40 Under 40

40 leaders from the boating industry’s next generation

While finding employees interested in the marine industry can be a challenge, this year’s forty Under forty shows there is reason to be optimistic.

These individuals touch all aspects of the industry, from associations to manufacturing to dealers to marinas and more. But they all have one thing in common – they stand out for their efforts to improve the industry and their organizations. These forty individuals were chosen for their work so far – and the potential we see in them to proceed to carry the industry forward.

We received almost two hundred nominations for the two thousand seventeen 40 Under 40. With slew of excellent youthful leaders to choose from, it’s clear that the industry is in good arms with the next generation.

Vice president of global accounts & client branding, Lighthouse Media Solutions

What very first drew you to the industry?

I loved the fact that the majority of the industry is puny businesses and rather than large corporations that would just see clients as a number. Here, I can build relationships that are meaningful.

Who was your hero as a child?

My parents. My mother and father instructed me to have a passion for anything I do in life, and as long as you work hard and believe in what you’re doing, you will be successful.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

John Witte is the stud who suggested me an internship when I was in college, and I am very grateful he gave me the chance. In addition, I have to say Nick Owens and Bob McCann also were influences. Both instructed me so much about the importance of understanding the needs of dealers and OEMs. Lastly, Matt Lodder of Lodder’s Marine and Martin Boyer of Austin Boats & Motors, both are current clients and friends of mine. They believed in the concept of me being their “virtual marketing department” and trusted my vision to help their dealerships.

Ellen Hopkins Bradley

Vice president, marketing communications & PR, National Marine Manufacturers Association

What very first drew you to the industry?

When I interviewed for a job at NMMA I instantaneously noticed how welcoming, wise and sultry the staff were as they described working at NMMA. The positive energy and excitement I felt among the NMMA team were key reasons I was drawn to the industry.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

I had been a passenger on boats from cruisers to pontoons to sailboats but was never at the helm. That switched during the summer of two thousand five when I officially learned to boat aboard a 28-foot bowrider that an NMMA member provided to the NMMA Chicago office to use for PR. I learned everything from how to dock to how to anchor. It gave me confidence on the water and is a reason I’m an advocate for boater education as we look to keep fresh boaters in the market.

Who was your hero as a child?

Growing up my hero was my dad and is to this day. He is a retired high school English teacher who lives in St. Louis with my mom, a retired high school principal. He has an unwavering positive outlook and modest confidence about him, training me that the kind of day I have is ultimately up to me.

Regional director Northern territory, SmokerCraft Inc.

What very first drew you to the industry?

Love of boating.

What was your very first job?

Ever, a gofer at a printing company; in the marine industry, on-water demonstrator.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Being selected to sit on the numerous boards/groups that want to help improve our industry.

What are some of your dearest non-boating hobbies?

What is your beloved place to go boating?

What boat did you learn to boat on?

twelve Lund with a fifteen Evinrude, twenty three Chris Craft LTD Scorpion.

Who was your hero as a child?

My parents, they worked utterly long, hard hours so my sister and I would not go without.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My very first boss in the marine industry, Ted Dallimore. Ted instructed me and let me educate myself on everything I know at the dealership level, [and] he was a brainy business and family man. My 2nd was my late boss Peter Spiegel, he instructed me everything I know on the wholesale side of the industry as well as was the family man and father that every man strives to be.

Regional sales director, West Marine Pro

What was your very first job?

Stocking the shelves of my local West Marine Store in Bellevue, Wash.

What is your dearest place to go boating?

The San Juan Islands of Washington and the Gulf Islands of British Colombia.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

28-foot Bayliner Contessa and a three thousand two hundred eighty eight Bayliner.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

While there are many influences on my career, both inwards and outside the industry, there are a few that stand out:

I’ve found the best mentors to be the ones that not only help benefit your career, but also your life. I’m fortunate to have someone like that in my life who I’ve known long before I began working in the boating industry. His perspective helps keep me focused not simply on whatever end aim I have, but on primarily on liking the journey to get there.

West Marine’s Director of B2B ecommerce is someone I lean on regularly for advice. He worked for much of his career in sales and as a VP with OMC.

As West Marine’s founder, Randy Repass cannot help but be an influence on my career.

John Buller presently leads the Loyalty Solutions Group, a consulting rock-hard working to help build dynamic team culture. John and I worked together on a number of projects and he is a guiding force in my thinking around team building, leadership, and building strong partnerships to benefit customers.

District sales manager, Legend Boats

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

When I look at the growth of Legend Boats over the past decade I have been here, you can’t help but be proud of the part you have played in this growth. We have a fine team of people, and a fantastic group of dealers I work with everyday.

What are some of your beloved non-boating hobbies?

Aside from boating activities, I love attempting to stay active. I play a diversity of sports, and attempt to keep active getting all the boat display weight gained back off!

