Boating Industry June 2023 | Page 27

Dealer Support Manager , Priority One Financial Services

Education : High School Years in the marine industry : 9 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? I was looking for something new and exciting . I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and to be able to grow with a company long term . Nine years later – I found exactly what I needed , and more ! What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? Finance and insurance in the marine industry is constantly changing . New regulations , policies and procedures can be a lot to keep up with . I ’ ve learned that I have to be ready to change my outlook , the way I respond , and the way I work . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? I have been recognized twice by my coworkers and company at our annual “ Above & Beyond ” award . It is humbling and rewarding to know that both my coworkers and our dealers benefit from my efforts . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I enjoy being challenged , so even though I found myself entering a new industry and career path , I wouldn ’ t say the experience was “ difficult .” I have learned a lot along the way . I still learn every day . I am grateful to work for a company that acknowledges my strengths and pushes me to be my best . Helping other people is rewarding – that is what I continue to do every day for my team and our dealer partners . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? A few years ago , one of our dealers wrote in an award submission that they can hear me “ smiling through the phone .” I want to lead by example – always going the extra mile by showing up and being the best I can be every day . I hope that is contagious and inspires others to do the same .

What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Don ’ t be afraid to start a new adventure . Be proud of yourself and see that there is opportunity if you work hard . There is such a supportive community within the industry , full of women to guide you and look up to .

For 58 years at Chaparral and Robalo Boats , a team of dedicated employees have continued to lead the industry by introducing innovative products with forward thinking designs . Every model is built by expert craftsmen and distributed by the finest world-wide dealer network .

We are very proud of Sandra and Donna for all of their dedication , hard work and contributions to the success of our company . Sandra is Chaparral and Robalo ’ s Interior Plant Manager with 37 years of dedicated service and Donna Giddens is the Sales Administrator and CSI Coordinator for Chaparral and Robalo Boats with 20 years of dedicated service .

Congratulations to Sandra and Donna ! They both epitomize the essence of Women Making Waves throughout the marine industry . What lies ahead shines bright in the marine industry !

SANDRA GASKINS Plant Manager Interiors

DONNA GIDDENS Sales Administrator CSI Coordinator CHAPARRALBOATS . COM • ROBALO . COM

BI-ChapRob-40u40-DGSG . indd 1 6 / 7 / 23 10:42 AM www . boatingindustry . com june 2023

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