Team Purdin
Scott Purdin
No-One else would write this bio so I got the job...Nigel Caddock (January 2009)
They often say there is a fine line between genius and insanity, Scott almost perfectly defines this assertion. While his complex, hard won and extensive business success is important tohim, he is almost dismissive of the amazing commercial success he's achieved as Scott's priorities are actually much simpler. Wife Susan and saughter Amanda being firmly top of the list closely followed by his animals and then his genuinely unique vision, and all the layers of chaos that entails.
The word unique is overused when describing talented individuals, however, in Scott Purdin's case its not just justified it's perhaps the only one that truly describes my highly complex, special friend. His piercing inquisitive mind combines with an almost scary tenacity, a genuine warmth and extraordinary humanity to formidable effect. Scott loves all animals, especially his dogs and although not many people appreciate it, he has also produced national champion level Arabian horses, a simple incredible achievement attained by literally a handful of individuals on the planet, but what Scott's really about is his lifelong quest to produce elegant, distinctive world class Koi - perhaps his most sought after and very personal hold grail.
A single minded pursuit of quality over the last two decades that few fully appreciate and even fewer genuinely understand, has brough him to a place earned by literally a handful of individuals in the entire Koi world. The fact is, not only are his Koi world class they are some of the best of the best anywhere in the Koi world. The USA should, like a very very few Japanese Koi masters, be very proud of Mr. Purdin who has literally achieved the almost impossible, they know it and I know it, its just that the rest of the Koi world doesn't know it - yet!
Scott Purdin also appreciates mroe than most the importance of strong teams. That's why his Purdin team includes some of the Koi worlds most accomplished professionals:
Bill McGurk
Heading up the Purdin team is operations director Bill McGurk. Since 1982 Bill has developed his Koi skills working with some of the Koi worlds leading companies including: Infiltration, Shirley Aquatics, Koi Water Barn and most recently Koishii.
Bill’s long association with Scott goes back to the early 1990’s and the unique combinations of skills and personalities make for some interesting interactions! Bill has one of the world’s best eyes for Koi. This rare and significant natural ability has been refined and developed for more than 25 years with many trips to all parts of Japan.
It’s noted by the wise that genuine success is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration; this is especially the case with Koi. Bill McGurk also possesses significant and absolutely crucial mechanical Koi skills refined at the sharp end of one of the most difficult businesses anywhere. These unsexy skills are, in reality, are absolutely crucial and the essence of a successful Koi farm operation. It’s no good producing great Koi if you can’t keep them alive! Bill is a master at this particular art with a lifetime’s experience that’s resulted in an amazing Koi skills set. Finally, if you need a Koi moving Bill’s your man – he’s quite simply one of the best Koi handlers anywhere in the world!
All these elements and experiences combine to not only render Bill the man for this very big job but by him also being universally respected by fellow Koi professionals and hobbyists alike.
Will Lattimore
Will came into the Purdin team in January 2006 and since then has developed a wide range of Koi skills. Will looks after the day to day operation of the Koi farm production facility, which involves vital responsibility for all aspects of the upkeep and maintenance of both the mud and concrete ponds and all the equipment. In addition looking after the crucial feeding operations, one of the key elements to the fast growth achieved at the farm. Harvesting and culling is a busy time and with his intimate knowledge of the locality and topography of the farm Will takes a leading role in seining the ponds and is a crucial component of the Purdin operation.