What is your beloved place to go boating?

Our country is absolutely beautiful, and albeit it is nice to find a private lake with no one around, it is hard to strike spending the day on Lake Muskoka, fishing, look observing and having the option to go dock and grab some lunch before heading back out on a 2nd afternoon shift.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

My father had a 16-foot Princecraft with a forty Johnson. I can still reminisce being pretty youthfull and out camping, I was bugging him to go out when he transferred me the keys and said take it yourself.

Who was your hero as a child?

I might not have known it at the time, but now as a father of two, it is hard not to look back at my parents raising three kids, and the work ethic they had and instilled on me, not to point to them as a hero.

Product manager, Bayliner/Heyday Wake Boats, Brunswick Corp.

What was your very first job?

I worked at MasterCraft Boat Company implementing lean manufacturing practices with a concentration in 5S in the engineering department.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Co-founding Heyday Wake Boats a brand that is bringing affordability to the tow boat segment.

What are some of your beloved non-boating hobbies?

Hard one here … I spend the little free time I have on a bass boat or tow boat. I like duck hunting but I have a boat for that as well!

What is your beloved place to go boating?

Lake Loudon, that is part of the Tennessee Sea. I have been wakeboarding and fishing here since I was six years old.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

A Ranger bass boat that my father let me drive when we were bass fishing.

Who was your hero as child?

My father John Dorton and still is.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

Zane Swank, a pro wakeboarder who had a very successful career in marketing and sales in the tow boat segment was always kind train me about how to present product at both entire sale and retail levels.

Vice president of engineering, Malibu Boats

What very first drew you to the industry?

My passion began when a fresh friend introduced me to wakeboarding in 1996, my freshman year in college. I was hooked and attempted every way possible to spend evenings and weekends wakeboarding.

What was your very first job?

My very first job was as a manufacturing engineer for MasterCraft Boat Company.

What is your dearest place to go boating?

Dale Hollow Lake, I have spent two or three long weekends on a houseboat there every summer for the last twenty years.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

The very first tow boat I learned to drive was a one thousand nine hundred ninety seven Malibu SunSetter LX.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

I would have to say one key influence was my parents. As far back as I can recall, they were excellent examples of working hard and always encouraged me to find a career doing something I love. Another key influence is my best friend, Ryan Lewis. He introduced me to wakeboarding over twenty years ago and the possibilities of a career in the boating industry. A key mentor would have to be Ritchie Anderson, Malibu’s COO. I have worked for Ritchie over fifteen years and he has set the example for excellence, loyalty, integrity and boatbuilding skill.

What was your very first job?

When I was 14, I commenced working as a customer service representative for Storage Village, my dad’s self-storage company.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

That I am making my desires come true in a way that facilitates other people making their desires come true.

What is your beloved place to go boating?

My beloved place to go boating is the Magothy Sea. It’s beautiful, quiet, with lots of little nooks to explore.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

A 17-foot Boston Whaler Newport.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My dad, Larry Goldberg, is my mentor. He is the one who motivated and inspired me to be the leader I am today. My dad is the most tenacious person I know, and one of the most caring. Through his example and coaching I learned that excellence is the only acceptable standard, and more importantly “never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the fact that I embarked Super Boats & Yachts LLC in May two thousand six in a 1,000 square foot warehouse with only one boat and my playmate John. Inbetween the years two thousand six to two thousand ten we bought hundreds of used boats from dealers, private parties and banks and sold them to customers all over the country as well as to Australia, Europe and the Middle East. We then bought Marine Connection in two thousand eleven and switched its business model back to selling fresh boats again. Since two thousand eleven we have sold hundreds of fresh boats in South Florida and expanded the Marine Connection territory with two fresh locations in Miami and Vero Beach.

What is your beloved place to go boating?

I love the Greek Islands. My favorites are Leros, Marathi, Zakynthos, Symi and Mykonos. You can only love them during the summer months, and the color of the sea is addictive. The seafood is always fresh and cooked by locals with amazing taste. I also like the Bahamas, but have only been to Bimini and Nassau.

Who was your hero as a child?

My childhood hero was the French undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau and I always envied his life. He was an adventurer and spent most of his life on a boat. I observed all his documentaries with good pleasure. I was inspired by my grandparents, my father and my elder brother because they all liked boating and wielded boats. I have boating in my DNA thanks to them.

What was your very first job?

I embarked washing boats the summer before my very first year of high school. During the last week of the summer, I had mentioned to the holder of the dealership that their website was violated – he pulled me out of the yard to fix it.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

In general, being able to innovate in the boating industry, creating fresh ideas that improve businesses and forge real results.

What is your beloved place to go boating?

