BRENDAN JAMES KOWALEWSKI
Charleston, SC 843-***-**** *************@*****.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-kowalewski Saltwater Fishing Expert Finance Hospitality & Tourism EDUCATION
University of South Carolina, Bachelor of Science- Columbia, SC August 2019 – December 2021
-Earned a degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management and a minor in Business Administration Finance in two and a half years while playing on the Men’s Club Lacrosse team and serving as the Risk Management and Compliance officer for the Universities Duck’s Unlimited Chapter in 2021. South Carolina Real Estate Club member 2020-2021
Emmanuel College, Bachelor of Science- Franklin Springs, GA August 2017 – May 2019
-Worked towards a degree in Business Administration and minor in finance while playing Varsity Lacrosse and played an active role as a member on the Student Athlete leadership committee. EXPERIENCE
Freelance, First Mate Charleston, SC January 2022 - Present
-Experienced offshore fishing mate. Billfishing, Kite fishing, deep dropping, Kingfishing, and Game fishing experience on both Private, Charter, and commercial boats. Worked closely with under the captainship of John Owen, Louie McMichael, Alex Hrycak, Chris Lawhon and more. Experienced with knowledge on Dredge fishing, Rig baits (Skippers, swimmers, dinks, dredge, other pitch baits), Rigging hooksets for lure fishing, circle hook fishing, manage the cockpit
,knowledgeable of maintaining and managing the day-to-day operations of a full time fishing boat. Provide outstanding experience for clients while ensuring top-tier safety and efficiency. Cooking elite cuisines for clients and their guest with the fish we catch.
Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina, Dock Hand Charleston, SC November 2022- March 2023
- Operate day to day oversight of Safe Harbor Marina Sector Charleston. Undergo daily repairs on marina docks, fuel lines, diesel engines, outboard engines, and vessel hulls. Assists captains and crew with yacht maintenance, pump outs, fueling, docking. Worked collaboratively and efficiently to solve problems. Provide an outstanding experience for clients while ensuring top-tier safety and efficiency.
Marlin Quay Marina, First Mate & Dock Hand Garden City Beach, SC May 2017 – January 2022
- Assisted multiple captains with offshore charter operations, catering to both recreational and tournament fishing. Managed boat provisioning, fueling, bait prep, and customer relations before, during, and after charters. Built strong relationships with captains and clients, ensuring seamless trip execution. Maintained and serviced boats, gaining expertise in marina operations and offshore fishing logistics. Mated under Captain Alex Hrycak through 2022, refining skills in bill-fishing and pelagic sportfishing techniques. Pluff Mud Financial, Owner/Founder Charleston, SC January 2023- Present
● Financial Planner, working to help business owners and individuals meet their financial goals and dreams. Retirement Planning solutions, Employee Benefits, Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance,Private Credit Funding and disability Insurance licensed 2024: Net Revenue $75,000 first year in business, $80,000 worth of premium 2025: Over $250,000 worth of premium, four months into the year, mentor to new advisors. Recruiting new advisors to the firm. Collaborate with other local professionals, such as attorneys and accountants, to provide clients with financial planning and legal services.
Ameris Bank, Personal Banker Charleston, SC January 2022- January 2023
-Sold Bank and affiliate products and services while helping clients to understand financial products and solutions. Produced over $500,000 in loans originated in 10 months. Created lasting relationships with long-time and new customers of the bank. Represented the bank professionally in the community. Skilled in Salesforce, Ncino, Centrix, Image Centre, CMSE, and more.
Pawleys Island Realty, Asset Manager Pawleys Island, SC May 2019 – August 2021
-Managed over 200 properties on Pawleys Island including day to day Maintenance, Linen Management, HVAC Maintenance, Plumbing, Carpentry, Hurricane Preparation, Landscaping, Cleaning Services. Worked closely along side the president and owner of the company, the individual property owners, and vendors. SPECIALIZED SKILLS
-Offshore & Tournament Fishing, Presentations, Sales, Project Management, Saltwater Fishing, Sportfishing Operations, Marina Management, Restaurant Operations, Financial Analysis, Construction, Vessel Maintenance, Team Leadership, Client Relations, Microsoft Office, Bartending, First-Aid, Customer Service, Communication Skills, Social Media Experience, Problem Solving, Creative, Organized, Goal Driven, Fast Paced