On the Job

After a long career in technology at Barnett Bank of Florida—bought by NationsBank, which then merged with Bank of America—Rob Modys was laid off in 2001. It was perfect timing.

A lifelong fisherman, Modys had recently earned his captain’s license, which meant he could be a captain for hire. With a few months’ severance pay, he set about turning his love of the water into his dream job. Now, Captain Rob’s Soul Mate Charters is sailing smoothly, even through these bumpy economic times.

With so much competition, how did you position yourself to succeed?

I had a friend to do my Web site for me. I also didn’t treat is as just a fun thing to do. I approached it as a business, and I knew that could mean I was going to be eating peanut butter for a while. Actually, all the stuff I did previously, being in banking and having to show up for meetings—all the things we associate with a white-collar job—enabled me to keep appointments, make phone calls, do follow ups, send newsletters.

How long did it take for the business to take off?

It took about three years. I’d say 65 percent of my business is repeat, and it took that long for me to get people coming back.

What about the other 35 percent?

A lot of women call to set up something for their husbands when they see the Web site; they say the name Soul Mate, the name of the boat, catches their attention. I teach classes at Bass Pro Shops. I think being enthusiastic, getting out in front of people and making contacts [is key to my success].

Have you faced any major challenges?

We had Hurricane Charley right as I was getting going, and then we had Wilma [the following year].

And now you have high fuel costs.

Fuel costs are affecting me. At the first of the year, I raised my prices across the board 25 bucks, and that pretty much covered the rising prices then. Now it doesn’t cover that much, but I’ve left things alone.

How much is that hurting business?