The uncountable lakes in Finland, fishing with my grandfather.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

Albeit we had a few boats when I was growing up, the one very first one I can reminisce being excited about learning was our Pioneer one hundred seventy five Venture.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

At the end of the day my career would not be where it is today without Timo Turkki. He was one of the very first people to identify my strengths and provided the opportunities for me to utilize them. I very much value the work we created as a team over the very first few years of my career and what I learned from him.

What very first drew you to the industry?

I grew up in Miami Beach and have been boating ever since I was a kid. Years ago, my wifey and I sailed a Beneteau Moorings three hundred fifty two on our very first bareboat charter in the British Cherry Islands and had the greatest venture of our lives. When we got home, I determined that I desired to make it lighter for other people to have similarly remarkable practices on the water.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

The holder of one of our marine service businesses told me that he was planning to close one of his locations, but with the business he had generated through Boatyard, he was able to keep it open. Helping some good folks keep their jobs is all the motivation we need to keep working hard.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

Jon Vanhala, the former Head of Digital for Universal Music Group, has been an invaluable advisor and mentor for me since I began working on Boatyard. His skill, practice and generosity of spirit were critical in getting us through some difficult times. Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos, is another key influence in my career. His book “Delivering Happiness” is the bible on building a company culture around delivering remarkable customer service practices.

General manager, MarineMax/Hall Marine Greenville

What very first drew you to the industry?

Passion for the water, to sell joy, and connect families with the water.

What was your very first job?

Ace Hardware but that was brief lived. My very first real job commitment was a dock mitt at Lake Keowee Marina.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

My current position in life.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the boating industry?

I would most likely be in the financial industry of some sort.

What are some of your dearest non-boating hobbies?

Family time, home improvements.

What is your beloved place to go boating?

Lake Keowee in Upstate, S.C.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

one thousand nine hundred ninety eight Bryant 182.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

The Hall Marine Group, its owners, employees, operation and mission statement.

President, Vanquish Boats

What very first drew you to the industry?

My love of the water and the freedom that it provides. Also I had a weird mix of being very creative and mechanical inclined. Boatbuilding lets me use both.

What was your very first job?

Launch Operator at Seymour’s Boat Yard.

What is your dearest place to go boating?

Block Island Sound and the Elizabethan Islands.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

My father and I built a plywood skiff when I was about Ten. I outgrew it by about twelve and then we had the obligatory 13-foot Boston whaler.

Who was your hero as a child?

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

Bob Johnston and Barry Carroll.

Vice president, LotVantage

What very first drew you to the industry?

I grew up spending summers on the water at Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Ind., and gained a love for boating.

What was your very first job?

Working for the family car dealership and then outside sales at Manheim Auto Auction.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Landing our very first boating industry OEM fucking partner with Centurion-Supreme boats at LotVantage.

What is your beloved place to go boating?

Typically we spend most of our time boating on Tampa Bay, but my beloved spot is to take the journey out of Naples, Fla., to Keewaydin Island.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

one thousand nine hundred eighty nine Sport Nautique. I can still recall the day we got the boat.

Who was your hero as a child?

Michael Jordan. Mitts down.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My father has been the person that trained me a lot about running a successful business while also training me the passion for golden showers. Understanding the challenges in running a dealership, helps me instruct our team to relate our products and services to the dealership world.

Director of communications, West Marine

What very first drew you to the industry?

I grew up on the shores of Long Island Sound in Milford, Conn., aboard my family’s boats. My very first chance to work in the marine industry was as an editorial intern for Yachting magazine in 1999. My dad was a sultry Yachting reader and fan. He suggested that I call the editor and ask if they accepted interns. So I listened.

What was your very first job?

My very very first full-time job in the industry was as a staff writer for Soundings Trade Only magazine. I embarked in July two thousand one and worked there for almost four years before relocating to Chicago in 2005.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

When I was in grade school, my parents had a 16-foot aluminum fishing boat. So that was my very first on-water boating practice.

Who was your hero as a child?

Growing up, my hero was my dad. I was in awe of him and his commanding and charismatic presence. He was larger than life: Certain in his endeavors, liked by everyone, threw heart and soul in everything he did … he truly wore his heart on his sleeve, and I loved that. I desired to be just like him. And I hope that I’ve done him proud. I lost my dad in one thousand nine hundred ninety nine to pancreatic cancer. But he lives on for me through all my wonderful boating memories. The water was his dearest place in the world.

Director of marketing, Sea Tow Services International, Inc.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Growing to my current position at Sea Tow has been very fulfilling and is a job of which I am very proud and love to do. I work with an incredible team of people who share a vision and passion for our industry – and our network of captains are simply the best!

What is your beloved place to go boating?

Peconic Bay is one of the most beautiful places to boat. That is where we observe July 4th fireworks, go skiing and wakeboarding with family. Plus, my hubby has good memories on these waters as a child — it is a special place.

