Hi Kashad, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Baltimore City and grew up about 20 minutes from the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Although I wasn’t that far from the Harbor, I had no idea about the water or the possible career opportunities in the Maritime Industry. It wasn’t until I joined the U.S. Navy Reserves (in 2012) and began working as a deckhand for the Baltimore Water Taxi (in 2013) that I considered a career on the water. I saw only a few captains who looked like me, and that was enough to encourage me to start the process of getting my Captain’s License.
In 2015, I had the vision of starting my own boat charter business one day. A business that would serve all but mostly focus on exposing fellow Baltimoreans to the “Beauty in Their Own Backyard.” I also thought of how fulfilling it would be to show the youth many different career paths in the Maritime Industry and offer a training program through my business. Plus, as a bonus, the peace & tranquility that comes with being on the water. The views, especially the sunsets, are priceless. The process wasn’t easy, but I finally received my U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License with Master 100-ton inland credentials in 2017.
I worked as a Captain, but the dream charter business took a backseat for a while as life started happening. I got married and started a family all in the same year. Fast forward to January 2021, I finally took the leap of faith & created Vibe & Wave Charters LLC with the encouragement & inspiration of my beautiful wife, who was pregnant with our first son at the time; & our two beautiful daughters. I did some captain-for-hire gigs, saved up, had some trial and error; & eventually bought my “Honey Ole Bae,” a 1999 Sea Ray Sundancer named after my favorite wings.
After two successful seasons, several instructor training, and having my second son lol, I’m now excited to announce that we will be expanding our fleet with our new boat, “Honey Lemon Pepper.” She will hold 25-30 passengers and is expected to be in Baltimore ready for charters by this summer. Our motto is “Bringing Luxury to Laid Back,” and we will continue bringing those Vibez. We also strive to continue bringing awareness & training to future recreational & professional boaters.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
This road has not been smooth at all, but I’ve learned a lot along the way. There were financial obstacles and learning tools in the maritime industry that were not readily available for a person with my background. Some other challenges include mental roadblocks that almost stopped me from pursuing my business and the challenges of playing multiple roles in my business. I’m the owner, operator, mechanic (most of the time), deckhand, etc.
However, I am blessed to be in a position to begin offering opportunities to others now and even more to come as we continue to grow. I’m also grateful to the people who encouraged me and the captains and fellow boaters who inspired me along the way. Vibe & Wave Charters LLC has a bright future. I am looking to have at least three charter vessels, which will create many job opportunities for those aspiring to work on the water, such as deckhands, captains, operation managers, mechanics, detailers, etc.
As we expand, I would love to pour more into training and provide boater safety and on-the-water training to adults at a reasonable price and for children at no cost. I would like to help bridge the gap between the boat world and people who may have an interest but never had exposure to the maritime industry. So many guests come on board the Honey Ole Bae and ask me questions about becoming a captain, purchasing a vessel, and how to get into boating on a professional and recreational level.
They are shocked to see that the owner and operator is a 31-year-old black male with over ten years of maritime experience on commercial and recreational vessels. I say this humbly. I have been through many challenges in this industry due to my age and background, but my goal is to show something different. To make opportunities more accessible to underserved communities.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work my 9-5 in DC as a small craft operator. I am responsible for operating equipment that helps to clean trash and debris in the Potomac River. I love that whether it’s my 9-5 or my evening/weekend business; I am still on the water. I’m known for always being out on the water and being a family man. What makes me most proud of my business is the impact it has had in not only my household, but those in the community.
It feels good to show Baltimore in a different light that shines so brightly from the water. I’m honored to be many people’s first impression/experience on the water, and I don’t take that lightly. This typically sparks the interest of trying something new. I usually give the wheel to a special guest (or two) during a charter, and the look of joy on their face makes me happy. In recent years, we all have experienced many social challenges, and sometimes social media can make us feel closer without physically being there. This, however, can make physical social settings a little awkward. Our motto at Vibe & Wave Charters is to bring “Luxury to Laid-Back,” which means you get the luxury yacht, but we want you to feel at home.
Jam to your favorite music, sip your favorite drink, eat some good food, and vibe while enjoying the views. Wave to others on the water because people are actually pretty friendly in the boating community. Out of all the exciting experiences thus far, including being the transportation for a wedding last fall, my biggest accomplishment was having four young boys on the boat with their mentor. The age range of these boys was between 6-9 years old. They reminded me of myself as a child. I was grateful to introduce them to boating & teach them a few things during their charter.
I was also grateful that I was able to ensure a sponsored two-hour charter; that way, no one had to be concerned about the cost. This wasn’t a marketing opportunity for me. I felt it in my heart to just get it done and connect without any strings attached. That moment felt the purest and reassured my purpose as a whole. Although money is needed as a resource, the source of this business is not motivated by money. At the core, Vibe & Wave Charters seeks to spread light in a dark world.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
We love collaborations, and if anyone is interested in working with us or just supporting us, they can visit our website at www.vibeandwavecharters.com and email us at vibeandwavechartersllc@gmail.com. We are also on social media @vibeandwavecharters Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vibeandwavecharters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibeandwavecharters/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vibeandwavecharters
Image Credits
Vontage Studio @iamsharpeye
