Fun Facts: William “Bill” Golden, the Nantucket Lightship & The Notch

Murphy International Development’s history includes more than energy projects alone. Over the years, the company’s relationships, partnerships, and project connections have extended into environmental preservation, maritime restoration, renewable energy development, and even award-winning craft spirits.

One of Murphy International Development’s long-time partners, William “Bill” Golden, has played a significant role in environmental policy, public service, and renewable energy development. Bill was involved in early environmental leadership efforts connected to the formation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has worked alongside Murphy International Development on renewable energy projects for decades.

A memorable chapter in that relationship involved the historic Nantucket Lightship. Bill Golden and his wife acquired the vessel through an online auction and undertook a major restoration effort to transform it from a retired maritime vessel into a modern environmental and maritime icon. The restoration included extensive interior work, including the use of rich wood finishes such as mahogany and teakwood, turning the ship into a distinctive waterfront residence and event setting while preserving an important piece of nautical history.

The Nantucket Lightship became more than a restored vessel. It became a symbol of preservation, creativity, and adaptive reuse — taking something once destined for disposal and giving it new purpose, value, and public interest.

Another interesting connection came through Redding, Connecticut neighbors, the Harmon family, who helped build Cisco Brewers on Nantucket and later expanded into distilling through Triple Eight Distillery. Through personal relationships and shared connections, Murphy International Development helped bring Bill Golden and Jason Harmon together for promotional opportunities involving the brewery and distillery.

When The Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt Whisky was first distilled, Murphy International Development helped facilitate an arrangement allowing Cisco Brewers and Triple Eight Distillery to use the Nantucket Lightship as a unique promotional setting. The arrangement connected the restored maritime icon with one of Nantucket’s most recognized craft beverage brands. The first bottle of The Notch was reportedly presented to Hugh Hefner, and the whisky later became a highly regarded and award-winning American single malt.

The Notch went on to earn significant recognition across national and international whisky competitions. Its 8-year, 10-year, and 12-year expressions received strong industry praise, with the 12-year expression earning especially high marks and helping establish Triple Eight Distillery as a respected name in American single malt whisky.

Awards and recognition associated with The Notch and Triple Eight Distillery include honors from the American Distilling Institute, International Spirit Challenge, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, World Whiskies Awards, International Wine and Spirit Competition, American Craft Spirits Association, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, and other respected spirits competitions.

This story reflects the kind of unexpected and memorable connections that have surrounded Murphy International Development’s work over the years — blending environmental leadership, historic preservation, renewable energy partnerships, community relationships, and entrepreneurial creativity into one remarkable fun fact.

Fun Fact: West Virginia Great Barrel Company, Audrina Sawmill & Smooth Ambler Whiskey

Murphy International Development’s network of project relationships extends into one of West Virginia’s most distinctive industries: white oak barrel production and craft spirits.

The West Virginia Great Barrel Company represents a modern cooperage operation built around the production of new oak barrels using Appalachian white oak. The company combines cooperage manufacturing with sawmill and lumber operations, helping connect West Virginia’s timber resources with the growing demand for high-quality barrels used in whiskey, bourbon, and spirits aging.

The operation is significant because it supports more than barrel production alone. It reflects a value-added approach to natural resources, where locally sourced wood can support manufacturing, job creation, forestry-related economic activity, and the broader beverage and distilling industries. From sawmill operations and stave preparation to barrel construction, toasting, and charring, the process brings together traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing.

This connection also ties into West Virginia’s growing reputation in the spirits industry. Smooth Ambler, based in West Virginia, has earned national attention for its whiskey products, including Old Scout Single Barrel Bourbon. Old Scout has been recognized by the World Whiskies Awards, further reinforcing the role West Virginia can play in premium bourbon, barrel production, and craft spirits development.

The Audrina Sawmill and West Virginia Great Barrel Company cooperage story is a strong example of how forestry, manufacturing, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and spirits production can work together to create economic value. It also highlights the kind of regional opportunity Murphy International Development has long recognized: projects that combine natural resources, practical infrastructure, private investment, and long-term economic development.

Together, the cooperage, sawmill, and whiskey industry connections represent a uniquely West Virginia success story — one built around Appalachian white oak, skilled manufacturing, local jobs, and the growing national demand for premium American spirits.

Fun Fact: Bibb & Associates, Bob Bibb, Cypher Sound Studio & a 1934 Indian Motorcycle

Murphy International Development’s long-standing professional relationships have often extended far beyond project work. One example is the company’s connection with Bibb & Associates, an engineering partner now part of S&B, and longtime friend and colleague Bob Bibb.

Bob Bibb has built a career that bridges engineering, business leadership, music, and creativity. In addition to his work in engineering and consulting, Bob is also a gifted jazz guitarist and owner of Cypher Sound Studio. Through the studio, Bob has been connected to music production work involving nationally recognized artists and projects, including Grammy Award-winning musician Ed Sheeran and platinum-record R&B legends Bloodstone.

One memorable fun fact in this relationship involves a 1934 Indian Motorcycle. A few years ago, a rare barn-sale Indian motorcycle was discovered, purchased, and shipped to Bob — a perfect gift for someone whose life has long included engineering, music, motorcycles, and a love for classic Americana.

Bob’s personality and professional story reflect the same kind of creativity, loyalty, and entrepreneurial spirit that have shaped many of Murphy International Development’s long-term relationships. As a musician, studio owner, business leader, and friend, Bob has remained connected to people across industries through engineering, recording, performance, and shared history.

In one of his own updates to friends and colleagues, Bob described his continued passion for music, family, motorcycles, travel, and staying connected. His note captured the spirit of the old Bibb & Associates culture — professional, personal, lighthearted, and relationship-driven. He wrote about staying active with nine grandchildren, continuing to play music, owning Cypher Sound Studio, riding his Harley, attending Sturgis multiple times, and traveling to Burning Man.

This fun fact is a reminder that Murphy International Development’s story is not only about energy projects, engineering, and infrastructure. It is also about the people, friendships, creative connections, and unexpected stories built along the way — from engineering partnerships and recording studios to classic motorcycles, music legends, and lifelong professional relationships.