Captain Daniel Andrews didn’t plan to run a nonprofit—he just wanted to protect the waters he grew up on. But what started as one fishing guide’s frustration became a movement. In this powerful episode, the co-founder and executive director of Captains for Clean Water shares how he built one of Florida’s most effective environmental advocacy nonprofits from the ground up.
Daniel reflects on early challenges, game-changing wins, and the relentless public mobilization that helped them push back against powerful interests. He also opens up about how a personal family health crisis revealed deeper connections between environmental degradation, the sugar industry, and public wellness—strengthening his resolve to fight for systemic change.
Whether you’re launching a nonprofit, navigating advocacy work, or simply passionate about impact, this episode delivers hard-won leadership insights, practical lessons, and the conviction it takes to lead with purpose.
💬 Standout Quotes
“We’ve watched our estuary, our office, everything that we love die right in front of our eyes.”
—Captain Daniel Andrews on What’s at Stake in the Fight for Clean Water
→ 09:44 – Advocacy Wins: Beating the Odds in Policy Battles
“You don’t need to exist as a nonprofit unless you’re willing to put all your chips on the table every single time.”
—Captain Daniel Andrews on Leading with Relentless Commitment
→ 20:04 – Lessons in Leadership: Failure, Growth & Team Building
“Surprises happen all the time in advocacy, and those challenges keep us energized and inspired.”
—Captain Daniel Andrews on Turning Obstacles into Fuel
→ 31:33 – Balancing Passion with Sustainability
🕒 Chapters & Timestamps:
01:07 – From Fishing Guide to Nonprofit Leader
04:55 – Founding Captains for Clean Water
07:36 – Mobilizing the Public & Driving Awareness
09:44 – Advocacy Wins: Beating the Odds in Policy Battles
15:22 – Florida’s Water Crisis Explained
20:04 – Lessons in Leadership: Failure, Growth & Team Building
31:33 – Balancing Passion with Sustainability
35:41 – Health, Purpose & What It Really Takes to Lead
41:27 – Advice for Aspiring Nonprofit Leaders
📍 Guest Bio:
Captain Daniel Andrews grew up in Southwest Florida and spent more time on the water than on dry land. By the age of 25, he had built a successful career as a fishing guide—but his future was threatened by toxic discharges from Lake Okeechobee that were destroying the estuaries he depended on.
Refusing to sit back and watch the waters he loved deteriorate, Daniel co-founded Captains For Clean Water in February 2016 to fight for the ecosystems and communities affected by poor water management. Just one year later, he made the heart-wrenching decision to leave his thriving charter business and step into the role of Executive Director full-time.
Daniel believed there were plenty of fishing guides in Southwest Florida—but not enough people fighting to protect the water. Today, he leads a powerful movement that combines grassroots advocacy, science, and policy to preserve Florida’s waters for future generations.
Connect with Captains for Clean Water:
🌐 Website: captainsforcleanwater.org
📸 Instagram: @captainsforcleanwater
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/CaptainsForCleanWater
💼 LinkedIn: Captains for Clean Water on LinkedIn
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This podcast is sponsored by Soukup Strategic Solutions
Our team offers consulting and outsourcing services tailored to help nonprofits achieve both short-term results and long-term success. From fundraising and grant writing to strategic planning, Board development, and marketing—we provide expert support to help your nonprofit thrive. Learn more at soukupstrategicsolutions.com.
