MARLIN MAYHEM

HOOKED ON THE KEY WEST MARLIN TOURNAMENT

Kelly O’Conner, founder of the World Famous Kelly O’s Diner of Pittsburgh, PA knows that small business owners must take time out to recharge.

This busy entrepreneur is glowing after participating in the 2019 Key West Marlin Tournament (Jul 17 – Jul 20) with her family, including her son-in-law Alan, her son Scott, and Alan’s Dad, Rich. The trip gave them all an opportunity to be together, far away from the family biz.

“We went out fishing in Key West to enjoy the very blessed life we’ve been given,” says KellyO.

MAKING MEMORIES

For the longest time, we split our family vacations so that our ‘family owned and operated business’ was never without a family member,” says Kelly.

This summer, the group made a change. “We went out fishing in Key West to enjoy the very blessed life we’ve been given,” she says, adding that Alan caught the biggest fish of the day and was even filmed by Fox Sports.

The team caught the biggest dolphin fish

IT’S MORE THAN OK

Kelly wants everyone to know that it’s important to enjoy life in addition to working hard.

“Today I had a talk with a lovely local business lady who expressed how guilty she feels to leave her business and have fun,” she recalls. “As people who pour our minds, bodies, and souls into both diners, we feel her. But regardless of what you may be worried to leave behind, remember that the best way to enjoy this life is to actually do it. Stop sabotaging yourself and just GO!”

Here’s the winning dolphin fish!

Kelly credits Captain Jason Jonas of High Stakes Charters with leading the team to victory—they took 1st place for biggest dolphin fish (aka Mahi Mahi).

She’s also grateful to photographer Cary Hinze of What the Fin Apparel. “They were my gear and picture takers,” she says.

SOMEONE STILL HAS TO HOLD DOWN THE FORT

Kelly notes that the business has been in good hands while they’ve gone fishin’. “We’re missing a third of our highest-level managers and still killin’ it! We’re a team, but ultimately, they’re our work-fam and help us to achieve all of our dreams.”

©️Jill Cueni-Cohen