Ep. 218: The Waterman, Luke McFadden
Digest
This episode of the Bear Geese podcast features Luke McFadden, a first-generation crabber from Maryland who has built a direct-to-consumer crabbing business and a social media empire. Luke shares his life story, from his childhood in Pasadena, Maryland, to his struggles and triumphs as a crabber. He talks about the challenges of the industry, including the cutthroat competition, the difficulty of finding markets, and the constant threat of equipment failure. He also discusses the importance of conservation and how he is using his online platform to promote a more sustainable approach to crabbing. Luke's story is an inspiring example of perseverance and dedication, and it offers a glimpse into the world of a traditional American waterman.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Meat Eater Outdoor Cookbook, a new cookbook focusing on wild game and fish recipes for outdoor cooking. It highlights some of the recipes included in the book, such as stuffed venison burgers, wild duck with ahi verde sauce, and grilled frog legs. The episode then transitions to introduce Luke McFadden, a first-generation crabber from Maryland, who will be the focus of the episode.
Luke McFadden's Story
This Chapter delves into Luke McFadden's life story, starting with his childhood in Pasadena, Maryland. He describes his early interest in the outdoors, his passion for fishing, and his entrepreneurial spirit. Luke recounts his first experiences with crabbing, working for a seasoned waterman named C.J., and his determination to make a living from the Chesapeake Bay.
The Challenges of Crabbing
This Chapter focuses on the challenges Luke faced as a young crabber. He describes the difficulties of running a business with limited resources, the cutthroat competition, and the constant threat of equipment failure. Luke shares his experiences with boat breakdowns, gear vandalism, and the struggle to find markets for his catch. He also talks about the emotional toll of the industry and his personal struggles with anger and frustration.
A Mindset Shift
This Chapter marks a turning point in Luke's story. He describes his realization that he needed to take his crabbing business seriously and commit fully to its success. Luke talks about his decision to invest in a new boat, the Southern Girl, and his determination to overcome the challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the need to be 110% committed to achieving his goals.
Building a Social Media Empire
This Chapter explores Luke's journey into the world of social media. He describes his initial reluctance to embrace the internet but eventually recognizes its potential to reach a wider audience. Luke talks about his decision to start making videos about crabbing and his growing online presence. He discusses the importance of consistency and the challenges of transitioning from wholesale to direct-to-consumer sales.
Direct-to-Consumer Crabbing
This Chapter focuses on Luke's decision to establish a direct-to-consumer crabbing business. He describes his purchase of a roadside stand in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and his commitment to selling crabs directly to customers. Luke talks about his live streams, where he allows viewers to purchase crabs they have seen him catch, and his partnership with Jimmy's Famous Seafood to ship crabs nationwide.
Influence and Representation
This Chapter explores the impact of Luke's online presence on the crabbing industry. He discusses how his social media following has made him a representative of the waterman community, even though he is still relatively young. Luke talks about his desire to be a positive example of a waterman, promoting conservation and sustainability.
The Future of Watermen
This Chapter concludes the episode with Luke's thoughts on the future of the waterman community. He emphasizes the importance of conservation and the need for a new generation of watermen to be more involved in protecting the resource. Luke expresses his hope that his online presence can help to change the perception of watermen and promote a more sustainable approach to fishing.
Keywords
Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is a large estuary located on the Atlantic coast of the United States. It is the largest estuary in the United States and is known for its abundance of seafood, including blue crabs. The Chesapeake Bay is also a popular destination for recreational fishing, boating, and tourism. The bay is facing a number of environmental challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss. Efforts are underway to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay and ensure its future for generations to come.
Blue Crab
The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is a species of crab native to the western Atlantic Ocean. It is a commercially important species, and its meat is a popular seafood item. Blue crabs are found in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as other estuaries along the Atlantic coast. They are known for their distinctive blue color, their large claws, and their ability to swim sideways. Blue crabs are a vital part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, and their populations are closely monitored to ensure their sustainability.
Waterman
A waterman is a person who makes their living from the sea, typically by fishing or crabbing. The term is often used in the context of the Chesapeake Bay, where watermen have a long and rich history. Watermen are known for their hard work, their knowledge of the sea, and their dedication to their craft. The waterman community is facing a number of challenges, including overfishing, pollution, and changing weather patterns. However, watermen remain committed to their way of life and to preserving the resources of the Chesapeake Bay.
Direct-to-Consumer
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) is a business model where a company sells its products directly to consumers, bypassing traditional retail channels. This model has become increasingly popular in recent years, as companies seek to build stronger relationships with their customers and control their brand experience. D2C businesses often use online platforms, such as websites and social media, to reach their target audience. The D2C model can offer a number of benefits, including increased profits, greater control over the customer experience, and the ability to build a loyal customer base.
Social Media
Social media is a collection of online platforms that allow users to create and share content, connect with others, and build communities. Social media platforms have become an integral part of modern life, and they are used by individuals, businesses, and organizations to communicate, share information, and build relationships. Social media has a significant impact on society, and it is used for a wide range of purposes, including marketing, news dissemination, activism, and entertainment.
TikTok
TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short videos. The platform is known for its viral content, its dance challenges, and its ability to connect users from around the world. TikTok has become incredibly popular, especially among younger generations. The platform has also been used for a variety of purposes, including marketing, education, and activism.
Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos. The platform is known for its visual appeal, its filters, and its ability to connect users with shared interests. Instagram has become a popular platform for businesses, influencers, and individuals to share their lives, their work, and their passions. The platform has also been used for a variety of purposes, including marketing, news dissemination, and activism.
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing platform that allows users to upload, view, and share videos. The platform is known for its vast library of content, its ability to connect users with shared interests, and its role in shaping online culture. YouTube has become a popular platform for businesses, creators, and individuals to share their videos, build audiences, and generate revenue. The platform has also been used for a variety of purposes, including education, entertainment, and activism.
Q&A
What are some of the challenges Luke McFadden faced as a first-generation crabber?
Luke faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, cutthroat competition, constant equipment failure, and difficulty finding markets for his catch. He also struggled with personal frustrations and anger due to the demanding nature of the industry.
How did Luke's mindset shift regarding his crabbing business?
Luke realized he needed to be fully committed to his business's success and stop relying on backup plans. He embraced a 'no-failure' mentality, dedicating himself entirely to crabbing and accepting no other options.
How did Luke leverage social media to grow his crabbing business?
Luke initially resisted social media but eventually recognized its potential to reach a wider audience. He started creating videos about crabbing, building a significant online presence and attracting customers interested in buying his crabs directly.
What is Luke's approach to selling crabs directly to consumers?
Luke established a roadside stand and partnered with a restaurant to ship crabs nationwide. He uses live streams to connect with customers, allowing them to purchase crabs they have seen him catch, creating a unique and personalized experience.
How does Luke's online presence impact the crabbing industry?
Luke's social media following has made him a representative of the waterman community, influencing public perception and promoting a more sustainable approach to crabbing.
What is Luke's vision for the future of the waterman community?
Luke believes in the importance of conservation and wants to inspire a new generation of watermen to be more involved in protecting the resource. He hopes to change the perception of watermen and ensure the industry's sustainability.
Show Notes
Luke McFadden is a 27-year-old, first-generation waterman on the Chesapeake Bay. In this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Clay Newcomb invites Luke to tell his story of how determination combined with a love for the outdoors, fishing, and the water, propelled him down a one-way path to becoming a crabber. His experience shows how he embraced challenges, and with thinking outside the box, created a whole new way to engage with customers and create a social media empire.
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