History - Ben Forrest - Travis Short
Horizon Shipbuilding History
Horizon was founded in 1997 by Travis Short Sr. and Travis Short Jr., who together bring over fifty years experience in ship design, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair. The experience of the company’s founders, which includes ship operation and command, along with that of Horizon’s other key personnel, has been applied consistently and effectively in establishing, nurturing, and leading a capable, well-managed, and efficiency-focused shipbuilding company. The company’s guiding principles are based on the belief that satisfied customers are the best advertisement any business can have. The efficacy of these principles has been borne-out in the expressions of satisfaction by Horizon’s customers over the years. The company and its craftsmen are justifiably proud of their quality workmanship:
- Expert ship-fitting and welding of the hull;
- Sound installation of piping, electrical systems and equipment;
- Professional joinery and carpentry work done in each hull;
Horizon builds in quality that shows. This quality is engineered and applied through the efforts of:
- Dedicated and focused production management staff, directed by a yard superintendent with some 20 years of hands-on shipbuilding experience;
- Effected by teams of competent and proven foremen and carefully screened and supervised craftsmen; and
- Assured by an ISO-9000 compatible quality system managed by full-time quality assurance personnel and certified welding inspectors. All welders, both aluminum and steel, are certified under a comprehensive welding qualification and certification program;
While focused on quality and schedule, cost-containment is a related goal. Efficiency and effectiveness in producing high quality vessels which satisfy, if not exceed, customer demands in timely fashion and within budget are cornerstones of the Horizon commitment.
Top - Ben Forrest - Travis Short
George (Ben) Forrest, Jr.
Director of Yacht Operations
Crimson Yachts
1-800-777-2014 Ext: 228
bforrest@crimsonyachts.com
BACKGROUND
Captain Ben Forrest has more than 30 years of maritime experience, starting at the age of 13 when he began working in a shipyard where he became machine shop foreman by the age of 20. In that capacity he oversaw projects on large ocean racers. Shortly after age 20 he went to sea as a chief engineer/first mate on large motor yachts. He achieved the rank of captain, having accomplished many transatlantic crossings, as well as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the waters of South and North America, including Alaska.
Ben has managed a very successful shipyard in the past and has overseen many major refits and new construction projects in steel, aluminum and fiberglass, and has expertise in all aspects of the building and refit process. He had major involvement with the design and construction process of the Show Boats "Boat of the Year" for 2000 which was presented in Monaco that summer.
As Director of Yacht Operations for Crimson Yachts, Ben oversees all new construction and refit projects to ensure highest quality of workmanship and meticulous attention to yacht design and superb exterior and interior craftsmanship.
EDUCATION
Graduate, E. L. Thomas Maritime School
Graduate, Chesapeake Maritime Training
Graduate, Maritime Institute of Technology & Graduate Studies
Graduate, Houston Marine Training
Top - Ben Forrest - Travis Short
Travis Randall Short, Jr.
President and General Manager
Horizon Shipbuilding
1-800-777-2014 ext: 222
trshort@horizonshipbuilding.com
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance Major, University of South Alabama, 1988
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
General: Over 27 years experience in shipyards, first working in his father's shipyard at age fifteen, where he learned the rudiments of various shipyard trades, such as ship fitting, pipe fitting, welding, and general outfitting. Mr. Short apprenticed under some of the most qualified and experienced shipyard craftsmen employed on the U. S. Gulf Coast. He continues his association with shipyards, shipbuilding, and management of marine contracts to this day.
President of Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc.: Responsible for planning strategic corporate goals for financial growth, assuring positive customer relations, identifying new markets and opportunities, serving as ultimate authority on personnel decisions, exercising day-to-day managerial requirements for optimal shipyard operations. Personally interface with customers and their representatives from U. S. Government agencies, commercial enterprises, and yacht owners, designers, and outfitters.
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
Board of Directors, Bayou La Batre Chamber of Commerce, 2007-2010.
Member, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, 2006 - present.