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Theo F. Wilderman is more than just an author — he’s a storyteller shaped by the salt of the sea, the stillness of the mountains, and a life lived off the beaten path. With a background in journalism and a spirit rooted in adventure, Theo has spent his days chasing stories across the coasts of Florida and the quiet forests of Pennsylvania.
From covering high-octane events like the Cocoa Beach Thunder on the Beach with the Shred Surfing Magazine crew, to reminiscing about his childhood along the Delaware River — where his father ran a bait and tackle shop for three decades — Theo’s life reads like a patchwork of Americana memories, laced with humor, humility, and heart.
He’s camped under the stars in the Poconos, slept behind his sister’s house during a family wedding, and found peace waking up to birdsong and river mist. Whether sharing surfer wisdom like “Life’s a Beach, And then You Get a Tan,” or reflecting on life during the quiet days of COVID, Theo brings an old-school charm to every tale.
The Art of Serving is his tribute to the people, places, and experiences that shaped him — a heartfelt, often humorous memoir from a man who’s lived life from the server’s side of the table and never stopped listening to the stories around him.
Bite-sized wisdom served from real experiences in hotels and restaurants.
Hospitality isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life full of empathy and respect.
Expect the unexpected. Laugh along with stories from the service trenches.
Learn efficient, down-to-earth tricks to thrive in hospitality and beyond.
Today’s journey took us to the vibrant shores of Cocoa Beach, where the roar of engines filled the air during the Cigar Boat Races. I was there with the crew from Shred Surfing Magazine, LLC, capturing the pulse of the event through a journalist’s lens. It was more than fast boats — it was about speed, surf culture, and community.
Standing proudly on the sand is a statue of Kelly Slater, the GOAT of surfing. An 11-time World Surf League Champion, a Cocoa Beach native, and a living legend, Kelly dominated the sport for over three decades. His story continues to inspire every surfer — and storyteller — who sets foot on these waves.
One of the day’s most intense moments was watching a speedboat flip at over 100 mph — a reminder of the high stakes. Luckily, the rescue sled trailing behind the jet ski was ready to deploy. Want to see it? Just search Cocoa Beach "Thunder on the Beach" on YouTube. Adrenaline. Action. Survival.
That was my campsite in the Poconos Mountains Pennsylvania. Florida is very hot and I slept in the Forrest behind my sister's house. My niece got married so I used a tent to save money. I like being outside. I'm an old school Good Ol By. The air was so fresh every day I woke up every morning to the song of birds. The house was full people came from all around for the wedding. I'm also a notorious Snoring man while sleeping. I was dreaming of this during Covid. I also slept one night besides the Delaware River on the Property that used to be my farhers bait and tackle business. We owned the land for 30 years. I had special permission. I woke up to a beautiful river next to a mountain. It was like a Bob Ross painting.
I’ve always believed that life and waves have a lot in common — unpredictable, powerful, and beautiful. As I like to say: “Life’s a Beach, And then You Get a Tan!” That little nugget of surfer wisdom found its way into my book, The Art of Serving. Because even in chaos, there’s space for sun, stories, and smiles.
That was my campsite in the Poconos Mountains Pennsylvania. Florida is very hot and I slept in the Forrest behind my sister's house. My niece got married so I used a tent to save money. I like being outside. I'm an old school Good Ol By. The air was so fresh every day I woke up every morning to the song of birds. The house was full people came from all around for the wedding. I'm also a notorious Snoring man while sleeping. I was dreaming of this during Covid. I also slept one night besides the Delaware River on the Property that used to be my farhers bait and tackle business. We owned the land for 30 years. I had special permission. I woke up to a beautiful river next to a mountain. It was like a Bob Ross painting.
