04/09/14


Ownership transitions in the fishing world always have their inside story. The reason why is often untold in the excitement of new partnerships and new business ventures seeking their brand of success. Fisherman's Processing, only four years into it's esteemed, incredibly successful history, boasts one of these stories worth telling.

Frank Lo Preste, the man at the center of this transition, is content to transfer his shares, in accordance with the founding partnership agreement, to managing partner Sean Sebring. Rosie Flowers, who has proven herself an unmatched powerhouse in the realm of customer service, organizational management, and quality control, will also purchase a significant interest in Fisherman's Processing to the delight of the present shareholders. Introducing the new ownership team of Fisherman's Processing 2014: Sean Sebring, Rosie Flowers, Tim Ekstrom, and Randy Toussaint!

The real story behind this opportunity reveals yet another success for Frank Lo Preste, who has a well established history of such accomplishments dating as far back as the mid 1980's. Iconic long range sport fishing partnerships such as Brian Kiyohara and Sam Patella, Tim Ekstrom and Randy Toussaint, as well as several other successful solo operators in the local sport fishing fleet all have Frank to credit for their initial ownership opportunities.

Frank is a man quick to identify what it takes in young individuals to succeed. Always ready to offer upward mobility to dedicated employees Frank long ago understood that the measure of business achievement is not just money in his pocket; it is money in the pockets of all of those instrumental in the development, management, and success of his many business ventures.

Fisherman's Processing Managing Partner Sean Sebring is one of those individuals. Working as Fisherman's Landing dock manager for nearly twenty five years Sean approached Frank in 2009 with a new idea about fish processing. Sean was short of the necessary capital but brimming with initiative so Frank readily jumped on board recruiting his long time friends Tim Ekstrom and Randy Toussaint to assist in bringing Sean's idea to fruition. From the onset it was understood by all that Sean would purchase Frank's shares in the business as soon as he was ready. Frank ventured his time and capital to see one of his long time dedicated employees become an owner; a successful small businessman joining the ever growing ranks of young men and women whom he has provided opportunity and seen thrive.

The nobility of Frank's support for those who have helped him achieve success can not be overstated, and is sadly lost in some extremely unfair, and very unfortunate mischaracterizations about him. High achievement always comes with detractors, and Frank Lo Preste has his share. But none of those questioning his motives or morals really know the man, or his consistent history. The old saying "actions speak louder than words" in this case applies.
No one is better suited than this author to speak to Frank's character and long history of sharing his knowledge and success. Beginning my career in long range sport fishing on the deck of Royal Polaris in July of 1987 I have been mentored in the art of achievement by Frank through the present day. From purchasing my first home to purchasing my first (and only) long range sport fishing vessel Royal Star in 1996 Frank is an invaluable resource and friend in my life. And I am only one of many.

Passing his co-ownership of Fisherman's Processing to Sean Sebring and Rosie Flowers is simply the latest example of Frank Lo Preste's growing sport fishing legacy. It goes without saying that many satisfied future Fisherman's Processing customers and employees have Frank Lo Preste to thank for another thriving small business servicing the San Diego sport fishing community.

Tim Ekstrom