Liquid Assets: How Patrick Swapped Careers for #Captain Life

In the finance world, “liquidity” typically refers to cash flow. But for Captain Patrick, liquidity has always been about the current beneath a hull and the wind in a sail.

Today, Patrick lives a life of seasonal contrast that most only dream of. We call it captain life,  In the summer, he commands the blue expanse of Lake Michigan, navigating the iconic skyline of Chicago. When the ice sets in, he heads south to the marshy labyrinth of Lake Tohopekaliga near Orlando, piloting airboats for Boggy Creek Airboat Rides.

Whether he’s maneuvering a 50-foot yacht or skimming over sawgrass, one thing is certain: Patrick doesn’t just drive boats; he sees the water in a way few others can.

A “Feral” Foundation

Patrick’s journey began in Tallahassee, where he was born to “wannabe hippie” parents who raised him on 60 acres of Florida wilderness. He describes his upbringing as that of a “feral child,” thrown out of the house by his mother to explore the murky waters of Alligator Point.

It was here that Patrick developed his “captain’s eye.” During our interview, his focus never wavered from the environment. He’d pause mid-sentence to point out a plume of smoke from a controlled burn or spot an eagle circling miles away. This instinctive awareness was forged early, dodging stingrays in the shallows and learning to sail at summer camp.

The 50/50 Captain

Despite a successful career in futures trading and hedge funds in Chicago and New York, the water never stopped calling. It took a series of life pivots—and a harrowing experience sailing a 26-foot boat across the deepest part of Lake Michigan during COVID—to convince him to “go pro.”

Patrick didn’t just pass his captain’s exam; he aced it, scoring a perfect 50 out of 50 on the Rules of the Road—a feat that left even the seasoned charter guides whispering.

“I wanted to be the dealer, not the player, in the boat game,” Patrick says. “The only way to do that is with your captain’s license.”

Wildlife and Wind: The Airboat Experience

Taking a tour with Captain Patrick at Boggy Creek is a masterclass in ecology. As the airboat glides through the tall grass, Patrick’s trained eye reveals a hidden world. We were delighted to see a plethora of animals:

Majestic Eagles and Sandhill Cranes

Snowy Egrets and the endangered Banded Snail Kite

Alligators basking in the reeds

Even local cows grazing near the water’s edge

An even bigger treat? Captain Patrick brings his dog, Pirata (Spanish for “pirate,” pronounced “pee-RAH-tah”), on the tours. Pirata even has her own Instagram page. 

A Life of Purpose

Patrick hasn’t completely left his finance roots behind, but he’s repurposed them. He’s currently involved in WWF Securities, a finance company focused on sustainable clean-water projects, including robotic oyster farming. He also serves in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, marrying his professional skills with his passion for conservation.

Reflecting on a near-death experience at age 14 when he was lost at sea during a hurricane, Patrick remains grounded:

“That’s the kind of lesson you learn that makes you a better mariner the next time. I leverage my experience in what I know how to do and what I like to do, put it together… and it all marries itself very nicely to a productive and happy life.”

Are you looking to see the wild side of Florida or the skyline of Chicago from the helm? Follow Captain Patrick’s journey or book a tour at BOGGY CREEK AIRBOATS to see the “Banded Snail Kite” for yourself!

DREAMING OF BECOMING A CAPTAIN?

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