Sharing that seafood with both visitors and neighbors is one of Neil’s greatest joys. And tourism, he says, is essential to the market’s success. “I’d say at least 75% of our business comes from tourism,” he explains. When the off-season arrives and vacationers head home, the slowdown is immediate. “We 100% have to depend on tourists who come here every year. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to operate the way we do.”

For Neil, the connection between visitors, fishermen, and the local economy is direct and undeniable. “If tourists didn’t come in looking for local seafood, we’d probably have to lock our doors,” he says. Choosing to buy from local seafood markets instead of big stores strengthens the entire community. It supports local fishermen, sustains small businesses, and ensures that customers leave with seafood that is truly fresh and truly local—caught right off the Crystal Coast.

After a lifetime on the water and decades at Cap’n Willis, Neil remains committed to sharing the flavors and traditions that define the coast. His work is a reminder of how deeply tourism and local livelihoods are connected—and how each visitor who walks through the door helps keep a cherished coastal heritage alive.