CEO, Rubber Ducky Sunscreen
Name: Michael Linden
Summers as a Camper: wasn't a camper
Years as a Staff Member/Positions held:
- 2002-2003: Y Guides Weekend Lifeguard
- 2004: Junior Counselor, Sailing Staff
Current Profession:
- CEO, Rubber Ducky Sunscreen (2023 - present)
Current Responsibilities and Career Path
I am currently the CEO of Rubber Ducky Sunscreen, which my wife, Shea, and I own.
I grew up in New Bern, NC, and attended UNC-Chapel Hill, where I majored in Economics and minored in Entrepreneurship. After college, I spent 15 years in the family printing business, learning the ins and outs of operating a manufacturing company. In 2023, I made a career shift, and my wife and I bought the sunscreen business (yes, very random, but awesome).
The past 18 months have been a whirlwind as we bought, rebranded and relaunched Rubber Ducky Sunscreen in retail and online sales channels. It’s been an exciting challenge, but the foundation of leadership and adaptability I gained at Camp has been invaluable in navigating this transition.
Key Lessons from Camp
One of the most important lessons I learned at Sea Gull is that the relationships you build and the experiences you share extend far beyond the physical time at Camp. Luckily for me, I experience Camp almost daily through my personal and professional life and it continues to make me who I am today.
I found my college roommate at Sea Gull. My first job out of college was printing marketing materials for Camp. Some of my best friends, who I talk to regularly, worked at Sea Gull or Seafarer. The team running Rubber Ducky’s social media? Also Camp folks. My son is in Y Guides, and my daughter will be next year, so we visit Sea Gull every spring for the Outing. The list goes on and on. I am extremely fortunate that Camp is still such a big part of my life.
Proud Achievements
While I’ve had many accomplishments in my professional career, I’m most proud of my ability to balance business goals with customer success. As a camp counselor, you’re responsible for delivering a great experience for campers and their families while balancing the business of Camp. It has to be fun, engaging, and safe. That same mindset applies to running a consumer brand—creating a great product is important, but providing a great customer experience is essential.
Influential Camp Mentor
The entire executive team at Sea Gull made a difference in my life, but Jon Vance and DD stand out the most. They hired me, took the time to listen, and always provided guidance. Their patience and leadership set an example that I continue to appreciate today.
Advice for Staff
Working at Camp is an invaluable experience. The lessons you learn are ingrained in your daily activities, and you may not even realize how valuable they are until later in life. Sure, you could take a job making more money or crunching Excel formulas in New York City—but that would require wearing a shirt and shoes all day. Plus, air conditioning is overrated.
Most importantly, keep in touch with your friends. Pick up the phone and say hello. And while you’re at Camp, write letters to your parents. It will mean more than you know.
