Captain Robert Douglas, Sr.: Founder/Owner/President of The Black Dog, Inc. and the Coastwise Packet Company. Born in Chicago, Illinois. Graduated 1956 from Northwestern with a degree in Political Science. 1956-1958 USAF Fighter Pilot where he flew F-86D’s in the Air Defense Command. In 1958 he returned to Martha’s Vineyard to live year-round. 1962-1963 he designed and oversaw the construction of Shenandoah, the only non auxiliary power, square rigged vessel operating under the American flag, which was launched in 1964. He has the longest standing schooner/captain relationship in the United States. 1970 he designed and oversaw the construction of the Black Dog Tavern which opened its doors in 1971. Most recently he was awarded the Bartholomew Gosnold Award presented by the Historical Society and Preservation Trust of Martha’s Vineyard. The award recognizes his high regard in maritime circles and a lifetime achievement in promoting an appreciation for the preservation of the historical, cultural and architectural character and traditions of the Island.
An interesting article was recently published by Entrepreneur Magazine describing The Black Dog Family business.
The Douglas men: Brooks, Jamie, Capt. Bob, Rob, Morgan.
Photo courtesy MV Times. |
IT'S ALL RELATIVE
Can a newcomer revitalize a family business--without igniting a family feud? Learn from 3 entrepreneurs who did just that.
Entrepreneur Magazine - March 2005
By Chris Penttila
The 20s are a time for self-discovery, and Robert Douglas Jr.'s 20s were no different (bio, below). After earning a political science degree in 1995 from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, he was off to Maui, Hawaii, to ride the tide for a year as a professional windsurfer. Then it was back to Florida to pursue another interest: flying. Robert Jr. earned a commercial pilot's license and got a job as a flight engineer for a family-owned Miami airline company. By the late '90s, he was flying DC-8s all over Central and South America.
Working for a father-son company made a big impression on Robert Jr., 33. "I looked at it and thought, 'What a great opportunity,'" he says. "I decided to take a leave of absence from the flying job to see if I could work with my father."
Read the full article here at Entrepreneur.com.
Biographies
