b'SPECIALREPORTdeal done, but at a nearly 40 percent interest rate! We joked that loan sharks come in many flavors and this proves that entrepreneurs care more about credit availability than interest rates. Fortunately, the American Queen was an instant success, and in the next year we purchased the American Empress from Marad for the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Another Mississippi River boat, the American Duchess followed the American Empress, and we are now constructing the American Countess for a 2020 launch. Soon well be knocking on $200M in annual revenue with the acquisition of Victory I and Victory II for the Great Lakes, which begin cruising later this spring.And what do you do for fun? I love spending time with my wife, Claudette, at our home near Louisville, KY. Our daughters and grandchildren keep us very busy.I follow the stock market for fun and try to run or cycle if the weather permits. You are a wealthy person when you have good health, family, and friends and I am truly blessed with all three. John, you have had an amazing career in our industry the last 30 years. WhatAbout the Author advice do you give to those starting out? Bob Shaw is a veteran Always be positive and enthusiastic as youll win the hearts of yourindustry executive, having crew, team and customers. Nothing beats hard work and determination.led over 100 vessels Life isnt easy and the harder you work, the luckier youll get. Never giveresponsible for over 10 million passengers a year. up. Being an entrepreneur demands persistence and a never say dieHe can be reached at attitude. Finally, enjoy every day as we are in a fantastic industry creatingshawrw@gmail.com.magic on the water. nYOU DONT WORRY ABOUT KEEPING YOUR COOLUNTIL YOU LOSE IT.8-500kW Marine Generators// Pull harder in the harshest marine environments// More copper & premium corrosion resistance Get it. Never lose it.// Superior motor starting & low operating temps// Better fuel economy & longer engine life Expect peak cooling efficiency. // Easy to service & worldwide dealer support Expect trusted dependability. GRIDCOOLERWEKA// Proudly made in America Expect expert support. Keel Cooler BoxcoolerR.W. Fernstrum Cooling Solutions.1.800.777.0714 toll free fernstrum.com| 906.863.5553| sales@fernstrum.comwww.merequipment.com R.W. Fernstrum & Company is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company30APRIL 2019FOGHORN'