Q&A WITH GREAT LAKES BOATER
- Michael Schwartz is an avid Lake Michigan boater who’s boated on all five Great Lakes. He and his wife are the owners of Schwartz & Co. Yachts Sales which allows them to make a living doing what they love: boating.
GLB What Great Lakes have you boated on? What is your home lake?
M I’ve cruised on all of the Great Lakes and most sections of the Great Loop. Lake Michigan has always been my home lake.
GLB What kind of boat(s) do you have?
M We currently have a 1988 Ski Nautique 2001 mid-restoration and access to a variety of other vessels by virtue of our yacht sales business. We’ve given up our order slot on an American Tug three times now to eager clients.
GLB What made you decide to start boating?
M I’ve been fascinated with boating since I was little. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church runs a network of summer camps around the country which have historically had very strong water sports programs. Growing up in Michigan, a good part of my summers were at our Camp AuSable in Grayling, Mich. I was initially a camper and later as waterfront staff, driving boats and teaching wakeboarding.
GLB What kind of impact has boating had on your life?
M Boating has always been a passion. A few years ago I was able to bring my personal and professional passions together in starting Schwartz & Co. Yachts Sales together with my wife. Being able to make a living doing what we love is an incredible blessing.
GLB What does an average day on your boat look like?
M My days boating vary quite a lot. I could be doing a sea trial with a buy-side client out of town one day, the next I could be in Chicago showing a brokerage listing to a prospective buyer. Or I could be doing an evening cruise on the Chicago River with friends, or I could be in Michigan wakeboarding with my family. I’ve cruised so many amazing locations in just the last year working with our clients. It hasn’t sucked!
Be sure to follow Michael on Instagram at @schwartzadventures