Meet Captain Ross! This handsome devil has been working the waterways of Crystal River for more than 20 years. He chooses to join RV because of our reputation and he heard that the crew here are more like family than co-workers. He's been with us for nearly 2 years, and loves the comradery, flexibility, and support he has found here with our team. Ross is a real superstar and we are so happy to have him here as a part of our River Family!
Ross was born in Germany and has lived all over the United States. If you ask him he'll tell you he's one lucky guy as he met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart and they have now been married for 50 years!! They have 2 children, 7 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. There is nothing in life that Ross is more proud of than his family, and any downtime he has is devoted to quality time with them! In fact, if Ross won the lottery he would pay off every loan and mortgage for his family because their peace of mind means the world to him. If he had some leftovers to donate, they would go to the American Cancer Society. He thinks 'Cancer Sucks' and wishes his superpower was to heal.
Captain Ross has had plenty of personal challenges. He's recovered from a stroke, multiple heart attacks, major back surgery, and quintuple bypass surgery. If there was ever a definition of 'survivor' it's this guy!! You would never know his struggles by talking to him, he has the attitude and energy of someone half his age!! He's the first one to work in the morning, the first one to lend a helping hand until he has to get home and finish a household project for his wife. You should see the kitchen he's completing. We are exhausted just thinking about all that Ross manages to pack into a day... and into this life!!
This quick-witted, chatty, bald guy wasn't always hairless... and shocked his family 25 years ago by shaving his beard, mustache, AND head! He hasn't looked back since. Not everyone could get away with it, but we think Captain Ross rocks the Mr. Clean look with style and confidence!! He regularly defies expectations and even jumped out of a plane at 14,000 feet and still loves the speed of zipping through the Maine wilderness on his snowmobile where he takes a couple of trips annually. He loves the uplifting tunes of Lauren Dingle, but his current favorite is 'First Man' by Camilla Cabello. Check out the video; but warning, it's a tear-jerker if you've never heard it!
Highly regarded and respected in this Industry, he KNOWS how to have quality manatee encounters that are fun and educational. He has been an in-water guide and photographer for years (one of the best photographers we've ever met), so some days you may find him at the helm driving...and some days you will find him swimming with his beloved sea cows. Either way... he's ready to show you a great time!
Ross' favorite quote is a famous one... 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country and we find this is a motto he lives by. If you need a helping hand, this guy is there in a hurry and that makes him an irreplaceable member of this team! We are so happy to be surrounded by outstanding humans and you'll see how it adds a little something extra when you take an excursion with Captain Ross and River Ventures!