RANDY STREBLOW 1945 – 2011
Randy Streblow began working in his father’s shop when he was 12 years old. Initially he made bungs, cleaned sawdust and shavings out of the bilge of new boats, and sanded – a lot of sanding – because, Randy would later say, “That’s what makes the job.” Fifty-four years later he was still working, now seven days a week, often 10 or 12 hours a day, wearing his red Streblow hat and Streblow shirt, still “making the job…. right!” I never saw anyone who lavished as much love and care on “his boats” as Randy did.
“I’m blessed,” he told me, “I enjoy my work so much there’s nothing I would rather do.” Warming to his subject, Randy extolled the virtues of his boats: “The whole boat is a Streblow design. The transom, bottom, and bow are unique to these boats. Everything is custom-made: the hardware, lifting rings, and cleats are all special. Every boat is custom designed. Each owner wants special features such as a teak deck or a swim platform, and sometimes a unique seating arrangement, and we design and build inside the boat just what the customer specifies. And the boats perform as well as they look.” How proud he was of every boat he created!
Randy’s customers loved him. He had a rare quality of bonding with his customers, all of whom became lifelong friends. More than one person said that when they talked with Randy about buying a boat, they felt he was interviewing them to see if they were worthy of owning a Streblow. Indeed, you had the feeling that the boat was only on loan to you … as long as you took good care of it. One customer asked about the warranty. Randy’s answer was: “If it’s our fault we fix it, period.”
Randy was a teacher as much as a builder. “Building boats is an art,” Randy would say, “but it isn’t art alone, it’s science as well. It’s a balanced combination of the two. The other things are the workmanship and the materials. It’s a combination of everything we do. Our goal is to use the best of everything there is.” Indeed, Streblows are known far and wide for their rock-solid, durable construction. I never knew a boat that had a more solid feel to it as it skipped over the waves.
As long as there are those who appreciate fine wood and excellent craftsmanship, there will always be a place for Streblow boats.
Randy and I had an affinity over the years because of our common interest in boats, particularly wooden boats. We could always find some feature or detail to talk about, and Randy always had ideas. Over the years, as we saw each other from time to time, it was as if we had never missed a beat. He would look up and give me that big grin, his eyes would twinkle and in his cheery voice he would call out: “How ya doin?” But the way he said it spoke more than the words. He really meant “I’m glad to see you!” We would then pick up where we had left off months before and Randy would remember exactly what we were talking about and he would say, “I’ve been thinking about that, and what you should really do is….” And he would have the answer for me.
I was always interested in seeing what Randy had in his shop. He would point things out to me and say, “Look at this.” And he would show me a new hatch lift or interior arrangement he was working on. We talked about design, construction, hull shape, and materials. Whatever it was, Randy had already been there and had ideas. Ideas that were soundly based on experience and what worked and what didn’t work. His advice was honest and given without any thought except to help, to save the listener from making a mistake. And he saved me from making many.
“You know,” he would start off, “you have to be careful how you do that… a lot of people don’t realize what it takes.” and then he would impart a little gem of wisdom.
Last October we went to the Warner auction in Minnesota together and what a great time we had. For me, it was an education, like listening to an oracle. We walked slowly down each aisle, looking at each boat, and Randy would say, “Now look at this boat, the sides have sprung out, not enough support, it should have another bulkhead.” And then the next boat, “Look at the way this boat has lost its shape. You’d have to take it completely apart to get the frame back where it belongs.” And sometimes, the most damning offense in Randy’s eyes, “This guy didn’t take proper care of his boat!” And he was always right on target. He knew the boats, and he knew what to look for.
One of the last times I was with Randy, and it was a high point for both of us, was our trip to Chicago for the Blackhawk-ACBS Chicago River Cruise. We were in Lake Michigan, cruising along the shoreline. I turned around and saw Randy sitting quietly in the boat, a smile on his face, just sitting there in the sunshine enjoying the ride. Only later did I realize it was to be his last outing, and he was savoring every minute.
At the Lake Geneva Antique and Classic Boat Show a few weeks ago, I watched Randy giving rides in one of his Streblow masterpieces. He wasn’t selling, he was sharing his still youthful sense of excitement so others could experience the same thrill, the same exhilaration that he still felt when he pushed the throttles forward and felt the boat accelerate and push him back in his seat. He loved the roar of the engines and the response of the boat. Although he was in great discomfort at the time, you would never know it. He told me later that day that Steve Horton had joined the company and it gave him great comfort to know that Steve and his daughter, Kris, were going to be partners so the business would continue for another generation with the same high standards.
We will all miss Randy. Somehow we thought he would always be there, like the most solid of anchors. He was completely honest and trustworthy. We all knew his ready smile, his warm “How ya doin?” always with a recollection of when he last saw you and a question to show he cared about you. There is no question he touched all of our lives, and we all have special memories of him. There was never a word of discouragement, he kept his suffering to himself. It was a delight to be in his company, and that is the way I want to remember him – the loyal friend, always trying to help with never a thought of personal gain. Always teaching, always striving to improve, to do the best that he could do. We all shared in the joy of his life, and we are the richer for having known him.
