Women making
and most passionate working people . Many are long standing family – owned businesses and dealerships . Our boats are hand crafted with excellent workmanship of second and third generation boat builders . The boats we are building are providing incredible memories for families and friends . It gives me so much pride to know our company works hard every day to deliver these experiences to our customers all over the world . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Taking a risk out of my comfort zone . When a position opened up in our company , I quickly volunteered to lead the internal sales team . I worked hard to build our team and to continue my work supporting our external sales team , employees and dealers . I faced the challenge with a strong work ethic and passion for our company . I worked hard to earn the respect of my team , our external sales team and executives . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I have found the marine industry is built on establishing long term , incredible relationships . Dealers , vendors and employees are always willing to work together and do what it takes to be successful . Throughout my tenure at Chaparral and Robalo Boats , I have been afforded a unique opportunity to have the greatest mentors in the industry . To name some very important mentors – Ann Baldree , Buck Pegg and Jim Lane . I have worked hard to be a good student and have admired the bold moves they have made throughout the unique challenges and opportunities in our industry and beyond . I began my career in September of 2001 , one week later we faced 9 / 11 . Then came the great recession and most recently , COVID-19 . These unique seasons in our industry have helped shape my career . I have always felt respected , appreciated and valued for my individual contribution to our company . I have tremendous respect and admiration for our team at Chaparral and Robalo Boats . We face every challenge with bold moves to protect our dealers , employees and customers and to never settle for the status quo . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? As a leader in the industry , it is our responsibility to help inspire and grow talented women and men in our workforce and industry . It is essential to our future success . I work with a talented team of
young women . It is my goal each day to teach them and to encourage them to realize their professional and personal goals . I have also had the pleasure to participate in the mentoring program Women in The Industry 1 + 1 , which connects people at the start of their careers with industry leaders . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Work hard and find the unique value that you bring to your company . Build lasting relationships in your company , community and the industry . Study our industry and get involved . Surround yourself with an ambitious strong team . Be honest and direct . Recognize your team – it is your work family . What is your favorite place to go boating ? My family and I enjoy offshore fishing in the Destin , Florida area . It gives us the opportunity to disconnect and spend quality time together .
Jennifer Hasbrouck
President / Owner , Freedom Boat Club San Diego , Channel Islands , Mavcco Market Fuel and Bait
Education : B . S ., Exercise Physiology , Florida State University ; Doctor of Chiropractic , Palmer College of Chiropractic Years in the marine industry : 10 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? Growing up in Sarasota , Florida , and on the water boating my entire life is where my love for boating started . My husband and I moved out to San Diego and knew that we wanted to start our own business , but did not know what exactly . Because we had come from a boating culture in Florida , it only made sense once the opportunity presented itself that we open the FBC franchise in San Diego . My love for boating is in my blood and I cannot imagine my life without it . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? That the industry is always evolving and changing , and you can either fight against that change and stay stagnant or embrace it and evolve with the industry and where the future of the boating industry is going .
If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Winning the Freedom Boat Club Franchise of the Year in 2019 at our annual Freedom Forum Conference . This is the most coveted award in the Freedom Boat Club network , and it was an honor to receive the award and be recognized for all the hard work and dedication that we have put in . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? It ' s a hard question to answer , so I would have to say yes and no . Yes , because when opening the business in 2014 , we were the first West Coast Franchise , and no one knew who Freedom Boat Club was out here . We had to work extremely hard to build brand recognition and build trust from our prospects and members . On the other side , no , it was not difficult to navigate a career in this industry because my husband and I had such a love for the water and boating that it made our jobs easy and definitely fun . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ?
I hope to inspire other women in the marine industry by showing them that anyone , despite your background , can get into the marine space . Yes , I was around boats most of my life , but I went to school to become a doctor , and would have never dreamed that this is what I would be doing now . The marine industry for many years has been more male dominant , so I would tell those women interested to just go for it and believe in themselves . Over my 10 years in the industry , it has been so amazing to see more women join the industry . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Work hard and do not let anyone get in the way of what you want to achieve . Tell yourself that you belong there just as much as anyone else . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? Spending time with my husband and two sons , traveling ( especially to Europe ), shopping , interior design and decorating my house and Muay Thai .
30 june 2023 www . boatingindustry . com