Corky Bates

Manager, Engineering Jacksonville, Florida

1.    When did you start your career at Crowley?  If applicable, please provide your career progression.
I started with Crowley in 1981 as a diesel mechanic in the newly formed barge maintenance group in Jacksonville. Over my career I've held many different positions of increasing responsibility including maintenance supervisor, assistant port engineer, port engineer, and now manager, engineering. I have worked in Jacksonville, Lake Charles and off shore in the Gulf of Mexico. 

2.    What has surprised you most about working for Crowley?
The number of people that I started working with here so many years ago  who are still working with Crowley. 

3.    Why did you choose to work for Crowley?  (Tell us the path that leads you to Crowley)
I had an acquaintance who worked for Crowley who expressed to me what a great company this was to work for. 

4.    What is the one thing you appreciate most about working here?
Security. I have two disabled children that required my wife to be a stay-at-home mom and left me as the sole provider for our family.  Crowley has always demonstrated a dedication to their employees that you don't see everywhere and as a result of that dedication I have never had to worry about supporting my family. 

5.    What do you do in your job?
I currently manage port engineers who oversee the ongoing preventative maintenance and repairs on our liner service tugs and barges serving San Juan, Puerto Rico.

6.    What’s the coolest aspect of your position?
Getting to work with so many people who I have known for so long that it is truly like working for a "family business".  

7.    What’s important to you outside of work?
I volunteer a lot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association which has really been a life saver for my family. I am actively involved in my church and the many community services they provide and traveling with my family.