Women making
the corporate empire within a male-dominated industry was undoubtedly accompanied by obstacles . However , I now view those challenges as valuable opportunities that have shaped me into the resilient woman I am today . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? My aspiration is to persistently inspire women and girls , sharing guidance rooted in my personal experiences and knowledge . I aim to empower them to overcome obstacles by reminding them of their natural capabilities , enabling them to flourish and represent their true potential . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Embrace your authentic self and trust your instincts firmly . Your uniqueness is unmatched . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? Engaging with my community brings me happiness , and in my free time , I actively participate in the AAUW organization , which empowers women and girls .
Dana Koman
Marketing Manager , TACO Marine , brand of TACO Metals , LLC , a subsidiary of Patrick Industries
Education : Bachelor ’ s degree , Southern New Hampshire University Years in the marine industry : 13 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : Edgartown Yacht Club , Junior Sailing Program Administrator ; Wild Coffee Marketing , Marketing Consultant for marine industry . What first drew you to the marine industry ? As someone who grew up in the Utah desert , I was introduced to the marine industry when I began working at the Edgartown Yacht Club on the island of Martha ’ s Vineyard . My first job there was as a receptionist . I quickly became immersed in the boating and sailing culture of the EYC . From there , I eventually became the club ’ s Junior
Sailing Program Administrator . My love for the marine industry , combined with my passion for writing and marketing , eventually led to my career with TACO Marine as the company ’ s marketing manager . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? The marine industry is a small industry . Everyone knows everyone . In that respect , “ so much of what we do is all about relationships .” A Patrick Industries colleague said that to me one day and it has stuck with me ever since because it ’ s 100 percent true . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? When I started with TACO , we had almost no social media presence or brand awareness beyond our relationships with OEM and key aftermarket distributors . Expanding TACO ’ s brand presence , from primarily an OEM component manufacturer to now a leading aftermarket and consumer product supplier with must-have essentials for the boating and sport fishing lifestyle , is something of which I am very proud . However , I cannot take sole credit for this accomplishment . Through the support of my boss Mike Kushner , colleagues Mark Henderson and Phillip Taschioglou , and long-time marketing lead colleague Zoe Rawitz , we ’ ve taken the TACO brand to new heights through new branding , a totally revamped website , strategic advertising and social media campaigns , new TACO Pro
Teams , charitable tournament sponsorships , community engagement , an expansive library of how-to videos , product education and much more . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? Yes and no . Because I did not grow up in or around boats like many of my colleagues , there was a steep learning curve . After more than 13 years in the industry , I ’ m still learning new things all the time . However , the learning aspect keeps my job exciting and engaging . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ?
Through my marketing work at TACO , I am focused on more diversity in our campaigns featuring women at the helm . Additionally , I am continually working toward bettering myself , broadening my skill set and learning as much as I can about all aspects of the marine industry . I want to be successful and effective in my role , and to be known as a knowledgeable resource for others . I hope to be an example to other women in the industry and show that anything is possible through hard work , passion for the job and dedication . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? You are worthy , you are capable , you deserve to be here . What is your favorite place to go boating ? Sailing around the British Virgin Islands on a 50-foot Beneteau will remain one of my favorite adventures of all time – an experience I plan to share with my son when he gets older .
Jodi Latshaw
President , United States Warranty Corporation
Education : MBA , Financial Management Services Years in the marine industry : 4 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? The opportunity to diversify my organization ' s portfolio in the extended service contract space . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? Maritime technology . We were already providing our contract holders coverage for other outdoor recreational vehicles , so adding a watercraft product made for a one stop shop for our dealer partners in the U . S . and Canada . Having a unique exclusionary plan that covered these high-tech related components was business critical for our contract holders and marinas / repair shops . The buyers are changing . Having a product that answers the needs of these purchasers will be necessary for survival . Afterall , we are selling fun . Protecting that investment is how we can help keep the fun going . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Being awarded the Boating Industry 40 Under 40 in 2021 along with my COO was an absolute honor . Through good times and bad , I have a core group of people whose dedication to
32 june 2023 www . boatingindustry . com