Who was your hero as a child?

My mom. She has always been my fattest fan, closest confidant and the person who made me believe I was capable of excellent things.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My father has had a big influence on my individual drive and determination – he’s always told me I could overcome any hurdle in my path and that hard work is rewarded. I’ve also been blessed with three women – Cindy, Yvonne and Jenny, – who have guided me through my career, mentored me along the way and have always been selfless when it came to their skill, time, practice and support.

Director of product development & marketing, Regal Boats

What was your very first job?

Marketing assistant — Most of my time revolved around photo shoots, cleaning boats, running boats, moving boats. It was one of those marine industry summer jobs where you are up at four a.m. and don’t get home until eight p.m.

What is your beloved place to go boating?

Palms down, Abaco, Bahamas. The water is beautiful, there is excellent free diving and spear fishing, and it is always nice to be a little disconnected from the fast-paced Orlando life.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

I have had the privilege of boating on many different boats as I grew up. Everything from 19-foot sport boats to 50-foot yachts. I was driving 40-foot yachts around the age of twelve or 13. I spent most of my time growing up behind the wheel of a Regal 2100, tho’. I am sure I have over 1,000 hours behind the wheel of that boat alone.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

There is a long list of people that have influenced me greatly. I have obviously learned a lot from my dad. He has instructed me a excellent deal and given me the chance to grow and take on a lot of responsibility. There is no way I could be doing what I am doing now without his mentorship and desire to help me grow.

Tony Kelleher from Volvo Penta has always been a excellent resource for me over the years. A good teammate and always willing to invest his time in me.

Duffy Stenger, Regal’s retired VP of sales & marketing, has a instructed me a lot over the years on the sales side of the business, working with dealers and developing growth strategies.

Proprietor, Charlotte Ski Boats

What was your very first job?

Working the gas dock at Klinger Lake Marina.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Opening Charlotte Ski Boats with my wifey, Amanda.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the boating industry?

Fishing charters in Costa Rica.

What are some of your beloved non-boating hobbies?

Building anything, fixing random things, race cars, anything with an engine! Oyster Shooters in Key West, hiking/camping, building fires, traveling. Making things happen. Sunsets and sunrises. Longboarding at the beach, playing with my dog.

What is your beloved place to go boating?

Anywhere the sun is shining.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

one thousand nine hundred eighty eight Ski Centurion and one thousand nine hundred eighty seven Malibu Skier.

Who was your hero as a child?

Papa and MacGyver.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

I have fairly a few, very first God, my papa, Norm Kraus, Mike Mckenzie, Mike Todd, Ed Brailsford.

Marketing manager, SeaDek Marine Products

What very first drew you to the industry?

I love the water and extreme sports, so the boating industry was a flawless combination of the two.

What was your very first job?

My very first career-related job was graphic designer for EA Sports.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

The accomplishment I am most proud of is becoming the marketing manager of SeaDek Marine Products at the age of 27.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the boating industry?

If I wasn’t working in the boating industry, I would very likely be working for an extreme sports magazine or in the music industry.

What is your beloved place to go boating?

What boat did you learn to boat on?

While having been on a handful of boats when I very first began boating, the very first boat I got the chance to drive was a Parker twenty three Sport Cabin.

Who was your hero as a child?

Mitts down, my childhood hero was Princess Leia. I very first observed Starlet Wars Scenes IV, V and VI when I was about seven years old and Princess Leia had a yam-sized influence on me. While not being a “girly girl” myself, I was inspired by this incredible character that was in fact a princess, but could hold her own in a male-dominated environment. Not to mention, she has the force.

Co-founder and CEO, Dockwa

What very first drew you to the industry?

I’ve always loved getting out on the water, but had my boating industry “lightbulb moment” in Newport, R.I., when I eyed boats doing endless laps through the harbor attempting in vain to secure dock space.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

That two years after we launched, Dockwa resumes to grow at an accelerating tempo. The majority of our early conversations with people in the boating industry were centered around the idea that this would never work. It would have been very effortless to listen to those people and direct our attention elsewhere, but this team is utter of dedicated and sultry people who are hell arched on challenging the status quo.

Who was your hero as child?

Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige. I was tasked to do a biography on him in the 2nd grade and his story always stuck with me. I am absolutely positive that if I was introduced with the same challenges I would not have possessed the dignity or will to achieve all that he accomplished.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My very first boss and CEO Tim Burns. He instructed me a lot about business but even more about life. The lessons he instilled in me will last a lifetime.

Founder/production director, Strait Productions

What was your very first job?

My very first job out of college was the marketing director at Premier Pontoons. It permitted me to meet many superb people and learn the “ins and outs” of the industry.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Helping Marquis Yachts and Toyota Marine Group launch the Lexus Sport Yacht Concept last year in Miami. We were creative in our treatment to getting the job done and it was awesome to help in relaunching the Lexus brand internationally.

