RIPPLES IN TIME: Stories from a Weekend Sailor

Mike Mendes’ story begins in San Tomé, Venezuela, where a childhood shaped by global moves—thanks to his father’s career in the oil industry—took him from the deserts of Tripoli, Libya to the bustling heart of London, England. Along the way, one passion took hold early and never let go: sailing the warm, blue waters of the Mediterranean, a love that would chart the course of his next six decades.
Mike went on to study at the University of Denver, earning a BA in Environmental Science, and launched his career in solar and environmentally focused industries. When the solar boom of the early 1980s dimmed, he pivoted to the rapidly rising world of technology, spending 15 successful years in computer product and service sales—eventually leading and mentoring teams of other sales professionals.
But by 2000, as the tech bubble collapsed, Mike felt called toward something more hands-on and personally meaningful. That drive led him into home remodeling, where he spent years helping homeowners improve the spaces they lived in—selling windows, siding, roofing, and general contracting services.
In 2017, Mike took his boldest professional step yet: launching his own kitchen remodeling business. Partnering with a seasoned general contractor, he focused on what he does best—connecting with clients, shaping inspired designs, and guiding projects from concept to contract. The result has been a period of both creative fulfillment and lasting success.
Through every career chapter, one constant has remained: the call of the water. Mike continued to seek out sailing adventures big and small, exploring coastlines across the country on boats of all kinds and with countless companions. In 2023, he began capturing his most unforgettable journeys on paper.
Those stories became this book—an invitation to share in a lifetime of wind, water, and adventure.