Chris Nance’s journey embodies the American spirit of resilience and determination against all odds. Growing up just south of New Orleans in a family where riverboat piloting and commercial fishing ran deep in their blood, Chris’s path took unexpected turns that shaped his remarkable future.
Photos Courtesy of Chris Nance
At just 13 years old, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Chris’s formal education came to an abrupt halt when his mother discontinued homeschooling. With his father soon imprisoned for tax evasion, most teenagers might have been lost – but not Chris. Instead, he dove headfirst into the Louisiana bayou’s challenging commercial fishing industry, spending over 800 days on shrimp boats during a three-year period as a teenager.
The most fascinating aspect of Chris’s early career was “koonin” oysters – a demanding technique where harvesters crawl through deep mud on hands and knees, using special tools to harvest oysters from tidal flats. This backbreaking work, pushing 1,500 pounds of oysters through mud by the end of each day, built the character foundation that would serve him throughout life. The nickname “koonin” comes from how the harvesters appear from a distance – resembling large raccoons cleaning their dinner.
What makes Chris’s story particularly inspiring is how he transformed these humble beginnings into extraordinary achievements. Despite having only a GED and no formal education beyond age 13, Chris was encouraged by mentors to pursue higher education. In a decisive moment aboard a tugboat, a captain convinced him he could succeed at Texas A&M Maritime Academy. Within days, Chris had relocated to Galveston and begun a demanding academic journey, ultimately completing his degree in a remarkable three years.
The maritime industry Chris entered is fraught with dangers most of us never consider. As a riverboat pilot, he navigates massive international vessels along the treacherous Mississippi River, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. His harrowing stories of near-misses with bridge pylons and small vessels highlight the immense responsibility he carries every day.
Perhaps most impressive is how Chris has channeled his maritime experience into entrepreneurship through Backbone Coffee Company. Founded with friends who shared his vision of honoring hardworking Americans, the company roasts specialty coffee beans to order, delivering premium coffee directly to consumers. For Chris, this business represents the next chapter in his journey and an opportunity to build generational wealth by teaching his three children not just how to earn, but how to create value and build something meaningful.
Throughout our conversation, Chris repeatedly emphasized the importance of mentorship in his life. From the commercial fishermen who took him under their wing as a teenager to the tugboat captains who encouraged him to pursue education, these relationships proved crucial to his success. Now, Chris pays it forward by mentoring others entering the maritime industry, sharing the wisdom and support that transformed his own life. 
Chris Nance’s definition of adventure perfectly encapsulates his life philosophy: a pursuit that must be both difficult and unknown. By embracing these twin challenges, whether hunting elk in remote mountains or navigating massive ships through dangerous waters, he has crafted an extraordinary life story that continues to evolve with each new venture.
To learn more about Chris visit www.backbonecoffee.com and use the code Journey15 to get a 15% discount on your order.
