In the early 1990s, as the internet was just beginning to gain traction, Greg Cain, the owner and founder of Crabplace.com, found himself facing the daunting task of turning his vision of delivering World-Class Seafood Nationwide into reality. Unsure of where to begin, Greg turned to the one person he knew he could count on for guidance and support: his mom.
A Mother’s Sacrifice
When Greg came to his mom in the mid-90s about starting the Crab Place, she helped him secure a loan by using her house as collateral. Greg had already started on his own before he asked his mother, Charlotte Scott, to join him. She agreed and assisted her sons Greg and Matt as they worked long hard hours to make the business a success. In 2002 The Crab Place won the Maryland Entrepreneurial Success of the Year award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This award was a huge deal, as it was rare for a small business on the Eastern Shore to win. The award in 2002 just served as a reward for all of the efforts they had been putting in together as a family.
Unwavering Support & Strength In Adversity
Mrs. Scott's decision to use her house as collateral exemplifies the selflessness of a mother's love. Her willingness to put her own assets on the line for her sons' dream speaks volumes about her devotion. Through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, Mrs. Scott stood by her sons, offering her unwavering support and encouragement. Her presence as a guiding force in the early stages of The Crab Place undoubtedly played a pivotal role in its success.
Mrs. Scott says “I loved being a part of the business in the early stages. Although it was hard, we worked it together. I always felt that God gave me this opportunity to do this with my boys since I had missed the opportunity to be with them when they were very young. I was a teacher, and I had a babysitter for them when they were only a few months old. I regret not staying home with them, and God knew that. But 20+ years later, we were 'babies' in business. I am thankful for the part I was able to play in the business. We all contributed as best we could, and our skills complemented each other. A couple years after we got it off the ground, I then focused on professional writing of grants and business plans as part of [my own business with] East Coast Consulting.”
What were those early days like?
“So many memories and scary times. The business was very up and down for a long time. I remember wondering if we were ever going to get ahead! I almost lost my house twice. We never seemed to bring in enough income to cover our expenses. We were always juggling to stay afloat. We all paid a high price to have this business. I think everyone with a successful business does.”
After agreeing to sign her house as collateral, Mrs. Scott would help her boys in any way she could to bring Greg’s vision to life. Aside from being a member of the board helping to plan and problem solve, Mrs. Scott would help with the nitty gritty work, especially during the holidays. She recalls being a part of the early crab cake crew with her husband, where they would come in throughout the year and mix up batches of crab cakes together when the stock was getting low. She would also help at Christmas – one of Crab Place’s biggest holidays - shrink wrapping the King Crab legs, running packages to FedEx, cleaning the bathroom toilets and floors to keep the facilities clean, whatever was needed!
Legacy of Love
Almost 30 years later, the Crab Place now has a team of 18 full time employees who are committed to bringing you World-Class Seafood. Mrs. Scott no longer has to jump in to make crab cakes like she used to; however, the impact she made with her dedication, faith, and sacrifice to ensure the vision in the heart of her sons' become a reality is a picture of the Mother's Legacy we celebrate. This Mother's Day, let us honor the legacy of mothers like Mrs. Charlotte Scott, whose love knows no bounds and whose sacrifices pave the way for brighter futures. Today, and every day, we express our heartfelt gratitude for the mothers who shape our lives with their love and wisdom.
“So I’m really proud of what Greg and Matt have done and for the part I played because I remember the hard times and what it took to get to here. It is gratifying to know we are creating good jobs for people, offering products we are proud of, and seeing people create beautiful memories with family and friends at their personal crab feasts or at our Crab and Cruises.”
The Crab Place's story is a celebration of the strength of family bonds and the power of unity in pursuing shared dreams. Mrs. Scott's willingness to roll up her sleeves and work alongside her sons exemplifies the spirit of togetherness and collaboration that defines the essence of motherhood. The legacy she leaves behind is not just one of business success but of love, sacrifice, and perseverance. Her impact extends far beyond the walls of The Crab Place, touching the lives of everyone involved in the journey.
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