Bryan Kasper has been part of Put-in-Bay life for more than three decades. Known to locals as “Big Bryan,” he is a longtime island resident, business owner, and community supporter whose experience comes from not from visiting South Bass Island occasionally, but from living on South Bass Island. His home, the Benson Ford Ship House, is one of Put-in-Bay’s most iconic landmarks.
BRYAN AT A GLANCE
- Owner of the Benson Ford Ship House
- Owner of Noble Cut Distillery and creator of Ship House Vodka
- Host of Ship House Tours that have helped fund numerous Put-in-Bay causes
- Avid boater
- Member of the Firelands Hospital Board of Directors
Bryan Kasper's Path To Put-in-Bay
Bryan first came to Put-in-Bay in 1989, and over time the island became home. Today, his perspective helps shape our focus on authentic, local insight and Put-in-Bay expertise.
Before focusing fully on Put-in-Bay, Bryan spent 40 years building a respected automotive sales enterprise in Sandusky, Ohio. He developed a multi-dealership automotive brand serving Ottawa County, making the Kasper name synonymous with dependable vehicles and service across northern Ohio. In 2021, Bryan sold the dealership, completing a successful business chapter and shifting his full attention to the island community he had long supported.
The Benson Ford Ship House: Home And Inspiration
Bryan is the owner of one of the most recognizable homes in America: the Benson Ford Ship House, built from the hull of the historic Great Lakes freighter Benson Ford. Located directly on the shoreline of Put-in-Bay, the Ship House is a nationally recognized architectural landmark. For Bryan, the Ship House is not just a landmark, it is his home and a reflection of his long-standing connection to the island.
Inspired by the Ship House’s unmistakable shape, Bryan helped create a liquor brand that literally reflects the home itself. That idea led to Noble Cut Distillery, now the largest privately owned distillery in Ohio. Noble Cut’s expansion to Put-in-Bay and the launch of Ship House Vodka were covered by Cleveland.com. Visitors can purchase Ship House Vodka, along with Noble Cut whiskeys and cellos, on Delaware Avenue in downtown Put-in-Bay.
Opening Doors For The Put-in-Bay Community
Giving back to Put-in-Bay is central to Bryan’s role on the island. Twice each year, he opens the Ship House to the public and donates 100% of tour proceeds to local causes. These efforts have helped support the Put-in-Bay sign, a visit from The Ohio State University Marching Band, and the island’s six public tourist webcams. Together, the six cameras have recorded over 7 million combined views, offering real-time insight into weather, lake conditions, and seasonal activity. One of the most viewed cameras, the Ship House Cam, is hosted at Bryan’s home and captures west-shore sunsets, storms, and winter ice fishing, often showing dozens of ice shanties across frozen Lake Erie.
Put-in-Bay Is Home For Bryan Kasper!
An avid boater, Bryan travels to and from the island during the season aboard his 34-foot Mystique. His roots at the Bay run deep. Each year during Put-in-Bay’s famous Pyrate Fest, Bryan hosts an island-famous pirate-themed gathering that has become part of local tradition. Bryan also serves on the Firelands Hospital Board, reflecting his broader commitment to regional leadership and community service. If you’re looking for Bryan at the Bay, you’ll recognize him easily, standing 6’6”, with white hair and a welcoming smile.