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the Pacific Northwest to take advantage of what at that time the booming fishing industry. After several rounds of inter- views, Perla received offers from most, but there were two that had the most impact. One was the position offered by Joseph Martinac, Sr., owner of JM Martinac Shipbuilding in Tacoma, Wash. — a yard that specialized in Tuna Seiners; the other from Peter Schmidt, the owner of MARCO Shipbuilding in Seattle, Wash. Perla chose to work for Martinac, as they were known for their innovative designs of Tuna Seiners. "They (the Tuna Seiners) were sleek, good looking boats and 1 wanted to design them," Perla says. "So 1 went to work for Joe (Martinac)." After etching a name for himself at Martinac, Perla was tapped again by Schmidt of MARCO, who had just pur- chased Campbell Shipyard in San Diego, Calif. He wanted Perla to design a Tuna Seiner, but there was one catch, there was no tele-commuting involved, which meant Perla would once again have to pack up and move his family down the Pacific coast. Not wanting to forego a valuable opportunity, he pro- posed to work for Schmidt on a consult- ing basis. Schmidt however was not interested. "We don't hire consultants, Schmidt had told Perla. "We do every- thing in-house." Two weeks later, though, on December 28. 1979 to be exact (the day is also Perla's wedding anniversary), Schmidt called Perla with an offer that he couldn't refuse. "He (Schmidt) called me and said, 'Do you want to be in business?' Perla said. "And 1 said yes I would." Schmidt then told Perla to "name his price," which he did, thus beginning the evolution of Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. (CPA), with the agreement that Perla would design a 300 LT vessel simply named what its func- tion was: "Tuna Seiner," for Schmidt for construction at Campbell Shipyard. "I owe the credit to the beginning of GPA to Peter Schmidt, the owner of MARCO who gave me my first job," Perla said. "The day we signed the contract is the day that I consider the start of GPA." A Hand Shake That is how, Perla admits, most of his deals have been sealed since establish- ing his company in 1979. While GPA has weathered the ups and downs of the marine industry and has still always managed to come out on top. There is not one specific project that Perla could say he gained the most satis- faction from, rather he has taken each project and treated it as an individual accomplishment, each with a different meaning for different reasons, most of which are the valuable relationships that he has established with clients. "I approach jobs not because of business, but through relationships," Perla says. "Every project that we take at GPA I go for because I like the person, I like their philosophy and I like their approach and ideas. I don't ever take a job because of the CRANKSHAFT GRINDING While Installed in Engine • CRANKPIN AND MAIN JOURNAL REFURBISHING While crankshaft is in engine • ALL TYPES OF ON-BOARD MACHINING Cylinder boring, engine top decks, horizontal joints, couplings, journals • LINE BORING OF MAIN BEARING POCKETS Laser and Optical Alignment • METALSTITCH® Repair of cracked or broken cast iron engine blocks IN-PUCE MACHINING COMPANY USA: International: FAX: 800-833-3575 414-562-2000 414-265-1000 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE ...day or night, 365 days a year email: heip@inpiace.com Website; www,inplace,com Circle 233 on Reader Service Card MARITIME SECURITY BARRIERS Waterfront Security Barrier Port Security Barrier The Waterfront Security Barrier establishes a formidable, highly visible floating perimeter. Optional steel fencing is available which provides up to 7ft. of freeboard. Other accessories can be easily attached (for example: lighting, signage, and surveilance equip- ment). Our lightweight Port Security Barrier provides a durable, floating perimeter for security, oil containment, and debris management. It has been proven effective since 1977, with some installations in continuous service for over 20 years. More information and photographs can be found on our web site: www.fossenv.com/worldwide/ EIICC Phone: (206) 768-1450 po Box 3535 rUuU Fax: (206) 768-1405 Seattle, WA 98124 "'"J-'* Email: worldwide@fossenv.com USA Circle 228 on Reader Service Card September 2003 Circle 282 on Reader Service Card 39 100% Non-Haiardofflf1"J Jg 100% Non-Toxic s """ 100% Biodegradable 'i3iwmi Reduce part and repair labor costs and down-time for everything where salt causes maintenance and operational problems. The favorite salt corrosion control maintenance product of thousands of users. Concentrate available in case packs and drums. Salt-Away Products, Inc. • P.O.Box 8797 • Newport Beach, CA 92658 (714)754-7700 • Toll Free: 888-SALT-AWAY(725-8292) e-mail: sales@saltawayproducts.com • www.saltawayproducts.com
