LEADERSHIP

MICHAEL RUGGLES

Michael Ruggles is a seasoned leader in the inland marine and crew boat industry. Before co-founding Sabalo Marine, for the past 5 years, he successfully managed and operated a fleet of crew boats, providing vital services to major dredging and construction companies throughout the Gulf Coast region.

With a strong focus on safety and reliability, Michael understands the intricacies of building a successful inland transportation and crew boat company. His dedication to fostering long-term, prosperous relationships with clients has been a hallmark of his career. At Sabalo Marine, Michael continues to leverage his experience and commitment to excellence, driving the company toward further success in the maritime sector.

SPENCER JOHNSON

Captain Spencer Johnson, a South Texas native, developed a strong passion for the outdoors from an early age. In 2016, Spencer earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business with a minor in Ranch Management Texas A&M University Kingsville, where he immersed himself in the rich landscape of South Texas. During his studies, Spencer gained valuable experience working on the prestigious King Ranch during hunting seasons and guided on Baffin Bay and the Lower Laguna Madre during the summer months.

Following graduation, Spencer obtained his captain’s license, a pivotal milestone that marked the beginning of his professional maritime career. He has held a 100-ton Master’s license for over a decade, reflecting his commitment to excellence in this field.  Spencer ran a world-travelling, competitive sportfishing operation, where he spent nine years navigating the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans and won several prestigious fishing tournaments. This extensive experience has equipped him with a deep knowledge of maritime operations and customer service.

Recently, Spencer returned to South Texas, where he now resides with his family just outside Corpus Christi. He continues to engage with the local community while enjoying recreational activities such as fishing and hunting, balancing his professional commitments with a dedication to the natural environment of the Coastal Bend.

DAVID BLACKBIRD

Blackbird founded Sabalo Ventures in the Spring of 2024 following a successful career in commercial real estate.  Sabalo Ventures is private equity and real estate investment firm, investing in and with talented individuals who have deep operational expertise, are leaders in their respective industries and seek the capital, confidence and lending hand it takes to go from being an employee to entrepreneur.   

Prior to starting Sabalo, Blackbird co-founded Stream Realty Partners’ Austin office in 2006.  The firm grew from a two-person operation to one of Central Texas’ largest commercial real estate companies with over 100 employees and a portfolio of 30+ million square feet of institutional-grade office and industrial projects. Additionally, the office was consistently ranked as one of the ‘Best Places to Work’ by the Austin Business Journal.

During his 25 years in the commercial real estate business, Blackbird has directly overseen over $1.5B of development and investments throughout Austin. He has vast experience with a variety of product types, including industrial, office, and mixed-use projects, encompassing millions of square feet.

Over the years, Blackbird has been actively involved with several charitable organizations, donating both time and resources.  He is on the Executive Council at the University of Texas Real Estate Center and is a regular lecturer at the McCombs Business School.  Additionally, Blackbird serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Texas Marine Science Institute.

Prior to joining Stream, Blackbird was with Trammell Crow Company where he led leasing efforts on the firm’s industrial portfolio. Blackbird and his wife have two daughters and a son. A native of Austin, he is an avid fisherman and outdoorsman.