Laurence Sweeney's father ran a restaurant, grocery and fishing supply business at the corner of Water and Forest Streets, opposite what is now the ferry terminal.  He also formed the Kirk and Sweeney Shipyard, which built his first vessel, the 114-foot Grand Banks Schooner Grace and Ruby.  During his teen years, Laurence assisted his father.  

From an early age, Laurence Sweeney was exposed to the intensely competitive fisheries business, one which was built on men from Pubnico and Yarmouth sailing and fishing together cooperatively, yet still in competition for the best catches and biggest share of the market.  The expanding fishing on Georges Bank saw catches being landed in Yarmouth for shipment to market. 

His education from a mix of hands-on learning and formal training at the local business college.   He quickly learned where money was made and lost, and how to keep costs low to maintain a competitive edge.