20 Years at Spaulding Marine Center
Bill Edinger, Board President, August 30, 2024
My association with Spaulding Marine Center goes back 20 years. I started hauling my boats here and was always pleased with the quality of workmanship and fair prices. It has always been a relaxed atmosphere, and soon I fell in love with the place.
When I purchased my beloved 45’ Trimaran “Defiance” (aka De-finance), she needed a major refit. I was lucky to have the time and the funds to spend several months at the yard getting her back in shape. It was a wonderful experience working with Michael Weiner, the manager at the time, and his dedicated crew. Spaulding had just become a 501c3 nonprofit. One afternoon, after the work day was done, Michael and I were discussing the future of the center; I suggested that it should become a vocational training center.
In 2014, I sold my business, Spectra Watermakers, and had time on my hands. Spaulding’s trustees and board of directors at the time knew that the Center needed some fresh guidance and asked me to serve as president. This is what is called “failing retirement!” I have gladly served at Spaulding since.
Fast forward to 2020, when we were almost shut down due to COVID. I received an email from a retired gentleman named Bruce Holaday, who was interested in volunteering at the Center—possibly working with youth boatbuilding projects. I wrote back, thanking him, but explaining that we didn’t have any such programs at the time.
A day or so later, I reread Bruce’s email and his attached resume. Holy Cow! This guy had started schools, run schools, and spent his whole life in academia! I called him immediately and asked him to visit and discuss my dream of starting a vocational program.
Bruce signed on, and we soon began the Byzantine process of becoming a certified marine service technician program registered with the state and federal governments. We chose an apprenticeship model rather than a school supported by tuition. (Our apprentices are paid, lowering the barriers of entry for young people who may not be able to afford tuition or be destined for college.)
About a year later, Boatworks 101 became a reality. We introduce the trainees to a wide range of skills—electrical, woodworking, and all of the various marine systems—in hopes that they find a particular area that they want to pursue as a career.
I’m pleased to report that we are now starting our fourth cohort and have had great success placing our apprentices in good jobs in the local maritime industry. Like any program, there have been a few bumps in the road—but this year, with a new professional educator at the helm, will be the best ever.
I view Spaulding’s apprenticeship program as the flagship of our nonprofit activities. Next to the business I built and my beautiful daughter, I view my contribution to the program as part of my legacy. And with the help of our generous donors and supporters, I hope the program and Spaulding will live on in perpetuity.
