The Rugged Teachings of Alaskan Ships: How They Sculpted My Path as a Founder

At 19 I was tired of writing appeals for financial aid every semester. My mom was a teacher and I hated seeing her worry about my education. I was a sophomore in college, and one of my best friends, Timothy DeGray introduced me to his childhood job: commercial salmon fishing, also known as setnetting. Most excitingly he told me of the pay and adventures of working on Salmon Ships. The promise of good pay and thrilling adventures on Salmon Ships was all I needed to hear.

This experience would provide me with lessons I'd later use when starting a company.

Lesson 1: Show that your serious

When I first told Tim I was interested he said, "I got you" but after a few days, I realized my mistake. I didn't show I was serious. Tim had probably heard a million people say they'd love to do the job but I genuinely meant it.

After a few reminders, Tim understood that I wasn't just another person talking about it; I was committed. He connected me with the captain, and unlike other jobs where applications and interviews are extensive, the captain only cared about two things: whether I was physically capable and willing to work hard. I shared my experience of landing my first job at 14 and how I had been doing manual labor since I was even younger. That was all the captain needed to hear, and he gave me the job.

Lesson 2: People won't understand or believe

When I first told people about my plan to work on salmon ships, 90% of them thought I was joking. The same skepticism arises when you tell others you're starting a company. It's not a knock against anyone—many people say they'll start something big, but only a few actually do.

People may not see your vision or understand your "why."

Extra note: On day one Captain Brent assigned me the job of tying knots for releasing and holding barrels which I being a 19 filled with machismo, disdained. I told him I'd be the best sailor he'd ever seen and to put me as a bowman instead; this landed me on the Gracy, nicknamed Davy Jones Locker (you can see where I messed up). No music, just horrible singing and under the demanding overwatch of Brent; nevertheless, I was better for it and got my spot.

Lesson 3: It won't be what you expect

Over the years, countless people have asked me if I've watched Deadliest Catch and mentioned they'd do the job. I always tell them the same thing: the shows are 1000% easier to watch than the work itself. You get injured, people fight, and you're usually covered in grime. The shows feature luxuries we didn't have—like electricity and heat. Other boats had machines to pull nets, we were paid extra for manpower and after shifts ended, I'd collapse onto a four-inch foam pad in a metal rack, with socks stuffed into my sleeping bag to stay warm.

When I started Tale, I knew this and have embraced every boring, exciting and stressful time. You'll have to navigate the tedious and tough parts, but that's where real growth happens.

Lesson 4: Work ethic beats schedules. If you can fish you fish

We didn't have set schedules or days off. If Fish & Game said we could put out nets, we did. The average start time was 3 am with no guarantee of a day off with 1-2 hours of sleep, sometimes back to back. By day five, you're done talking to people."" Do you want to make money or not?" The answer was only yes, and we caught thousands.

The schedule on the boats made long hours normal and late nights easier to handle—skills that perfectly matched the demands of startup life. I'll always prefer a late night on a computer over a late night soaking wet and covered in fish guts, but the work ethic I developed out there has been invaluable in my journey as a founder.

Lesson 5: People will quit, and the ones who want it will work

Some people join for the excitement or the bragging rights, but they're often the first to go when things get tough. When the adrenaline wears off, the reality sets in. By week two one of my crewmates quit and with no replacement I was tasked with pulling his lines. Those who remained by the end were committed to each other and the mission. Now Instead of eating extra biscuits and gravy, I learned to be prepared and search for those who pride themselves on not just skills but also their will.

The crewman were also on a profit share pay meaning that we only got paid based on the catch of the crew rather than a base pay at the end of the summer. We were cooked 3 meals a day and everyone understood why. Its motivation to pull in more nets at higher efficiency when you see x thousand salmon so far, it's a great motivator. We're all on the same boat, and there can't be slackers. The people who are really willing to work with you, will make their situation work as well.

Lesson 6: Face the Storms they make great stories

Sleep before working in storms was nerve-racking; you know the day will be hard long and the risks were real. But these days always had the best stories when over. Storms were rough long and tiring sometimes knocking everyone off their feet multiple times, but you could always hear Captain Brent yelling, "GRAB THOSE LINE" and a shanty starting in the waves. (Nothing can be a crew singing Redemption song in a storm) The nights after were the greatest story times of our lives.

Lesson 7: Anything is enjoyable with the right team and the right team will persevere together

Despite everything we were having the best time of our lives. We'd argue, shoot dice to bet Arizonas, and once threw a party to celebrate sleeping until 6 am. Many nights we'd sit with our fingers dipped in boiled water dipped in epson salt to reduce the swelling, but our hands were in the pot together, and we loved each other for it. ITs also important to mention that the team was diverse with first timers, experienced vets and crewman who were British, Russian, mainland American and Alaskan which only

Lesson 8: It doesn't matter how you do it, just do it

As the bowman, my job was to haul large barrels and buoys into the ship—a task that was anything but easy. Imagine plunging your hand into icy water, your body hanging halfway off the side of the boat, desperately cramming your fingers into the ropes around the barrel. With a swift, almost reckless move, you’d heave it onto the boat, secure it to the net, and then toss it back—all on repeat for six hours every morning. In the end, only one thing mattered: getting that barrel on board. I’ve seen one bowman cost us four hours in a single morning by missing the mark repeatedly (the boat does not stop so timing is crucial). Like the barrels, no matter how fancy your technique is, it’s worthless if you don’t get the job done.

Lesson 9: There will be competition but know your waters

There was no shortage of competition with various crew sizes, technology, etc. However, rather than worrying about others, Brent had one key component to his success, knowledge. He always knew the tide, where the shoals were, and even where the salmon rested when the tide changed directions, most of all he knew how to battle a storm. Not one time did Brent mention worry of competition. He knew the water and that was his edge.

Lesson 10: Enjoy it, your not missing out and you never know the future

My only regret was not recording and documenting more stories. I sometimes wondered about missing out on the parties and activities at home, but I wouldn't have spent my time any other way.