Scallops are sometimes called “pearls of the sea” and for a one-time Chesapeake Bay waterman, they have become just that. Billy Mullis, a native of Mathews now residing in Gloucester, began in the scallop business in 1990 when he purchased his first fishing boat “Virginia Queen,” and operated it himself. Today he owns eight scallop boats and has captains for each. B&C Seafood located at the Newport News Boat Harbor is Billy’s headquarters for operations with partner Charlie Olsovsky; and there to assist are his brother Eddie Mullis and daughter Ashley Waddell.

“I really got in with a good group of men to get started,” Billy explained. “The first boat I bought was through owner financing and every time since then if I had the chance I would buy a boat. Today I only have one boat still with a mortgage.”

In 2001 Billy expanded his business and bought a spot at the Newport News Boat Harbor, later acquiring the property next to it,...