A Tribute to My Father - William "Cricket" Watkins
A Tribute to the Man Behind It All: William “Cricket” Watkins
This blog post is a very special one. It’s a bit different than the ones we have done in the past, but that’s okay because I think our customers may find it interesting on what kind of family business and people you are supporting.
My name is John Watkins, and I am the majority principal owner of Starke Yacht Care. If it weren’t for the man you’re about to meet, none of this—our business, our story, our momentum, our movement—may have never even existed. That man is William Watkins, better known to many as Bill, and to those closest to him, simply as “Cricket,” - my father.
Cricket? You might be thinking—what’s up with that nickname? Well, keep reading… you’ll find out.
A Humble Start in Nicholson, Pennsylvania
Born in the small farm town of Nicholson, PA, my father grew up surrounded by hard work and harder expectations. Alongside his five brothers and sister, he spent his youth milking cows and working the family farm. His father—my grandfather, whom I never got the chance to meet—was a tough-as-nails, no-nonsense eastern European immigrant who expected nothing short of grit and sweat from his sons to keep the farm running and food on the table.
Visiting that farm during my childhood left a mark on me. It was way out in the country. Not much around. I’d listen to Dad tell stories—always vivid and intense—of what life was like back then. He recalled hunting at a young age just to fill the freezer for the winter. He spoke about the day his brother Jack told him to duck just in time, as their father—having a bad day—hurled a steel stool at him. The blow could’ve been fatal. That wasn’t an isolated story; it was just one of many that painted the picture of a rough upbringing. No fairytales. No shortcuts. Just survival, grit, and a relentless work ethic.
That same toughness? It never left him.
Still Going Strong at 82
Now, at almost 82 years old, my dad is still showing up—still working, still pushing, still earning the respect of those around him.
Despite having a shoulder replacement, believe it or not my dad is the guy responsible for keeping a portion of our STARKE product line stock filled. You might envision some high-tech automated filling line churning out thousands of bottles. And for some of our products—like our compounds, polishes, waxes, and sealants—that’s true. But when it comes to soaps and cleaners, it’s a different story. That’s where Cricket comes in.
My dad is not into golfing and fishing in his retirement; he does not have extravagant hobbies. He just likes to stay busy and keep moving. In my opinion he is right, when you stop moving, that is when things start to go bad and that is what he taught me. So, this is his way to keep moving. In doing so, he has become part of the crew. He doesn't miss a beat. He is still producing at 81. A small group of us now at the STARKE headquarters call him “Papito”, but to most, he’s still just Cricket. The nickname has outlasted decades—and for good reason.
From the Driver’s Seat to the Down fill Line
After retiring from trucking nearly ten years ago, Dad didn’t slow down for long. About two years back, when we needed someone dependable to help with down filling, he stepped up without hesitation.
Before STARKE, he spent a lifetime behind the wheel as a truck driver, hauling rock, sand and steel from local quarries to concrete plants around Fort Myers, Florida. This is where he picked up his handle "Cricket". He wasn’t an over-the-road guy—he stayed local but put in the miles. Probably a million miles. They had a tight group of guys who ran the area and "Cricket" always had time for some jabber on the radio and was known for cracking jokes with the boys as he still does today. His bosses always gave him the best loads because they knew he’d get the job done. He was consistent, reliable, and always looking for ways to squeeze more productivity out of the day. That work ethic wasn’t optional—it was how he provided for our family of five.
Towards the end of his career, he became an owner-operator, and I have vivid memories of those weekends spent wrenching on the truck. I’d help him with maintenance whenever I could—greasing fittings, holding tools, crawling under the truck. I didn’t like seeing him on the ground in those later years, but he did it anyway, without complaint. Because that’s who he is.
He played a quiet role in helping build the Fort Myers area—hauling the raw materials that became roads, foundations, and buildings. He was respected by everyone in the local trucking scene, and rightfully so.
A Legacy of Hard Work and Heart
To this day, my father remains an inspiration—not just because of what he’s done, but because of how he’s done it. With quiet pride. With strength. With unwavering dedication to his family.
He may not seek recognition, but he deserves it.
So, here’s to you, Dad—Cricket—Papito—William Watkins. Thank you for laying the foundation for all of this, and for showing us what hard work, loyalty, and love for family really look like.