What is your beloved place to go boating?

Exploring Lake Vermilion at our family cabin near Cook, Minn. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in America.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

Learned to boat on a one thousand nine hundred eighty seven Forester Rio. We grew up on a lake and spent all our free time as kids out in the water skiing, tubing and suspending with friends.

Who was your hero as a child?

It’s cliché, but my dad. He was a superb father, ran a successful business and was always having joy. People love him for those reasons.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My uncle Bob is top of the list. He has been working in the marine industry since the 1970s and was just inducted into the NMMA Hall of Fame last fall. He has possessed and operated a few boat brands over the years and I was always in awe of his passion and work ethic. He has a personality that you just love to be around.

Marina manager, Saybrook Point Marina

What very first drew you to the industry?

I have been immersed in the industry since birth, as I grew up on a boat in the marina at which both my parents worked. Growing up in a marina was the best childhood I could imagine.

What was your very first job?

Pumping gas at the fuel dock.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Working my way from an entry-level summer dock attendant position to marina manager in five years.

What are some of your beloved non-boating hobbies?

I love active outdoor activities that connect me to nature: skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping.

What is your beloved place to go boating?

The Connecticut Sea in fall. The foliage is breathtaking and it evokes warm childhood memories.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

A Boston Whaler. My best friend and I received our boater’s licenses at age twelve and spent the entire summer exploring the sea and nearby creeks on my family’s Boston Whaler.

Who was your hero as child?

My father Bruce Coderre. His motivation, drive and character is truly inspiring. He is continually creating or improving things, and is modest about his myriad accomplishments. Growing up, I always admired the way he would dive right into challenging projects, acquiring fresh abilities with each undertaking.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My mother Abbie McAllister broke barriers as a female marina manager at a prestigious marina and set a high standard of service and professionalism. She obtained her Certified Marina Manager status and has been the inspiration for my career.

President & proprietor, Norfolk Marine Company

What very first drew you to the industry?

My love for fishing.

What was your very first job?

Caddy shack at Horseshoe Arch Country Club.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the boating industry?

I would undoubtedly still be in the golf industry running one of the tour equipment companies and very likely be making more brief putts.

What are some of your beloved non-boating hobbies?

Golf and snowboarding.

What is your dearest place to go boating?

“The Narrows” in Virginia Beach.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

Cohasset Sailing Club – Lasers and Mercurys.

Who was your hero as a child?

The Dukes of Hazzard brothers.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

I was raised watching my father have a tremendous work ethic while maintaining a good sense of humor and humility in his successes. I was fortunate to land such a excellent father-in-law as well, I’ve learned a lifetime from him in the past fifteen years and wouldn’t be where I am today without him. So, both of my dads.

Regional sales manager, Robalo Boats

What very first drew you to the Industry?

Boating has always been my passion and I grew up around the sport. Many of my best memories in life revolved around boating or fishing. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing.

What was your very first job?

My very first job was as a boat washer working weekends and summers for our family boat dealership/marina when I was a child.

What is your dearest place to go boating?

The Florida Keys is my dearest place to boat. I love the crystal blue waters and array of fishing opportunities. The Keys has amazing offshore, wreck and inshore fishing as well as some of the best reefs for diving.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

Our family had a one thousand nine hundred eighty four Chaparral two hundred thirty four walkaround outboard fish boat growing up that we kept for over twenty years. That was a excellent solid boat that caught a lot of fish and helped fuel my passion for the water.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

I have been very fortunate to be able to mentor and learn the boat business from my uncle Buck Pegg, the founder of Chaparral Boats, and Ann Baldree, the vice president of Robalo/Chaparral. Buck’s practical wisdom and skill of boats and the boating industry amazes me every day. He has always preached the value of hard work and dedication to what you do as the keys to success. Ann has an incredible way of dealing with people, solving problems, and managing our team. She has instructed me the value of strong relationships and has passed on a wealth of skill from her years in the industry. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to learn from.

General manager/co-owner, Stump Pass Marina/Neptune Boat Rentals/The Lighthouse Grill

What was your very first job?

My very first job in the industry after school was a fresh boat rigger, installing electronics, pre-delivery inspections, outboard installations and sea trials at Stump Pass Marina.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of taking the risk to leave a pretty good service manager job at a large dealership to open my very first business, Neptune Boat Rentals. It ended up being the best decision I ever made, as the business took off, I had the chance to purchase the marina that the rental business was operating at, and later opened a restaurant and Tiki Bar on the same property.

Who was your hero as a child?

