Dick Schmidt drew heavily on his experiences in the Caribbean and as a sailor and pilot
when writing his book, The Boy and the Dolphin.
Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
Accountant. Developer. Pilot. Sailor. Philanthropist.
Dick Schmidt of Boca Raton wears many hats as CEO of Schmidt Companies and president of the Schmidt Family Foundation. The energetic 72-year-old decided one more was in order — author — and added it to his haberdashery.
May 10 saw the debut of his first novel, The Boy and the Dolphin, a heartwarming tale that takes place in the Bahamas during the mid-1950s. The book has earned endorsements from esteemed writer Doris Kearns Goodwin and ocean advocate Philippe Cousteau.
The story follows the life of little Toby Matthias, who is living with his grandparents on an out island near Nassau; his mother and father were killed in a plane crash. One day, Toby encounters a mother dolphin entangled in a fishing net and rescues her. The dolphin’s nearby calf immediately bonds with the young hero, and the two become friends.
“I drew heavily on my own life for the experiences in the book,” Schmidt said.
Like Schmidt, Toby grew up sailing the Caribbean. He then attended a preparatory school in Palm Beach.
The plot thickens when Toby joins the Navy and flies fighter jets during the Vietnam War. Schmidt served in the Army.
“I couldn’t wait to sit down at my computer and start writing again because I didn’t know what was going to happen next,” Schmidt said. “Or if I knew what was going to happen next, I didn’t know how it was going to happen.”
In the end, Toby returns to the Bahamas as an adult who hasn’t seen his finned friend in eight years.
“And, of course, the denouement is, ‘Will he be reunited with this dolphin, and if so, what will be the result?” Schmidt said. “You have to read the book to find out.”
Schmidt is married to Barbara, founder of the nonprofit organization Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, for which their daughter, Michelle, works. Son David is a playwright.
— Amy Woods
Q. Where did you grow up and go to school? How do you think that has influenced you?
A. I attended grammar school in suburban Chicago, prep school in Palm Beach, University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University. Varied school environments broadened my perspective on the world and gave me good background for the book.
Q. In what professions have you worked, and which ones make you the proudest?
A. I taught advanced accounting at Florida Atlantic, founded and managed the largest single-office accounting firm in South Florida, developed communities and real estate in Florida, owned and operated corporate-aviation facilities in South Florida and published a novel. I am proud of all of my ventures.
Q. What advice do you have for young adults selecting a career today?
A. Unless you envision a career in something requiring a specific education, such as medicine or law, don’t be in a hurry to pick one out. The probability that your life’s work will be doing something you choose for yourself today is remote. Broaden your education as much as possible so that you will be prepared for whatever comes along that turns out to be your true passion.
Q. How did you choose to make your home in Boca Raton?
A. I left Chicago with the intention of returning after getting a graduate degree. I chose Boca Raton because my parents lived here, and there was a university of higher education here. All I knew after graduating was that I didn’t want to go back to Chicago.
Q. What is your favorite part about living in Boca Raton?
A. My drive home each evening. I marvel at what an exceptional place this is and what an exciting time it is to live here.
Q. What book are you reading now?
A. Hidden Account of the Romanovs, by John Browne, a resident of Palm Beach County.
Q. What music do you listen to when you need inspiration or want to relax?
A. Some classical, some ’60s, ’70s pop. I like a wide variety of music.
Q. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?
A. Everything in moderation, including moderation.
Q. Have you had mentors in your life — individuals who have inspired your decisions?
A. Many. Not by coincidence, one at each turning point in my life. I think most of us will recall an individual of influence in our lives when we needed one.
Q. If your life story were made into a movie, who would you want to play you?
A. Harrison Ford.
The Boy and the Dolphin ($26.95, Landslide Publishing) is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
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