful fishing business through ambition, loyalty, discipline and wise choices.
As a crew member he always expected the highest level of performance……as fun as it could be at times….you were there to work. I believe everyone who worked on the Starstream walked away with strong work ethics. He always told us that the experiences we learned while working on the boat will last a lifetime…. and I think one of the most valued experiences was learning how to deal with people…..we had quite a cast of characters.
Through many years of long hours seven days a week…along with my Aunt they raised five amazing and successful children.
Never forgetting where he came from and always remaining steady….he managed the business successfully throughout his career……until he once again made the wise choice to retire and spend time with his leading lady by selling his other leading lady. His knowledge of the industry was so exceptional that he started to see the changes come about and knew it was time to move on.
I remember the day I was sitting in my office in Manhattan and a man knocked on my door…..he asked me if now was a good time for him to clean my windows.…being on the 40th floor…..I was curious as to how he was going to do this and not really sure I wanted to watch.
He opened up the window and with two straps clinging to the window he went outside to wash them. We started talking about weekend plans and the weather….the forecast was predicting heavy rain and winds. He said he was tracking the storm all week because he was a fisherman. We started talking about fishing and I mentioned that my Uncle was Richard Kessinger and had owned the Starstream….. I asked him if he knew him….he responded yes I know him……the man is a legend.
Thank you for all you have done throughout the years.
Christina