Ann Jardin-Maynard

Ann Jardin-Maynard Image
Location of Interview
Collection Name

The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project

Description

The Working Waterfront Festival Community  Documentation Project is an ongoing oral history project documenting the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project was begun in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, education celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals  from other ports around the country. Folklorist and    Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar/Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are Project Leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.

Date of Interview
09-21-2007
Transcribers

Janice Gadaire Fleuriel

Biographical Sketch

Ann Jardin-Maynard works in the settlement business within the fishing industry. Born in New Bedford in 1962 to European American parents of Azorean descent, she grew up in a community rich in Portuguese heritage, particularly in the south end of New Bedford. After completing her college education, she became involved in the fishing industry by taking an accounting job at Kevin Dawson's firm in 1985. She eventually became a partner in the business in 1988. Her work involves various aspects of financial management for boat owners and their corporations. She handles tasks such as boat settlements, payroll programs, handling mail, corporate and personal tax returns, bill payments, and managing permit issues, given the complexity of regulations. Ann’s expertise extends to assisting fishermen with tax-related matters, especially after the shift to a self-employment model in the industry. She helps them navigate tax issues and establish systems for withholding taxes on every trip. Ann's settlement business serves clients ranging from New Bedford to Alaska, including areas like Washington, Maine, and those involving herring and lobster boats. Ann also has worked with high-profile clients, such as Jonathan Hillstrand, a captain featured on "Deadliest Catch." Despite being in a field where most are women,

Scope and Content Note
Ann Jardin-Maynard shares her unique perspective to the fishing trade. She describes growing up in New Bedford, Massachusetts and her connection to the local fishing culture.  Ann traces her career path from joining  Kevin Dawson's accounting firm after college to becoming a partner.  She shares the intricacies of the settlement business, where her expertise spans from boat shares systems to the challenges posed by changing regulations. Her settlement house has earned a reputation for its advanced computer systems and professionalism, serving clients from New Bedford to Alaska and even working with prominent figures like Captain Jonathan Hillstrand from "Deadliest Catch." Ann's experiences reveal a dynamic industry characterized by close-knit relationships and a resilient spirit. This interview highlights the significance of family ties within the fishing profession and how the community strives to weather industry changes, economic challenges, and evolving regulations. Ann's contributions to fishermen's financial stability, especially in navigating tax complexities, stand out as a defining aspect of her career. As the interview concludes, Ann emphasizes the evolving nature of the industry, the importance of community support, and the enduring dedication of those involved. Her insights offer a window into the fishing heritage of New Bedford and shed light on the industry's continued vitality amidst changing times. The interview reflects not only Ann's professional journey but also the interconnectedness of the fishing trade with the fabric of local culture and history.


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