b'He views safety as more than a protocol, seeing it insteadI explain why we do things a certain way, the risks if we FOGHORN FOCUS as a mindset, one hes developed through experience. Fordont, and the injuries that can happen if youre not paying him, real-world incidents underscore the importance ofattention.Confidencecomeswithpractice,andImake preparation. Training becomes second nature, he said.sure theyre comfortable before they take on a task solo. In high-stress moments, you dont think, you just act,Williams makes sure that crew understand how even small, because youve drilled it so many times. This philosophyeveryday tasks play an essential role. Keeping things neat guides how he brings new employees up to speed, start- and tidy, doing regular checks, enforcing clear rulesit all ingwithacomprehensivechecklistofproceduresandadds up to a safer environment for everyone.hands-on practice over several weeks. For seasoned team members, regular safety briefs and scheduled drills keepWilliamswasrecognizednotonlyforhisunwavering skills sharp. Its about consistency, he explained. Youcommitmenttosafetymanagementbutforfostering address the days specifics in the morning and reinforceapositive,collaborativeworkenvironment.Hecredits the fundamentals routinely. much of his success to the guidance of mentors through-out his career. My former boss and Chief Engineer Tony Instillingarespectforsafetyinhiscrewisahands-onBolander; Captain Mike Cardstill active after 19 years process. I break it down for themstep by step, he said.ofservice;CaptainVinceVita,aretiredMasterChief from the U.S. Coast Guard; and Stacey Davis from the Coast Guards Marine Safety Detachment in Nashville taught me everything I know about this industry, he re-Instilling a respect for flected. Their lessons in leadership and safety resonate in safety in his crew is ahis approach today.Leadership, for him, is about setting the tone. I hold my-hands-on process. I breakself to high standards as a licensed professional, he said. Out on the water, its just uswe must rely on each other. it down for themstep I stay calm, no matter the situation, and I think that rubs off. His steady, unflappable demeanor is a trait that has by step, he said. I explainbuilttrustandcohesionamonghiscrew.Handlingex-tensive responsibilities and managing multiple tasks with why we do things a certainefficiency, professionalism, and grace have made him a role way, the risks if we dont,model for his team.Beyond his crew, throughout all the companies that are and the injuries that partofChattanoogaRiverBoatCompany,Williamsis seen as the go-to person for nearly anything. His phone is can happen if youre notalways on him, and hell answer it no matter what, Reinert said of Williams. Whether its me, as the owner, or one paying attention. ofourjanitorsneedinghelpcatchinguponbathroom cleaning, Nick is there. Hes a jack-of-all-trades, completely Confidence comes withunshakable and capable of anything. One day, he might be taking apart an entire enginere-machining cylinders and putting it back togetherand the next day, hes putting up practice, and I make suredrywall at one of our employees houses because they cant theyre comfortable beforeafford to hire a professional.Strikingabalancebetweenprofessionalduties,help-they take on a task solo.ing friends and coworkers off the clock, and time with FOGHORN 34'