Five questions for Rod Schlick of Friday & Co Shipbrokers
Because current times limit networking opportunities the RMSC would like to give individual members an opportunity to introduce themselves to the network. Just an informal way to get to know each other a little bit better and keep the community connected. In this edition Rod Schlick of Friday & Co Shipbrokers talks about what’s it like to be a broker and a shipjunkie.
Who are you and what is your job description?
I am a shipjunkie going by the name of Rod Schlick, and find myself lucky being submerged in the wonderful world of shipping with Friday & Co. Schbrokers! There I try my utmost best to help clients (shipowners, banks, investors etc) to help them to buy or sell merchant cargo vessels (secondhand as well as newbuildings). If I would have to describe my job, the summary would be: worldwide searcher of vessels and buyers/sellers, negotiator, problem solver, documentary advisor, life enjoyer, valuer, analyst and project manager (most probably I will have forgot some important stuff).
What does a typical day for you look like?
Being a broker, every day can start (and end) at different times, so flexible working hours are our life. Typically our day is all about ship and clients, talking a lot on the phone or life with people, sounding out the market, telling (or listening to) bad jokes and coming up with good and different solutions for our clients. Lots of document making and reporting is done in the meantime, while we are also not shy of making good lunches.
What was the best advice (workwise) someone gave you?
“Rod, you stubborn donkey, you can not work for a boss, start on your own” Best advise ever.
How could you be of help to others in the industry?
To shipowners I would say: do not hesitate to call if you need advise on a ship sale or buy! If it is anything about shipping, I am always happy to help people or point them in the right direction.
And lastly: What’s in the news which relates directly to your profession?
The upcoming carbon footprint regulations will cause a serious change in the world of ships and how they will be propelled. This will create massive opportunities for the ones who will be on top of that!
