Every couple has their story. For some, it’s a meet-cute at a coffee shop. For others, it’s a friendship that evolves into a relationship. For Denny and his wife Sabrina, love found them in a place many wouldn’t expect: a fishing boat.
Denny grew up in American Samoa. While waiting for a job after trade school, he joined his cousin on a fishing boat in the Bering Sea to make a little money. He loved the work and continued fishing for the next 11 years. It was while fishing that he first saw Sabrina.
“She was in her first year as our marine biology observer,” said Denny. “I fell in love instantly.”
The two got married and hung up their fishing gear to raise a family. They moved to Sabrina’s home state of Maine and started their family, which now includes two sons, two daughters and their yellow lab, Sailor.
“They’re my whole world,” said Denny. “My wife and I work together. Getting to see her there every day is incredible.”
Denny and Sabrina both work at Luke’s Lobster, with Denny as the assistant production manager and Sabrina as the director of food safety and quality.
In addition to building his family with his wife in Maine, Denny has been able to share his upbringing with the local community. In 2020, Luke’s Lobster launched the “New Maine Food” campaign as a way to celebrate different cultures and raise funds for the Immigrant Welcome Center. Denny was the first to participate with a Samoan classic – Tuna Oka.
“I was nervous at first,” said Denny. “I come from a small island in the Pacific. It was an incredible experience to be able to share my culture here in Maine and have so many people be able to enjoy it.”
When Denny is not working at Luke’s Lobster or sharing his favorite recipes, he enjoys taking in the great outdoors of Maine and treating himself to Maine Lobster.
What is your favorite way to eat Maine Lobster?
“I love steamed lobster with butter and lemon juice.”
What is the best part of living in Maine?
“People are raising families here, playing outside or doing outside activities. I can go on and on – I love living here.”
What makes you proud to go to work every day?
“My family and the team I work with make me proud to go to work every day.”
What is special to you about Maine Lobster or the Maine Lobster fishery?
“Fishermen work hard and put in long days. It takes time to catch bait, do gear work, wake up before sunrise, overcome weather and follow the rules to ensure the fishery stays healthy for the next generation.”
Meet The People Behind the Fishery
A diverse group of people passionate about Maine and the lobster industry.