My father and grandfather were always dudes that I looked up to. I followed a similar path as my father. After serving in the Air Force, he embarked his career as a technician in the computer industry and worked his way to upper management in technical training schools. My grandfather was in the Navy during World War II, and I believe I got a lot of my technical abilities from him.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

Rick Sommers was the fellow that hired me right out of school, taking a chance on an available entry-level technician position. He instructed me many things in the industry, eventually moving me to management, and instructing me how to run a profitable service department during a raunchy economy for the industry. Also, my business playmates at the marina, Tom Riddle and Joe Reichard, indeed trained me many things about running a much larger business and made purchasing the marina possible.

Manager, Seven Seas Yacht Sales

What very first drew you to the industry?

I grew up in it. My parents commenced Seven Seas Yacht Sales the year I was born.

What was your very first job?

I commenced working the boat shows at 14, in high school and college I also worked at a few bicycle shops doing sales and service.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the boating industry?

I’d be working in finance or high-end real estate.

What are some of your dearest non-boating hobbies?

What is your beloved place to go boating?

What boat did you learn to boat on?

13-foot Boston Whaler.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

Of course, my parents, as they have been in the marine industry for thirty years, and I also attempt to learn something from everyone I meet, so the people I surround myself with are also my mentors.

COO, Classic City Marinas

President, Eclipse Marine Group

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the boating industry?

If I was not working in the boating industry I would most likely be working in the software industry.

What are some of your dearest non-boating hobbies?

I love spending time with my wifey and kids at our houseboat, golfing with friends, hunting and recreational fishing.

What is your dearest place to go boating?

My beloved lake to go boating on is Lake Keowee in South Carolina for a multitude of reasons. Some of the main reasons include the unmatched water clarity, the mountain views, and memories of weekends with my family at the lake house.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

The boat that I learned to boat on was a two thousand three Sea Ray two hundred forty Sundeck.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My father-in-law Michael Jansen has been an excellent mentor in my business career. In many ways, business comes to him naturally. He most likely does not understand the extent to which he has influenced my success. One example is how he has trained me the importance of maintaining integrity at all levels.

General manager, MarineMax Pompano & MarineMax Palm Beach

What very first drew you to the industry?

Desire to be near and on the water. I grew up inland in upstate Fresh York and visiting Myrtle Beach each spring made me fall in love with the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean is what very first drew me to budge to South Florida.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the boating industry?

I would be working in the auto industry on the retail side of the business.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

An 11-foot aluminum rowboat that my friends and I suspended a tiller motor on and took down a sea. Unluckily for the boat and my grandfather who possessed it we found a very shallow and rapid section of the sea that was “fun” to navigate or was until we capsized the boat and the water flow into the boat against the rocks was so much that the rivets holding the boat together popped out. Regardless, I was hooked and following the repairs my grandfather somehow still let us use the boat, for which we were much more careful, staying in adequate areas and had a blast on the water.

Who was your hero as a child?

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

Yes, Paul Cummings. Paul hired me in two thousand seven and has helped guide me the past decade both professionally and personally. I will always be grateful for all his encouragement and faith in me.

Marketing director, Chris-Craft

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Having both a family that supports me and a career that challenges me. We recently refreshed our branding, shot fresh photography for our entire model lineup, developed a brochure in-house and launched two fresh websites — all while I was pregnant.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

Even however I thought I was driving our Wellcraft at age three on my father’s lap, the boat I indeed learned how to boat on was our Malibu Echelon. My parents were big skiers and I still reminisce many mornings in Annapolis when we’d head down to the dock to get in a few sessions before school that day.

Who was your hero as child?

My mother. She was the epitome of what a strong woman was to me and who I wished to strive to become. She trained me to have a good attitude in everything you do and only to permit yourself a brief moment of defeat before you get back up and attempt again until you succeed. She still is my hero today.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My father. I observed him turn his passion of boating into his career and I wished to do the same. He is the hardest worker I know and puts his entire heart into everything he does, and has joy doing it.

Strategic analyst, Correct Craft Holding Company, LLC

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

One of my favorites is when I worked in marketing for Nautique. The marketing team executed the most unique boat launch for the Super Air Nautique G23 where I played a key role behind the scenes coordinating and executing certain aspects of the plan. That boat and the G-Series has switched the industry and I’m so honored that I was a part of the team that witnessed that concept from begin to finish.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

Most of my boating abilities came from working at Correct Craft. I learned a lot from these three boats: Ski Nautique 196, Super Air Nautique two hundred ten and the Super Air Nautique 220.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

Very first is Angela Pilkington, Correct Craft’s CFO. Without her guidance and support I would not be in the current role I am in. She helped me thrust through the fear of going back to school but also inspired me to take the strategic analyst position. She knew that I would excel in that position. 2nd is Correct Craft CEO Bill Yeargin. He’s become a major influence not only in my career but private development.

