Family values flourish in offshore boat biz

摘要

They are the backbone of the inland river and Gulf offshore' service industry: Family-owned businesses whose husbands, wives, sons and daughters have their names "stitched," not on a quilt, but rather on ships, barges and boats. Take the 145.5 ft utility boat Ms. Caroline, delivered by Bollinger Shipyards this August to Guilbeau Marine, Inc., Cut Off, La. The "Caroline' in question is, Caroline Guilbeau, grand daughter of owner Anthony "Noonie" Guilbeau. The next boat in the series, Mr. Chad, is named after the company's office manager, Chad Guilbeau. Unlike some family businesses, those in this sector don't grow out of step or obsolete. Instead, they compete handily with the industry giants, sometimes becoming gargantuan in their own right.