Ray:

If the thought of running your own business sounds liberating, guess again. For those of you dreaming about “being your own boss”, our feature presentation for this issue can definitely shed some truth on this idealistic state.

Never in the history of Ultramarine has Ray Nachlinger taken relaxing two hour lunches, left early to go golfing on a Monday afternoon or even purchased court side season tickets for the Houston Rockets, (however if he feels the need, we’ll be behind him all the way!)

In a typical week, Ray will work 60 to 70 hours, including weekends. A vacation you say? What’s that? More often than not, working vacations are the norm. But when you have clients literally all over the world, you might find a way to add a day or two to your business trip. But it wasn’t always this way; here’s a little history:

Ray was born in Taylor, Texas which is about 40 miles northeast of Austin. His parents moved into Austin when he was 14 years old.

He graduated from Austin High and went on to the University of Texas where he earned his BS in Engineering Science and his MS and Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics all by the age of 23.

He married his high school sweetheart, Ann, in the summer of ‘65. They have one daughter who is getting married next spring, so if he seems a little short-tempered, you now know why.

In 1968, they moved to Houston where he worked at the University of Houston teaching Engineering Mechanics. But, while teaching can be emotionally rewarding, earning a living wage is as well.

Ray started consulting for Brown & Root in 1972. He converted a room in the upstairs of his house and made it his office. For those of you who read our feature presentation on Ann Nachlinger, this is the same office she has now taken over.

From 1973 to 1978 Ray did a number of consulting jobs for various oil companies. Finally, in July of 1978, Ultramarine was incorporated; the company had an office outside the house and they were in business.

Some of the “old-timers” might remember the names PLAP, MARVAN, OTTO and OTIS. These are the programs Ray wrote in the early days. They are technically still around, but in 1986 each of these programs and several other components were combined into one program known as OSCAR II.

In 1989, the most advanced program for the analysis of all sea vessels was developed. It’s name is MOSES, standing for Multi-Operational Structural Engineering Simulator. With each release, MOSES capabilities are fine tuned to make it the only program of its kind worth using.

But don’t be fooled by this summary of Ray. He is a man who knows how to have a good time. He can host an elegant dinner party one night and drink beer out in the country the next day. His hobbies include reading historical books, magazines, watching the “New Yankee Workshop”, taking naps and doing “honey-do” jobs. Not the most exciting life, but one that definitely suits him.

Working with Ray is, well, it’s interesting. You’d better be on your toes at all times. It’s a great learning experience and if you pay attention to what he says, you’ll be amazed at the things you can learn.