Ineke and I are retiring!
Tailrace Marina has been a large part of our lives for over 15 years. But, as I approach my 80 th birthday, I realize that it is time to slow down and spend my remaining years with family and friends and trying to learn what “retirement” is all about. It has been a difficult decision, but we have decided to transfer ownership of the marina to a local businessperson who is dedicated to advancing our progress while continuing to embrace the rich history of this site. Our new owner is Hunter Wilson, a local realtor, licensed USCG Captain and former member of the Lake Wylie Marine Commission. Hunter (no kinship to us) assumes management responsibilities this afternoon, Friday April 12. We are excited about this transition as Hunter brings his passion, his vision, his experience, and his integrity to the helm. Drop by the ships store and say hello.
A special thanks to our customers, some whom have been with us for over 15 years, and to those engineering and management folks who have helped us design, build and manage Tailrace since we started the permitting process back in 1998. A special shout out to Carey Ayres, Mike Degner, Larry Harrelson, Vic Theobalds, and other members of my former team at Rowboat Dock & Dredge that designed and built Tailrace. A special thanks to Greg Beal, Danny Jackson, and Brian Hough with Mount Holly and to Kermitt Taylor with Duke. Also, a special thanks to Ben Arnold for embracing our vision and bringing his capital and expertise to develop the onsite restaurant and apartments. A special thanks to Mark Brady at First Reliance Bank, who has always believed in our work.
Over the most recent years our management has been superbly anchored by Phil Volponi who worked with Ineke, Sandy, Joe, Patrick and a cadre of high school and college students, all of whom have been a key ingredient in our success. And we thank all of you who are unnamed who have contributed to our success. You know who you are, and we thank you. It has always been a team effort. And finally, a special thanks to the Dutch who ingrained in Ineke the ability to take flowers and plants to make things beautiful.
We wish Hunter, Banks and their families years of continued enjoyment and success.
For Ineke and me, it was an incredible ride. Our best,
Bob and Ineke Wilson
