For a couple years now, Bay Crossings has highlighted in this column some amazing employees of the Bay Area ferry systems whose committed service makes the Bay Area's world-class ferry service possible.
Ross Clark has been a fixture behind the bar on the Vallejo ferry route for over 10 years before becoming the concessions manager in 2008. Photo by Joel Williams
By Matt Larson
Published: July, 2015
For a couple years now, Bay Crossings has highlighted in this column some amazing employees of the Bay Area ferry systems whose committed service makes the Bay Area’s world-class ferry service possible. And what can make a ferry ride on the Bay—with breathtaking views at every wake—even better? Why, the concessions of course.
Many of us have come to depend on the ferry for not just a ride to work, but also for a snack in the morning or a drink on the ride home. If you’re one of those people commuting out of Vallejo, you will probably recognize Concessions Manager Ross Clark, who can be found aboard San Francisco Bay Ferry boats.
“I’ve been the Concessions Manager here since 2008, and have been working behind the bar since 2004,” said Clark. Born and raised in Vallejo, Clark originally found the job in the Vallejo Times-Herald classifieds, and he had never worked on the water before. “This is my first experience working with boats,” he said. “But since I’ve been on the water, I joined a rowing club and spend my off time rowing whale boats. I’ve been racing competitively for the last four years.”
Clark has found his niche and is definitely here to stay. He bought a house in Vallejo in 2009, a year after attaining the manager’s position, and looks forward to coming to work every day. “I think what I look forward to the most is being able to interact with my customers,” said Clark. “We have such a diverse customer base.”
As manager, Clark’s schedule changes often to include all the shifts, in order to assure that the concessions are running smoothly every hour of the day, every day of the week. It also helps him get to know more people. “I get to see the commuters during the weekdays as well as all the tourists and day trippers on the weekends.”
One of the biggest challenges of the job is making sure the boats are fully stocked so that everyone gets their favorite treat on the ferry. There’s nothing worse than expecting that donut, or coffee or glass of wine than to show up and realize they’re sold out.
“With three boats running Monday through Friday, and two running on the weekends, it’s a bit of a challenge to keep them fully stocked with inventory during a hot summer day or Giants game,” said Clark.
Clark’s favorite place on the Bay is when he’s working the evening commute and the boat is heading into San Francisco from Vallejo. “In the winter, it’s right about sunset as you pass Angel Island. You get a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge with the sun setting behind it,” he said. “At that time of the day it’s absolutely magical.”
Clark is aware of the special perks his job offers, and is exceptionally grateful for people who take advantage of the ferry and help keep the engines running.
“If I could address all my customers at once—I’d like to thank them,” said Clark. “I’ve made so many friends and had so many positive experiences working here, and the reason is really the customers.” It does help that everyone’s generally in a good mood. “The ferry is such an enjoyable way to travel. I think it’s hard for anyone to be in a bad mood when a jet boat with a bar is your mode of transportation.”
