Borrower Success Story: Three Wolves Charters

2016 Loan Guarantee
Business: Icy Strait Whale Adventures
Lender: First National Bank Alaska
Borrower: Three Wolves Charters, LLC
Amount Financed: $432,000
Location: Hoonah, Alaska
Tribal Area: Tlingit Clan of Hoonah

Three Wolves Charters LLC operates the touring company Icy Strait Whale Adventures. Their goal is to share the beauty and majesty of Haa Aaní, the homelands of the Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska. Sightseeing enthusiasts gain premier access to some of the best whale watching in the world while onboard Icy Strait Whale Adventures vessels.

The touring business was inspired by the late Albert Dick. “We have been dedicated to carrying on my father’s legacy,” said Russell Dick, Albert’s son. “We do that by sharing the love for the community of Hoonah and the rich culture and heritage of our Tlingit brothers and sisters.” Russell is a co-owner, along with his mother Jackie, and both are direct descendants of the Kaagwaantaan (Eagle/Wolf clan) Tlingit.

“Believe it or not, the highlight of our success is not financial,” Russell said. “The creation of jobs and building up employee capacity and skillsets has been wonderful. We’ve been able to watch deckhands grow to become experienced and certified 100-ton vessel captains.”

“The Division of Capital Investment assisted with our guaranteed loan and was an incredible resource for our business,” Russell said. “We cannot thank them enough for their service and ensuring we have all the support and resources necessary to navigate the program.”

Three Wolves Charters incidentally benefited from another guaranteed loan that Huna Totem Corporation used to construct a new cruise ship pier at Icy Strait Point. The dock allows for more cruise passengers to spend more time off the ship and seek touring activities. Since construction of the pier, Icy Strait Whale Adventures’ business has increased substantially with access to more passengers.