Possessor/President, Freedom Boat Club of Jacksonville & St. Augustine

What very first drew you to the industry?

At twelve I was enrolled in a summer camp at Jiggle A Gam Miami.

What was your very first job?

Wiggle A Gam Miami. After volunteering for several summers I was hired as a summer dockmaster. After that summer I was kept on year-round as the weekend and summer dockmaster.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Buying the Freedom Boat Club franchise in September 2011, a month after graduating college.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

The very first boat I spent a lot of time on was a 20-foot Catalina sailboat. Jiggle A Gam had six at the time. They were unsinkable and unflippable as they were designed for disabled sailing.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

Most importantly my mom, Ursula Seelig, and Lisa Almeida, my business fucking partner. I was an only child to a single mother. Before I could drive myself home, she waited in the parking lot more than an hour numerous times while I closed SALM down on the weekends. Eventually she loaned me capital to help buy into the FBC franchise. A few months prior to graduating, Lisa Almeida gave me the chance to buy the Jacksonville and St. Augustine Freedom Boat Club locations, where we had both been employees. We have a flawless partnership. Without that we wouldn’t be where we are today.

What very first drew you to the industry?

My love for the water drew me to my very first job at a local marina and I never looked back. Working at my local marina tunneled my vision to a future career in the marine industry.

What was your very first job?

Munros Marina in Mystic Islands, N.J. My very first professional job after college was with the Viking Yacht Company.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I began with Seakeeper in 2008, injecting a deflated market with an unknown product. I traversed the globe demonstrating our product so all could practice how a Seakeeper stabilized boat transformed the practice of being on the water. Since then, Seakeeper has grown by about fifty percent per year, created hundreds of jobs, formed partnerships with hundreds of builders and refit centers around the world, and opened boating to those once put off by boat roll.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

I have wielded several boats through my years, but my very first boat was a 14-foot jon boat with a one thousand nine hundred sixty seven Evinrude 18hp. It was my very first love. If I wasn’t in school or working, I was on that boat fishing, crabbing and exploring.

General manager, Gregg Orr Marine

What was your very first job?

My very first job in the boat industry was in marina operations. I was a boat slip broker and ran two fuel docks and convenience stores on the lake.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud of how quickly myself and several of my team members have learned how to run a successful dealership and marina. I am proud of the team we have built here. It took three years of switch to get where we are now and I am enormously proud of our team and our dealership.

Who was your hero as a child?

My grandfather Doyle Murphy was my hero growing up. He passed in two thousand ten but was a POW in WWII. He was captured by the Imperial Japanese Army at the Philippines and was in a POW camp for 1,218 days, as well as a survivor of the Bataan Death March. He was a plain country man and the greatest man I have ever known.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

Very first was a boat captain from Destin named Kevin Kaple. He indeed helped me in the beginning stages of my career and instructed me a lot about running marine operations. 2nd was a man named Monty Dyer who has been working in the boat industry for 50+ years. Monty helped me recruit some amazing technicians and service manager. I have to mention Clay Staggs who has instructed me almost everything I know about immobile operations. And of course, Gregg Orr has been and proceeds to be a mentor. He challenges me daily and shoves me to be a better me and to take the dealership to fresh levels.

Co-owner, Colorado Boat Center

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

In December 2016, I was awarded the Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship at the Marine Dealer Conference and Expo. I applied for the scholarship two years in a row and I was determined to get into the program especially as I was taking on the fresh role of ownership. I had a bruised ego the very first time around, and I cringed at the thought of writing another essay. It took a lot of courage for me to be vulnerable and being judged by my peers. My determination paid off, and it demonstrated that I was invested in myself and my future in the boating industry.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

A custom-built one thousand nine hundred eighty five 23-foot Nordic that my parents saved all of their pennies for. The very first memory of driving the boat was sitting on my dad’s lap. I’m thirty seven years old and he still tells me on the way to the lake “don’t leave behind to put your lanyard cord on.”

Who was your hero as child?

My dad is Superman. From day one he has never let me down. He instructed me my hard work ethic, has always shown unconditional love and shares my sense of humor.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

I’m fortunate to have parents who have been fine role models. My key mentor outside of my family is Ann Baldree, vice president of Chaparral and Robalo Boats. Ann is the one who truly inspired me to make a career in the boating industry. I admire her grit and tenacity, and I value the friendship and mentorship she’s given me over the years.

Vice president, Strong’s Marine

What very first drew you to the industry?

My family possessed the marina and my love for being on the water drew me closer to the boating world.

What was your very first job?

My very first paying job was being a gas attendent at Strong’s Marine.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of expanding our company to include our Water Club. We purchased Matt-Mar Marina in two thousand thirteen and renamed it Strong’s Water Club. Since then, we totally revitalized the property. I headed the projects with my vision for a family boating club that includes a pool and restaurant onsite.

