Women making
If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Being part of the Gordy ’ s Marine team winning Dealer of the Year in 2014 and 2015 and moving into the Hall of Fame . The best practices and culture of Gordy ’ s has helped shape me as an individual and in my career to always do the right thing and never stop learning and growing . In addition , I have been fortunate to take my next step as a general manager with Buckeye Sports Center in Huron , OH . Helping build , create and grow Buckeye Sport ’ s Center ’ s newest location from the ground up in only a year and half with three buildings and a team of 11 has been extremely rewarding . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? Most careers have moments that can be difficult and have challenges , but what has helped me is having great mentors throughout the marine industry to call on when needed for guidance and support . The marine industry feels like a family and there is always someone who can and wants to help . Do not be afraid to ask for help and it is okay not to have all the answers . The marine industry is complex and each day brings a new set of challenges . I am extremely thankful for all those who have supported me along the way , offered advice and gave me incredible opportunities to gain experience . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? There are many amazing women who have come before me to help pave the way for my opportunities . I can only hope to continue their efforts by showing other women the importance of servant leadership . You can be a voice , you can be an influence and above all , support and listen to your team . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? The marine industry provides a family atmosphere , a fast-paced environment , variety in your workday and some of the best people , both teammates and customers alike . It is not easy , you will have to persevere through many challenges and the demands can be great , but the skills you will learn , from the technical side to creative problem solving to strong work ethic , are worth it . What is your favorite place to go boating ? Lake Geneva , Wis .
Neha Clark
Senior Vice President Enterprise Finance , Brunswick Corporation
Education : B . S ., Indiana University Years in the marine industry : 4 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? The marine industry creates products and experiences that can be enjoyed by all from relaxing on the water to adventurous . Very few industries provide the opportunity to work in such a versatile and accessible space where some of the best memories are created . Brunswick , specifically , has a unique portfolio in marine with Mercury engines , transformational technologies , market leading boat brands , and shared access , combined unlock opportunities across all the major segments of recreational marine . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? The marine industry draws people that are extremely passionate , not only about boating and being on the water , but also about advancing the overall experience and footprint created by the industry . Coming into the industry , I was not aware of the level of personal and professional commitment that each person has for the industry and business .
It has been a privilege to work with people and teams at Brunswick that make an outsized impact on a product , project or the industry . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Navigating COVID with each day bringing a new challenge . We went from closing down all the facilities to quickly reopening them followed by a terrific demand surge , right into supply constraints . This all , while trying to keep people , teams , and families safe . It was a testament to the great people at Brunswick , and their ability to remain flexible and pivot when needed . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ?
It was initially , primarily because there are multiple variables that can impact the marine industry , such as macro factors , product , technology and of course , weather . The other factor is that the number of woman leaders in the industry is at a position of growth but not where it needs to be . I am excited to continue to see an expanded interest in the industry across all factors , diversity and women , and the success it is driving . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ?
I hope to inspire women and men to be able to work in an environment where they can bring their whole self to work . For me , embracing change and finding ways to drive a culture forward have resulted in some of the most rewarding outcomes . It is contagious once it gains momentum . I would hope to continue to advocate for a place where women can be their best , and Brunswick has been a real leader in bringing diversity to the table from the top levels to the factory lines . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Don ’ t be afraid of breaking out of your zone . Opportunities are out there and sometimes you have to flex a bit for it to fit . What is your favorite place to go boating ? I ’ m not picky , however , I do love boating in Wisconsin at our lake home where the water is quiet and calm .
Sarah Devlin
Accreditation Director , American Boat & Yacht Council
Education : English Lit and Writing Years in the marine industry : 25 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : Professional BoatBuilder magazine , Associate Editor ; Marina World magazine , North American Correspondent ; International Marina & Boatyard Conference , Content Manager ; The Landing School , Communications Director ; IBEX , Education Director .
24 june 2023 www . boatingindustry . com