Page 140 - RedWhiteFleet_interiors_Sep10
P. 140

OPPOSITE: Red and White Fleet   and the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association,   It’s rare for a company to give as quietly as the Red and
                                                                                                                                                                    owner Tom Escher looks out the   an organization that preserves maritime history and makes   White Fleet. It might be because, as Escher likes to say, “We’re
                                                                                                                                                                    window of one of his prized vessels.   it accessible for each new generation. Last but not least, the   not a family business, we’re a business family.” Escher believes
                                                                                                                                                                    Since taking over the company in
                                                                                                                                                                    1997, Escher’s goal has been to   company also supports local schools in the area. After hearing   this sentiment has contributed to the company’s longevity,
                                                                                                                                                                    carry on the sightseeing tradition   about a shortage, they anonymously donated new computers   and it certainly reflects the importance of supporting the
                                                                                                                                                                    and people-oriented ethos that his   to several schools around the city. “We’re quiet about it,” Escher   community that its families have lived in throughout the last
                                                                                                                                                                    grandfather Tom Crowley infused   explains. “We just give when there’s a need.”  127 years.
                                                                                                                                                                    into this family business, while
                                                                                                                                                                    simultaneously steering the Fleet
                                                                                                                                                                    boldly into the future with his
                                                                                                                                                                    progressive environmental vision
                                                                                                                                                                    and his determination to always
                                                                                                                                                                    stay at the forefront of his craft.
                                                                                                                                                                    RIGHT: The Harbor Queen cuts
                                                                                                                                                                    through calm waters, carrying
                                                                                                                                                                    passengers back from a trip beneath
                                                                                                                                                                    the Golden Gate Bridge.



























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