Successful Partnerships: Celia and Andy Redmond

- By Nick May, Photography by Savannah Dean

He’s the guy you want by your side if you’re hunting a 25-foot great white with Sheriff Brody and Captain Quint. The guy whose stories you listen closely to. The guy whose hair and skin have absorbed more sun and salt air than you’ll see in ten lifetimes. If you heard him whistling a Buffett tune, you’d probably cry into your Corona bottle, because what else could be more perfect?
It wouldn’t surprise me if he speaks Dolphin, either. Like Arthur Curry. And if he’s Aquaman, then his wife, Celia, is definitely Mera.
Together, the two own and operate the world-famous Sea Screamer; a 73-foot, twin turbo touring boat, that offers dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, and snorkeling excursions on Panama City Beach 11 months out of the year. Andy and Celia Redmond were born and raised in Bay County, so their local business is about as authentic as it gets. When they share Panama City Beach with you from the deck of their big yellow boat, in a way, they’re sharing their very own history, in the place where they built it all.
PC Living: How did you meet, and how long have you been together?
Andy: We met at a local hangout on Panama City Beach in 1981.
Celia: A dear friend was playing matchmaker and introduced us, and we have been together ever since…
PC Living: Do you have any special traditions for Valentine’s Day?

Andy: On Valentine’s day, we are gearing up for the business season… instead, we go on a trip somewhere, just the two of us, on Celia’s birthday/our anniversary, which both fall on the same week in September.
PC Living: How well would you say you work together?
Celia: Like peas and carrots. [laughs] We work well together!
Andy: We are both dreamers, doers, and entrepreneurs.
PC Living: How long have you worked together?
Andy: We’ve worked in many areas of the tourist and entertainment industry during all our time together, which is about 35 years…
PC Living: Who does what in the business?

Celia: Andy has been the idea man and thinker/dreamer. I’m more the doer/behind the curtain organizer.

PC Living: Do you have any kids/grandkids?
Celia: Yes, two sons, one daughter, and four grandsons!
Andy: And they will all be involved [laughs], like many other family members who are working in all the areas of our boating business.
PC Living: Is it ever tough working and being around each other so much?
Celia: Really, it’s so natural to us and not as tough as some think.
Andy: We know we have to achieve the progress of our family business together.
PC Living: What are your strengths/weaknesses as a couple working together?
Andy: Strengths, I’d say unconditional love and respect for each other. Not sure of any weaknesses…
Celia: Keeping ourselves busy is a strength. We start each day with our tasks and challenges to see how to help someone else, how to make them progress as we have. Even just to help them fulfill a task or point out a better way.
Andy: Generously giving our ideas or concepts of businesses makes us feel good.
PC Living: Do you have any tips for couples going into business together?
Celia: You’ve got to have common goals and patience with each other.
Andy: And know when to admit you’re wrong…
Celia: Andy will definitely admit if he’s wrong about any business issues, but he also will definitely tell you that he very seldom is…
PC Living: Are there any special achievements that you’re proud to have accomplished together?
Celia: Just all the success we’ve had together in building our business, which has passed on to other family members and friends and enabled/encouraged them to start their own thriving business, as a result.
PC Living: What are some goals you hope to accomplish in your business together, moving forward?
Celia: Our goals are to build and grow our business as a family venture.
Andy: We want to continue the tradition we’ve set forth, providing the most exciting boating experience our PCB guests will ever find.
Celia: When love and skill work together, you can expect a masterpiece!

The Sea Screamer is located at 3605 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach seascreamer.net