Track and follow our Side Car series devoted to Seattle's biggest influencers as they answer questions related to brands, campaigns and themselves. To learn more about these amazing thought leaders, we invite you to check back every Thursday.
Argosy Cruises
- What do you love about your company's/organization's brand?
Argosy today is the consolidation of six companies – each with a different product or brand. What has been built or acquired by this company allows Argosy to be the dominate player in boat tours, charters, themed events and now an “island” venue in the form of Tillicum Village. Each has the versatility to offer something to everyone looking for something entertaining or educational. We have such a variety of ships, activities and an ability to customize a customer’s experience such that we can offer so many choices that fit within anyone’s interests or budget.
- What aspirations do you have for the future of your brand?
With Argosy’s diverse “product line” my aspirations is to somehow make everything we do the best it can be and that they easily “cross sell”. Example – if you thought the Royal Argosy was a great dining and entertainment experience then the Blake Island – Tillicum Village venue must be the same quality experience. Argosy = quality experience at a good value.
- Do you see campaigns that inspire or depress you?
In the political world that just finished its election season the print, radio and TV campaigns completely depressed me. Negative ads truly disturb me and ads in the current holiday season – discount, discount, discount seems to be the same blah, blah, blah message. Leading with prices only is a non-message as everyone is doing it.
I can’t say I have truly seen a campaign that “inspires” me as I am probably the first to not even gloss over print, web, TV and radio ads. I typically only read ads if there is something I am specifically shopping for and then all I want is technical specifications and price.
Ok, I lied, if a campaign can make me laugh or smile (trigger a strong positive emotion) – those I like. Humor is what gets me through the day. - If you weren't doing what you do now for a living, what is it you would like to be doing?
Teaching.
- Where is your favorite local spot to take out-of-town guests?
Argosy Locks Tour (my favorite), Dining on the Royal Argosy or going to Tillicum Village or Blake Island for the day.
- If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
Life skills for high school seniors. I have found there is a huge need for a text and related teaching materials to prepare 18-19 year olds to go out into the world. Too many high school and even college graduates are taken advantage of in the “real world” by not learning how to do something as basic as understanding banking. Surprising how many can’t reconcile their bank account or know how to read and understand a credit card application. Add to that landlord leases, paperwork associated purchasing or leasing an automobile, how to do a simple income tax return, basic understanding of insurance (life, home, car, etc.). How to shop for a financial advisor, CPA, attorney, insurance professional. Sounds boring, but truly so many people come out of high school unprepared and I spent a lot of time educating my (adult) client’s when I practiced as a CPA on how to be a better consumer of professional services and what they should have done with their personal financial affairs.
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For other interviews, follow the links below:
Interview with Chris Rivera – President, Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Assoc.
Interview with Tammy Blount – President & CEO, Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau.
Interview with Ray Heacox ~ President and GM, Belo Seattle
Interview with Jim Tune ~ President & CEO, ArtsFund.
Interview with Barry McConnel ~ CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Interview with Emory Thomas ~ Publisher, Puget Sound Business Journal.
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