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“The focus on putting guests and crew first is the secret to the company’s enduring success,” Greg shared. “From the reservation agent to the captain and crew, our goal is to offer passengers more than just a boat ride but a total travel experience.”
He’s also very proud that his son and daughter have become part of the family business, which he started with his father Doug and Tom Rutter back in 1981, with just one boat. Today, Catalina Express employs 325 people during high season and operates a fleet of eight high-speed vessels powered by environmentally sensitive engines, serving visitors and residents from three Southern California ports: San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. “Our focus on customer service and staying current on marine technology for the comfort of the passengers have allowed us to grow as a company and provide a valuable service to Catalina Island.”
Read on to learn more about the Bombard family’s deep roots in Catalina’s tourism industry and Greg’s unique perspective on hospitality in the transportation sector.
What is your family’s history in Catalina’s tourism industry?
My family has over 100 years of maritime history on Catalina Island. In 1921, my grandfather Al Bombard started Miss Catalina speedboats to provide speed boat joy rides to visitors to meet the steamer that was the main form of transportation to Catalina from the mainland. Throughout the years, we continued to become part of the Catalina Island community and found ways to grow tourism for this premier destination we called home. My family moved to Two Harbors when my father was offered the position to operate this destination for Catalina Island Company. At 14 or so, I started to help with various jobs after school, on weekends, and during summer. This allowed me to see at a young age the responsibilities of running a business.
How did Catalina Express come to fruition?
While operating the Two Harbors facility at the west end of Catalina Island for Catalina Island Co., my father Doug and I saw an opportunity for an additional transportation company catering to the hunters who visited Two Harbors and the Island community. With the discontinuation of the seaplane, the main transportation to the Island became the Catalina Cruises boats, which carried roughly 700 passengers. The large Catalina Cruises vessels didn’t have the ability to accommodate the small groups of hunters visiting Two Harbors. Also, there was no easy way for an Island resident to visit the mainland for doctor’s appointments, business meetings, and other essential activities for a full day.
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