Women making
Tara Flanagan
Education Coordinator , Annapolis Boat Shows
Education : B . A ., Psychology , Skidmore College Years in the marine industry : 7 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? My husband and I left to go cruising in October of 2014 . During the summer we were at anchor in Block Island when I saw a Facebook advertisement for temporary work at Annapolis Boat Shows in Annapolis for the fall shows . We both worked two years as temporary workers for the fall shows , when I was offered a permanent position as education coordinator in 2017 . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? There will always be a ‘ boys ’ mentality as is in most industries , but the more women empower themselves with knowledge within the industry , the better it will be for other women in the future . I think women have a nurturing side which makes us a stronger asset to work with future boaters , as well . The future cruisers I encounter at Cruisers University , I find within a couple , the man tends to be the person who wants to take off into the sunset and the woman just follows . My job is to make sure the woman has the comfort level to be an equal partner on the boat with her significant other . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? In my job as education coordinator , I meet a lot of sailors who have a dream but are not sure how to make it a reality . My memorable achievement happens every time one of my students sends me a picture of them and their boat in a tropical location enjoying life as they dreamt it . This past Christmas morning , I received 10 different messages from past students somewhere in the Bahamas and beyond . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I truly stumbled into my career at Annapolis Boat Shows . My background is in veterinary hospital
management . I never would have thought back in 2014 , when we left our home port as a scared deer in headlights , I would come to enjoy my new life as much as I do and my enthusiasm for cruising and sharing it with others is just an added benefit . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I want women to know that there is a spot or niche for everyone in the marine industry . One just needs to find what brings joy to their life and figure out what steps to take to find that niche . It helps when other women are there to support you and offer advise or a glass of wine when you need it . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Find a great mentor , read everything you can get your hands on , watch videos on social media platforms , take a chance on something that you may think is out of your comfort zone . My first two years working with the Annapolis Boat Shows , my mantra was ‘ fake it until you make it ’. Basically , do not let doubts win , conquer fear and find happiness in your own success . What is your favorite place to go boating ? Truthfully , I have not found a bad place to go boating . Anywhere our boat is that allows us to jump off and go swimming in warm water will always be my favorite place .
Sandra Gaskins
Plant Manager , Robalo Boats LLC
Education : High School Years in the marine industry : 37 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? Growing up in a small town , it was exciting to see loads of huge boats being transported all over the world . I wondered where the boats were headed and what memories would be made once the boat met its owner . I wanted to be part of the excitement of producing fun time memories for everyone on the water . Working with the great team of Robalo Boats has allowed me to realize my dream .
What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? You have to be willing and ready to accept change . The marine industry is constantly evolving and improving processes and products . Our company has always been known as a leader in innovation and quality excellence . Taking pride in the quality of work you produce enhances the brand and exceeds the expectations of our dealers and customers around the world . This is something we strive for every day and through a dedicated team and leadership I am proud to say we achieve it ! If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Being promoted as the first ever female plant manager in our company is a great honor . I have been able to take the knowledge I have gained over 37 years and use it to lead the Interiors Plant in our company . I never sought titles or personal recognition . I focused on my passion for the quality of work I produced and my hard work and passion was rewarded with my current position as our company plant manager over the Interior department . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I have always been treated with respect and been allowed to make my own decisions and learn from my mistakes . I have been able to work with amazing team members and I have had great role models that mentored and coached me
28 june 2023 www . boatingindustry . com