Interview With Dave O'Connor, Dockmaster at Pink Shell Resort and Marina

You work in paradise. Where do you go on vacation?

Believe it or not, every other year I spend a week in Bethany Beach, Del. I receive some strange looks when I tell others vacationing there that I am from Fort Myers, Fla.

‍

Have you always lived on or near the water?

I used to live in northwest New Jersey. I spent a lot of time as a child fishing and hunting in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

‍

How long have you been at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina?

I started at the Pink Shell Resort & Marina in September 2012. My first task was to oversee the construction of the marina and make it operational.

‍

What is the biggest compliment you have ever been paid?

Boaters often tell me they came to visit because they read exceptional online reviews about me and the marina.

‍

If you could walk in anyone else's shoes for a day, who would it be?

Warren Buffet. He is extremely smart and successful, yet still down-to-earth.

‍

What childhood tradition do you keep today?

Taking my kids fishing. My dad always found time to take my brother and I fishing and I like to do the same with my daughters.

‍

Where do your best ideas come to you?

I get my best ideas in the middle of the night. I usually unexpectedly wake up with solutions to challenges I am having at the marina.

‍

What is your best advice for a beginner renting a boat for the first time?

Rent a pontoon boat. They are easy to handle and hard to get into too much trouble with.

‍

Why do you think your marina won Marinalife's 2017 Best Small Marina Contest?

Our dedication to service. I believe that very few marinas in this area can compete with the quality of service we provide.

‍

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Still here at the Pink Shell Resort & Marina. I consider this marina my baby and it will be hard for me to give her up.