Let me tell you how my first business idea came to life—an experience that shaped my journey as an entrepreneur. As a captain on a Bering Sea king crab fishing boat, I saw firsthand just how tough it was to break into the industry. King crab fishing was like the modern-day gold rush—high rewards but nearly impossible to get into unless you had the right connections. And being the captain, I was the one in charge of hiring the crew.

Before long, my phone was ringing off the hook with calls from people desperate for a chance to work. It became so overwhelming that I had to unpublish my phone number just to get some peace. But it got me thinking—why not find a way to help these ambitious people get their foot in the door?

That’s when I saw the opportunity. I realized that canneries were often the gateway to landing a job on a fishing boat. So, I created Cannery Connection, a guide that showed people how to land a cannery job in Alaska. It wasn’t just about giving out information; it was about giving people a real shot at a new career, just like the one I had started in.

This was long before the internet, so I advertised my guide in newspapers and national publications. To my surprise, the response was huge. I even expanded into college newspapers, figuring students looking for summer jobs would be the perfect audience. And it worked—Cannery Connection became a success, helping hundreds of people take their first steps toward a new adventure.

But for me, the real lesson was clear: opportunity is everywhere, even in the middle of chaos. It's about recognizing it and then having the guts to act on it. That’s the spirit that has guided me ever since.

Whether it's launching Cannery Connection or building Kaptein Coffee, my focus has always been the same—seeing what others might overlook, then turning that vision into reality. I’ve learned that it's not about waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about making the most of the moments you have.

So here’s to seizing opportunities wherever they are, and always moving forward with purpose. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes the biggest opportunities are right in front of you—you just have to be ready to grab them.