November 29, 2010

Cooper Boating

1815 Mast Tower Road

Canada V6H 3X7

Vancouver, BC

Forest Gump made the observation that ÔÇ£Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what youÔÇÖre going to get!ÔÇØ

Investing in a sailing experience with a company that I had no experience presented a significant financial risk.  Boarding a boat and putting my life in the hands of an instructor/captain whom I had no knowledge presented both a personal and emotional risk.

But if every instructor Cooper Boating employees is even close to the outstanding caliber of Marla Hedman all risk is nullified.  In August of 2010, I opened a ÔÇ£box of chocolatesÔÇØ to have one of the best experience of my life.  From the moment I stepped on board the Polaris to the moment we returned to Granville Island my heart was smiling.  The crew whom I had never met composed of an Engineer, a Physician, an Attorney and CEO, and myself: a Professor and President of a leadership consulting company, were all highly educated professionals that knew how to have a wonderful time.

Our instructor and captain Marla Hedman was equally as professional and enjoyable.  There was not a moment that I felt unsafe or that I did not believe that she had a keen observation of everything happening aboard the Polaris.  Marla has a wonderful manner of teaching that allowed the crew to maximize the talents and skills each of brought on board while giving us the opportunity to learn in a comfortable non-threatening environment.  Marla is an outstanding sailor with keen ability to both sail and teach.  She is fun, has a genuine nature, is an exceptional listener and outstanding coach, and someone I would be glad to sail with in any sea in any condition.

Thank you Cooper Boating for realizing it takes more than just a fine boat to make a great sailing adventure.  Thank you for selecting quality instructors like Marla Hedman.  I have been on other boats in ports in different parts of the world where the captain made the experience a nightmare for his or her crew.  This experience was just the opposite: Marla Hedman made this ÔÇ£Bucket ListÔÇØ moment in my life perfect!

Sail on!

Tim Clipson, Ed. D

Professor of Executive Leadership and Executive Communication

President of Leadership Is For Everyone, Inc. (LIFE, Inc.)