Women making
younger colleagues see me speaking up and standing my ground . I ’ m a pain in the butt for a lot of people because I expect them to meet deadlines , to be respectful , to do their jobs . I hope that inspires my female colleagues to hold people accountable as well . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? I can probably learn more from the women entering the work force than they can learn from me . I have worked with multiple generations of women in this industry and I noticed that women older than I am – the ones who broke the ceiling and got us a seat at the table – would advise that I might fail if I didn ’ t act like “ one of the guys .” Young women entering the work force accept their seat at the table and don ’ t acknowledge that it could ever be in question . What is your favorite place to go boating ? This sounds dopey , but I love being in a boat wherever I am . I love Vineyard Sound during a good sunrise . I love being in the Outer Banks and cruising alongside the shrimp boats . I have spent time in the Everglades bumping about in a small Lund – which is when I learned that alligators are super lazy predators . But , I live on the Maine midcoast for a reason . We have pretty decent tides so I enjoy running up river to beach the boat and hang out , or cruising down to the mouth to pound into the swells after a storm . I grew up on a lake , jumping my friends ’ wakes in our ski boat . I ’ m still a bit of a child when I ’ m in a boat , except now I wear a lifejacket .
Tara Dwyer
Executive Vice President Portfolio Operations , Blue Harbor Management
Education : B . A ., Business Management Years in the marine industry : 20 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : Kingman Yacht Center and The Hinckley Company What first drew you to the marine industry ? The marine industry holds a special place in my heart due to my upbringing on Cape Cod , where boating has been a cherished family tradition for generations . A day on the water , be it fishing , sailing or simply relaxing with my feet immersed in the water , has always captivated me . The
boatyard in particular , is a place where I feel a deep sense of belonging and comfort . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? Working in the marine industry I have learend a valuable lesson in resilience . This field often presents physical and mental challenges that require a strong and determined mindset . Early in my career , I learned the importance of developing skills to overcome obstacles , maintain perseverance , and bounce back from setbacks or failures . The demanding nature of the industry has shaped my ability to adapt and remain steadfast in the face of adversity . The marine industry has taught me the significance of customer focus and the customer ’ s experience . It is evident that the industry boasts some of the most loyal customers . By prioritizing their needs and exceeding their expectations , I discovered that customers can become your most powerful advocates . Placing the customer at the center of everything we do fosters strong relationships and drives customer loyalty and satisfaction . The valuable lesson I learned is that by consistently delivering exceptional service and going above and beyond , we can build a loyal customer base that supports and promotes our work within the industry . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? I have two memorable achievements that hold great significance to me . Firstly , I was privileged to become Hinckley Yachts ' first female general manager in 95 years . Although I have since moved on from the company , I feel deeply honored to have been entrusted with such a pioneering role . It was a milestone that symbolized progress and breaking gender barriers in the marine industry .
Secondly , I had the opportunity to mentor a young high school gentleman who was uncertain about his future career path . Through guidance and support , he persevered , graduated , and ultimately thrived as an exceptional mechanic with multiple certifications . Witnessing his growth and success fills me with immense pride and fulfillment . It serves as a reminder of
the profound impact mentorship can have on someone ' s life , helping them discover their talents and pursue a rewarding profession . Both achievements represent moments of personal and professional fulfillment , where I had the privilege to make a positive impact and contribute to the growth and development of individuals in the marine industry . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ?
During the early stages of my career , I faced significant challenges as I often found myself as the lone woman in the room . However , over the years , through hard work and determination , I earned the respect of my colleagues and proved my capabilities . While being a woman in a predominantly maledominated industry can still present occasional challenges , I consider myself fortunate to have had the support of a few exceptional mentors and the opportunity to work with remarkable teams throughout my journey . Their guidance and the collaborative environments have played a vital role in my professional growth and success . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I am driven by the desire to set an inspiring example of exceptional leadership , just as I have had the privilege to witness and be mentored by remarkable individuals throughout my career . It is my aspiration to empower and encourage women in the marine industry to believe in their abilities and pursue any path they choose within the industry or any business segment . By breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity , I hope to create an environment where all individuals , regardless of gender , feel confident that they can achieve greatness and make a meaningful impact in their chosen field . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? To thrive in the industry , actively engage and immerse yourself , fearlessly seeking answers to your questions . Surround yourself with a supportive network that empowers you to continually grow and be the best version of yourself .
26 june 2023 www . boatingindustry . com