Who was your hero as child?

When I was a child, my heroes were the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They fought crime, kept the city safe and ate a lot of pizza. My human hero was my dad, Jeff Strong. He did an incredible job of making a wonderful life from our family marina business.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

When I was a teenager I met a client who quickly became my best friend. His name was Michael Constantin. I commenced off captaining his boat and later we were talking and fishing together during all of our free time. Michael was an extreme businessman who shaped a lot of who I am today. Our friendship was cut brief when he abruptly passed away from a heart attack in 2007. We were best friends for almost six years. One thing he instructed me was that, “You can only manage a team with the amount of fingers you have on one arm.” There were many other chunks of skill that he passed along to me that I will value forever.

Vice president/general manager, Skier’s Marine Inc.

What was your very first job?

At the age of 15, I was employed by Skier’s Marine as a boat washer for the service department.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Since commencing with Skier’s Marine utter time in two thousand ten I am enormously proud of the astounding team we have worked hard to build that has led to two hundred seventy one percent growth for Skier’s Marine since January 2011.

What is your dearest place to go boating?

My beloved place to spend time on the water is Lewis Smith Lake. Lewis Smith Lake is usually ranked as one of the cleanest lakes in the country. It boasts beautiful clear blue waters and mountainous terrain for the ultimate boating destination.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

The very first boat I can recall boating on was a green one thousand nine hundred eighty eight Malibu Skier that my father was given to use when he began working for Malibu Boats as a part-time sales rep.

Who was your hero as a child?

My childhood hero, as cliché an reaction as I can give, is my father. Watching him work utter time as a career police officer while building Skier’s Marine into the company it has become and still making time to coach my youth baseball teams is incredible.

Proprietor/general manager, Vallely Sport & Marine

What was your very first job?

Detailing and washing boats.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Successfully transitioning our family business to the third generation.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the boating industry?

Raunchy question. I am guessing it would be something sales related where I could be interacting with people.

What are some of your dearest non-boating hobbies?

Hunting, watching and following sports, spending time with family and friends.

What is your dearest place to go boating?

Lake Sakakawea, N.D.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

Who was your hero as child?

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My parents have been key mentors and influencers in my life. I am very fortunate to have been raised by such hard working, positive and driven people. I also have been surrounded my many industry colleagues through twenty Groups and industry involvement that have been key to my success.

Vice president, federal and legal affairs, National Marine Manufacturers Association

What very first drew you to the industry?

As a native Floridian, I grew up on the water and boating was a typical pastime. In 2011, I was working on Capitol Hill and my boss lost her reelection bid. As fate would have it, NMMA was looking to hire a fresh lobbyist and the chance seemed like a good chance to use my political abilities while advocating for an industry that hit particularly close to home.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

At sixteen years old I came to Washington, D.C. for a political leadership conference. I was so captivated with this city and political world, I committed to one day getting an education and living in this superb city. I am proud to have followed my wish, persisted in my education and career endeavors and be living and working in DC all these years later.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

36-foot Grady White.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My mom and aunt were instrumental in pushing me to be an independent, career-oriented woman — to always speak up and never be fearful to take control. My father inspired me to inject the legal field and engrained in me the value of equal justice under the law. These influences served as the backbone to my ambition and career direction.

What was your very first job?

Sales associate at MariCorp U.S.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the boating industry?

I would be looking for a job in the boating industry!

What are some of your beloved non-boating hobbies?

I love golf, aviation and attending Kansas City and University of Missouri sporting events.

What is your dearest place to go boating?

Table Rock Lake, which is in Southwest Missouri. This lake has the cleanest and smoothest waters in Missouri. Table Rock Lake is a excellent place for family joy and various water sports.

Who was your hero as a child?

Like most youthfull boys, my childhood hero was my father Keith. He was always supportive of my brother and me, and he instilled a strong work ethic in both of us.

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

The team we have built at MariCorp US permanently motivates me to become a better leader. Our team members wield extensive backgrounds in this industry and various others. This cultivates an environment of constant private improvement and development.

General manager/vice president, Woodard Marine

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Personally, I have had so many amazing events in my life. The one accomplishment that stands out the most is racing a hand-built hydroplane one summer in an APBA racing circuit. Going home with a trophy was the highlight of that racing season.

Professionally, I am most proud of building an amazing team to work with every day. Having a good team makes the days better and having mutual respect within the work environment is incredible.

What boat did you learn to boat on?

When I was six or seven years old, my parents gave me a one thousand nine hundred eighty two 16-foot Peterborough closed bow boat with a puny remote Mercury 2-stroke. I was permitted to go wherever I wished, as long as I could see the dealership while on the water (about a mile radius).

Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?

My parents and my hubby. I am fortunate enough to work with them every day.

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