Women making
efficiency and playing a role in evolving the customer ’ s on- and off- water experience as we know it today . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? To date , my most memorable achievement in the marine industry has been the launch of the Mercury Avator 7.5e electric outboard at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show . The reception this product has received from customers has been so inspirational . In addition , the innovative customer-first approach the team leveraged to bring the product to market has proven to be quite rewarding . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I have been able to leverage my 25-plus years of experience in automotive to help teams evolve the way we solve problems on behalf of customers . It has not been difficult to navigate my career in the marine industry , as there are many parallels with my career in automotive . Although , I still have a lot to learn about the industry , but have been able to glean insights from a rich network of experienced boating consumers , colleagues , dealers and boat builders . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I hope to continue to lead by example and employ an innovative spirit when it comes to reimagining the boating experience and encourage others to do the same . I plan to help women identify career advocates and progress career development plans . I also plan to continue to lean into communities that have not traditionally leaned into boating and create more exposure for leisure time activities . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? My advice for women starting in the boating industry is to advocate for yourself , think big and ask lots of questions . I would advise women to never shy away from a challenge and lean into white space opportunities . What is your favorite place to go boating ? I am relatively new to boating and could not be more excited about the recreational activity . To date , I would have to say Lake Geneva is my favorite place to boat and I am looking forward to new experiences and making more memories on the water !
Betty Bauman
Founder , Ladies , Let ’ s Go Fishing
Education : B . S ., Marketing Years in the marine industry : 36 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : Wellcraft , Marketing ; Aquasport , Marketing ; Donzi , Marketing ; Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament , Treasure Cay Abaco Bahamas Billfish Tournament , U . S . V . I Open Atlantic Marlin Tournament , Ladies Fishoff , Striking Fish Tournament , South Florida Billfish Cup , Consultant and Tournament Magazine Publisher ; MetroMedia Marketing , Inc ., Boating / Fishing Marketing Consultant ; Save Our Seas Foundation , Marine Conservation Projects ; FishVerify , Marketing Consultant ; Viking Yachts , Women ’ s Fishing Programs ; Ocean Harbor Marine , Marketing Consultant and Bimini Bash customer experience . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? When I started in the marine industry there were few women in executive positions . This was before computers and internet . All I had was a typewriter . I had to work harder and smarter , plus keep learning . Things have changed now for women in the marine industry ! If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? In the 1990s , I noticed a lack of programs focusing on women and boating / fishing . I created a plan where women could learn about fishing , practice hands-on , learn conservation and responsible boating , go fishing from charter boats and to feel more comfortable entering the sport and named it “ Ladies , Let ’ s Go Fishing .” Not knowing how many women wanted to participate , I was excited to see 80 women sign up for my first course . I rounded up local guides and volunteers to teach in locations all around Florida . I included networking for ladies to meet their peers , fly fishing in Colorado , international trips to Costa Rica , Cuba and Bahamas , as well as Alaska . Now , with more than 9,000 graduates , plus the others each women brings , there ’ s more business for the marine industry . I am grateful for companies who realize the potential of women and became sponsors to make this effort viable . One of the
coolest moments was when Inside Edition sent a TV crew to cover our event and produced a fourminute segment reaching millions . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? If you are good at what you do , there are careers for women in this industry . Keep learning to stay on top of new technology . Building allies is important . It was not difficult . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? When you see a need in the industry , go for it . I created a non-intimidating entry program for women to enter fishing and boating – it worked and has lasted for more than 25 years . The world is your oyster and you can be the pearl ! What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? You can do it . Use all your talents and resources to make it work . Keep learning and when the tech world changes , change with it . Find your own wave and ride it . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? Travel , camping , biking , skiing , wildlife viewing and horseback riding . And taking care of our pet cats , dogs , chickens , peacocks and a raccoon .
20 june 2023 www . boatingindustry . com