Bo Shindler’s career in journalism was sidetracked in the early 1970s when, after study at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and a two-year stint working for a small-town newspaper in Oregon, Bo decided that he wanted to be part of making some history rather than reporting on others having all the fun.
After going to work in the Freeman-Howard boatyard in 1975, Shindler co-founded a marine closure sales and manufacturing venture (Freeman Marine Equipment) with the Freemans in the second half of the 1970s. Bo was responsible for sales and administrative operations of the boatyard and manufacturing companies during his tenure with each organization.
Developing expertise for the benefit of builders of ocean-going boats in the United States, Freeman Marine Equipment rapidly expanded to work for over 500 shipyards in more than 30 different countries. In the course of work Shindler traveled extensively to meet with clients and made numerous circumnavigational trips of the world, spending most of his time engaged by shipyards who were building many types of vessels in diverse locations that included every coastline of the United States, Australia, Turkey, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, United Kingdom, France, and Spain.
Shindler compiled “Two Nickels” to recognize the contribution the hands of ordinary people, craftsmen and women, make to their communities. The story provides a record and testament of how focused and careful thought merged with hard work and determination can overcome odds to compound and provide personal security and betterment for oneself and society in general.
In 2011, Shindler sold his interest in Freeman Marine Equipment and retired to pursue an off-grid lifestyle combined with hobbies that include boating, fishing, photography, and hunting.
Bo has lived in Gold Beach, Oregon since 1971 where he and his wife Kathy raised their family.