We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nic Beaudreault a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nic, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Purpose is something I’ve struggled with for most of my life. The older I get, the more I’ve realized that I am not alone in my quest for purpose and fulfillment. I find purpose in my hobbies, my friends and family, and of course my career. Boating was something I fell into before I could even walk considering it was my parents favorite and seemingly only hobby, as it is for a lot of folks who live in Michigan I suppose. I grew up in the industry, working at multiple marinas in Holland, washing boats, and working for my dad who is also a Captain. Not to mention that we spent every weekend on the boat and every vacation was by water to a different port town. Being exposed to boats for so long and at such a young age, I actually never even considered it to be a career option for me. I wanted to climb mountains, fly planes, become a professional skateboarder, snowboarder, a chiropractor, the list goes on. As time passes, life and personality changes pushed me into different interests and passions. One thing was for sure, boating wasn’t my passion, or so I thought.
I went to college at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula. Marquette being situated on Lake Superior was a huge draw for me as well as the vast and beautiful undeveloped landscape. I originally started a degree in human centered design, I wanted to design handmade snowboards. I quickly realized the degree wasn’t going to provide me with what I needed to make snowboards. I ended up changing my major and graduated with a degree in business management and a minor in marketing. By the time I graduated, I had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do but I knew I wanted to own my own business. I had a few business plans that gained traction including a skate shop and a solar installation company. In 2018 My dad and I started to formulate an idea for a charter boat company in Saugatuck. You’re telling me I can manage and own my own business, be outside and on the water all day, and ride my snowboard the other half of the year? I was sold but of course nothing is as easy as it sounds. It was a long road filled with unexpected obstacles but I am so happy we took that leap and put in the years of effort to get where we are today.
People are fluid and ever changing, this means your purpose in life is bound to change with the tides. I never thought I would own and operate a charter boat business so close to where I grew up but here I am and I’m not looking back. Currently, my purpose is to provide a fun and safe platform for everyone to experience the beauty that Michigan and the Great Lakes has to offer. I know that this purpose is probably temporary and will change with time but that’s life and I’m here for it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I own and operate TFD Adventure Co. An innovative charter boat company located in Saugatuck, Michigan. Our completely custom Coast Guard approved catamaran pontoon can safely and comfortably accommodate up to 25 passengers. We provide premium amenities including mahogany bar style tables, padded bench seating and lounge area, restroom, Bose speakers, and of course a highly qualified and trained crew. We offer private and public cruises that are great for families, businesses, and special events. Our crewed vessel takes the work out of boating so you can just show up, sit back, and enjoy the ride. We allow our passengers to bring aboard any food or beverages they would like for the duration of their cruise. If you prefer a more elevated experience, we also work with local businesses that provide amazing catering options as well as an alcohol delivery service so everything is ready for you when you arrive. Our individually ticketed experiences like our Sunset Cruise and our coffee cruise collaboration with Uncommon Coffee Roasters provide an awesome experience for smaller groups while our Private charters focus on larger parties. We aim to provide the highest level of service and safety while simultaneously providing an innovative and unforgettable experience for all of our passengers.
Our trained Master Captains are also National Safe Boating Council certified Instructors. We provide on water training to boat owners or operators in order to provide a safe, secure, and responsible boating atmosphere within our area. This curriculum is proven to decrease the chance of a boating related accident by instilling safe operating procedure and practices. Operator training is starting to be required by insurance companies for new boat owners due to the amount of accidents that have occurred. We are proud to provide this service to our community in order to create safer waterways for all.
I am currently working on a new project that will focus on a variety of marine services. Utilizing my expertise and endorsements, I will provide services including boat delivery, operator training, new vessel orientation and inspection, and much more. I will be moving out to Washington State at the end of the year to start this new project and expand my footprint within the industry.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
This is a hard question to answer considering no matter the stage I’m at, it seems like I am still at the beginning of my journey, the relativity of time is funny in that way. I guess I would start with my constant desire for something more as an important quality. I originally viewed this as a negative mindset revolving around dissatisfaction but it has actually proven to be a positive ally for me over the years. This desire has has pushed me to become a better version of myself and to strive for more within my career and life as a whole. I am constantly looking out to the horizon for what’s next, consistently moving forward, progressing towards my goals while finding purpose in life. My advice regarding this would be to look into your dissatisfaction and dissect it. Don’t let yourself get comfortable in a situation you are unsatisfied with just because its easy or the alternative is difficult. There are so many exciting opportunities and new things to discover on your journey and there isn’t time to waste on discontentment.
I’m sure you have heard it before but I will say it again, time management is an invaluable skill that will provide you with more opportunity and of course time to accomplish your goals. It’s easy to have an idea, the hard part comes with the work required to bring that idea to fruition. Create a plan, break it down into sizable chunks where you can track your progress to make sure you are progressing towards your goal. A healthy routine is incredibly important for professional and personal goals. If you have unhealthy habits, find a way to cut that out of your routine to create more time for the things that create positive outcomes.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My dad has always been such an incredible role model and resource for me throughout my life and professional career. His dedication to his career and family is palpable and contagious. My dad and mom worked hard to provide us with a life they did not have growing up. They instilled a hard work ethic in my siblings and I while providing a sturdy base for us to build our lives upon. I am so grateful for them believing in me over the years. Thanks mom and dad for all of the support, I love you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TFDADVENTURECO.COM
- Instagram: tfdadventureco / snicklefrytz
- Facebook: tfdadventureco
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