Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 4020 APRIL 2017 • FOGHORN they adapt, and do they have a thirst for knowledge? Their organization will make the job go smoother and head off problems. Is the yard well-managed with low debt, cautious growth (the undoing of the bankruptcy above), and a stable work force? Recently I visited a yard that had eight general managers in 15 years; imagine what their workforce churn is like on the front line. Richard Melman, founder of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurants in Chicago, has developed over 100 restaurants and a number of national chains. Everyone wants to know his formula for success, and I’ve seen him generously answer questions in multiple public forums. He says by the time a problem works its way up to management, it is usually very complex with many shades of gray. The truth teller is to ask your team the question “are you dealing with a good person or a bad person?” Because, he says, you “can’t do a good deal with a bad person, and can’t do a bad deal with a good person.” As I look back on my shipyard experience, I can reflect that every good or bad deal I made followed this rule. So at the start, rigor- ously investigate your shipyard partner and ensure good chemistry is there for possible bad times. (Fortunately, my basement project has a company owner who is a good guy, and he has replaced non-performing subs and will make the project right.) A great shipyard project will be the source of pride for years, servicing About the Author Bob Shaw is a veteran industry executive, having led over 100 vessels responsible for over 10 million passengers a year. He can be reached at shawrw@gmail.com. BUSINESSMATTERS thousands of guests and crew safely and creating wonderful memories on the water for generations. Find the right partner, give them a strong project manager, and celebrate the collabora- tion that creates an enduring legacy to your vision and hard work. n 2570 Beverly Dr. #128, Aurora, IL 60502 T 630.236.3500 CENTA Power trAnsmIssIon LeADIng By InnovAtIon • USA based production • Over 20 unique designs • Over 16 million sold • Torsional vibration experts Trust CENTA – The Global Innovator Since 1970 CENTALINK Carbon Fiber Driveshafts Innovative flexible couplings for marine applications