The founding of the Gateway Clipper Fleet, one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic brands, is family legend to Terry Wirginis, the riverboat company’s current owner. His grandfather, John Connelly, was a pioneer in incentive marketing, concocting giveaways banks and stores used to attract customers.
He made his first million selling fine china for banks to give out to attract new customers, usually one piece per $5 deposit.
Connelly’s nephew, “Captain” Jack Goessling, was a merchant marine who…