What Fishing Taught Me About Business (and Life)

Every summer, the Claffy boys head out on the water for our annual fishing trip, a tradition that’s been part of my life since high school.

It started with my dad, my brother, and my grandpa, and over the years, we’ve had other family members and friends join us from time to time. But no matter who’s in the boat, one thing remains the same: it’s always about good company, great stories, and the occasional (or not-so-occasional) fish that got away.

I had no idea how much fishing would teach me, not just about patience and strategy, but about business, leadership, and problem-solving.

And trust me, I learned a lot about patience when I joined the bass fishing team in high school. In two years, I caught exactly one fish - and as luck would have it, that one catch came during the State Finals…only for me to find out it was below the 12-inch minimum.

Looking back, I see so many parallels between what I’ve learned on the water and what I do at Cortech.

Here are a few of the biggest lessons I've learned on the water:

1. The Right Equipment Helps, But It’s Still About the Fisherman

Having the best rod, the perfect bait, and a boat loaded with high-end technology definitely helps, but it doesn’t guarantee success. A skilled fisherman with basic gear will still outfish someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.

The same is true in business. Great tools don’t replace great people - they make them better. I’ve focused on implementing the right systems - including HubSpot and improved digital tools - not just to have the latest technology, but to make us more efficient, more informed, and better at what we do.

At the end of the day, it’s still the people - our team, our customers, and our partners - who make the biggest impact. Just like in fishing, you need the right tools, but it’s the experience, instinct, and relationships that ultimately lead to success.

2. Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is Fast

There’s an old saying in the military and in endurance sports: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” It’s not about moving at a crawl - it’s about being intentional, improving steadily, and stacking small wins that lead to long-term success.

On the water - you can only catch one fish at a time, but over an entire week you can catch hundreds.

That’s exactly how we approach relationships at Cortech. We don’t see customers as one-time buyers, we focus on partnerships that last for an entire career. Some of our best customer relationships have spanned decades, growing alongside facility expansions, leadership changes, and evolving needs.

In a world where it's tempting to chase quick wins, we play the long game. The goal isn’t just to sell a product - it’s to be a partner that’s there year after year, project after project.

3. The Water is Never the Same Twice

Fishing trips can look the same - same lake, same time of year -but the conditions are always different. Weather shifts, water temperature changes, and fish move. If you go out expecting the same approach to work every time, you’re setting yourself up for frustration.

The same is true in business. No two deals, projects, or customer needs are ever identical. What worked in one situation won’t necessarily work in another. That’s why at Cortech, we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We adapt, we ask questions, and we make sure our solutions fit the unique needs of each facility we work with.

Because whether you’re on the water or in business, the only constant is change.

4. A Clean Campsite Always Catches More Fish

One of the things my dad always taught us was that a clean campsite always catches more fish. It wasn’t meant to be taken literally, but the idea was clear - you need to be organized and prepared to have the most success.

When you come back to a clean, well-organized campsite at the end of a long day, it doesn’t matter if the fishing was great or terrible - you still end the day with a sense of control, clarity, and satisfaction.

The same lesson applies in business. When you’re organized, when your systems are in place, and when everything is structured the right way, success follows. That’s why we focus on having the right processes, staying efficient, and keeping everything in order - so that when the big opportunities come, we’re ready for them.

Just like in fishing, the best results come when you’ve set yourself up for success long before the first cast.

5. The Best Moments Have Nothing to Do With the Catch

Some of my favorite fishing memories have nothing to do with the fish. The moments that stick with me are the ones where everything slows down, and we’re just there - present, in the moment, and enjoying the experience.

It’s a reminder that in business, too, success isn’t just measured in deals closed or projects completed. It’s about the relationships built, the conversations shared, and the trust earned along the way.

At Cortech, we don’t just want to provide a great product - we want to create great partnerships. The kind that last not just for a single project, but for years to come.

Looking Ahead

Being second generation at Cortech means continuing a legacy, but also carving my own path. And just like in fishing, it means staying patient, using the right tools, adapting to the conditions, and remembering that success isn’t just about the end goal, but the experience along the way.