Boating Industry June 2023 | Page 17

Supervisor , Cobalt Boats

Education : High School Years in the marine industry : 25 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? The opportunity to help produce the ultimate dream for many people drew me to the marine industry . I wanted to be a part of a company that treated everyone like family . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? Everything . It is a culture like nothing I ’ ve ever worked in before . So many team members take pride in what we are building and the passion they have when the say “ I saw some of ‘ my ’ boats on a truck today ” is so awesome . The sign over our door that states , “ Through these doors walk the finest boat builders in the world ” means something to so many of us . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? I have been a part of so many models . I would have to say that the 360 was the most memorable . I started with hull No . 1 and had my hand in some part of this model until the end ( with the exception of being out for maternity leave ). At that time , it was Cobalt ’ s largest boat . It really is bittersweet when a model you put so many years in is retired . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I have not found this to be a problem . I had the pleasure of working beside great mentors . Their help , plus having a strong work ethic continually have added to my success . There were not many women moving up when I first entered the industry and that is not the case anymore . If you are willing to put forth the effort , you will achieve the rewards .

How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? When I became a supervisor there were only a few female supervisors and one female manager . I am happy to say that it is not the case now . Women make up around half of the leadership team here . I believe that hard work shines through all barriers . And as a woman supervisor , I hope to inspire other women in the industry by setting the example of being a strong leader for not only my team but my company , as well . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Be the best you can be every day . Do not be afraid to fail . Soak up as much knowledge as possible . If you have the opportunity to help in different departments of boating , take advantage of that . What is your favorite place to go boating ? Although I have not had the opportunity to go for several years , Lake Powell is a beautiful lake with lots of hidden coves . Closer to home would be our little local lake , Big Hill .

CFO , Northpoint Commercial Finance

Education : B . S . in Accounting , University of RI ; Executive MBA , Emory University Years in the marine industry : 17 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : Controller at Textron Financial Corp . What first drew you to the marine industry ? I was first introduced to floorplan finance when I joined Textron Financial Corporation . The marine industry has always been a primary product line for both Textron and Northpoint Commercial Finance . As the CFO for Northpoint , I enjoy

working with our Marine suppliers and dealers as a trusted lending partner . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? The biggest lesson I have learned is resilience . Seeing the response of the industry during the credit crisis and then also during the pandemic proved the strength of the industry . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Being nominated for this award by my peers is very special to me . Being in a finance role , I am normally behind the scenes , but this recognition celebrates the collaboration of multiple functions within Northpoint to support our customers . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I have found the marine industry to be very supportive . Starting out in any industry , I feel it is important to find a mentor and advocates to help navigate your career path . I have been fortunate to have mentors that have supported me throughout my career . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I hope that other women see the career options within the industry and lean on the support of other female professionals . Many times , women

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