One with the Sea: An Inspiring Rags-To-Riches Saga of the Son of an Irish Immigrant

by Richard Daniel O'Leary

Here is the story of one man's remarkable life, his business success, devotion to family and his love of the sea. Recognized for his corporate success, Irish America magazine named Richard O'Leary as one of the Top 100 Irish-American Businessmen in 1990. This well illustrated volume tells the sweeping story of an inspiring life; beginning with his boyhood as the son of a poor Irish immigrant in Maine. The author recounts intimate details of growing up in a blended family, where he was the only son. Highlights include; serving as an officer on the SS United States, service in the United States Navy and service as the youngest Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. Then he made an abrupt change to the world of business that he calls "An Adventure in Capitalism." O'Leary traces his path to success, sharing his business philosophy and many anecdotes that he credits with guiding his growth from an inexperienced entrepreneur into a highly successful businessperson. He became an inspiring port community business leader in Norfolk, Virginia, credited with introducing that city as a cruise and travel gateway.His company grew from a one-person operation to a national company with 2500 employees and fifty-five offices in twelve states; marketing large cruise ships. The travel division became one of the largest travel companies in the country. O'Leary had a fleet of thirteen, 600 passenger, harbor cruise vessels built to operate in major port cities throughout the United States. These thirteen ships, christened Sprit of Norfolk, Spirit of Boston, Spirit of New York, among others, are still cruising today. This is a grand story, not just about a man, but also about the opportunity and promise that America still offers to those with vision and determination.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0982823657
• ISBN13: 9780982823651
• Release Date: January 2011
• Publisher: Peter E. Randall Publisher
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.