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The Portland Spirit, Willamette Star, Crystal Dolphin and Explorer vessels are locally owned and locally operated by American Waterways, Inc., which began operations in 1994. The Portland Spirit company also operates the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, Locks Waterfront Grill, Marine Park Visitors Center, Gorge Pavilion and Thunder Island in the Port of Cascade Locks, Oregon. We employ approximately 150 people seasonally.

The Portland Spirit offices, Cartuhers Landing Dock, and maintenance facilities are located just upstream (South) of OMSI (The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) and Portland Opera. Here is a map to help you.

Our People

Daniel H. Yates
President

dan@portlandspirit.com

Heralding from upstate New York, Dan served in the U.S. Navy, received his Bachelor’s from Centre College in Kentucky, and his MBA from the University of Virginia. Dan is a past President of the Central Eastside Industrial Council and serves on the boards of several other non-profit organizations.

Dennis Corwin
General Manager

dcorwin@portlandspirit.com

A native Oregonian, Dennis Corwin has been with the Portland Spirit since the very beginning in 1994. Dennis studied business and music performance at Portland State University. He has been in the restaurant/hospitality industry for over 25 years. He has also performed in over 50 theatrical productions around the region with such companies as Portland Opera, Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Lakewood Center for the Arts and Portland Civic Theatre.

Armin Pinto
Executive Chef

apinto@portlandspirit.com

Armin Pinto has been with the Portland Spirit since the late '90s, beginning as a dishwasher and working his way through the ranks to Executive Chef of all facilities.

Jeff Caldwell
General Manager, Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler

jeff@portlandspirit.com

Jeff Caldwell is the General Manager for our operations in Cascade Locks Oregon at the Locks Waterfront Grill, Gorge Pavilion, Thunder Island, and on board the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler vessel.

Originally from southern Washington, Jeff is an avid snowboarding enthusiast.

Mindy Dean-Caldwell
Executive Service Director

mindy@portlandspirit.com

Mindy Dean-Caldwell hails from the state of Iowa and has worked in the restaurant industry for many years. Now responsible for all customer service on board the Portland Spirit vessels, Mindy has overseen practically every job and level of responsibility in the service industry and enjoys enabling people to reach their goals.

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