Women making
support that I received made me feel like I wasn ’ t navigating this path alone . The main challenge I experienced was applying my existing skillset to an entirely new industry . The ongoing support I received , mixed with the niche marine industry , has allowed me to expand upon my existing skillset and develop even greater skills ; this has provided an engaging challenge . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I hope to inspire other women in the industry by leading by example and being a source of encouragement . I hope by continuing to demonstrate professionalism , integrity , and dedication to personal / professional growth , I will be a source of inspiration for others . I will continue to encourage those around me to work to develop a growth mindset and emphasize the importance of continuous learning in order to be successful and advance the industry . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Build strong relationships . Cultivate strong connections with colleagues , superiors , customers , and other marine industry professionals . Consistently work to build a reputation for being reliable , professional , and supportive . Work to develop a resilient problemsolving mindset and always embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? One of my favorite summer hobbies is gardening . There is always a sense of achievement growing something from a tiny seed and canning all the vegetables to be enjoyed for months to come . My husband and I also enjoy hiking and have a passion for the mountains .
Lacey Neahr
Category and Inventory Director , SeaWide , LKQ Specialty
Education : Dartmouth College Years in the marine industry : 4 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? Prior to joining the marine industry , I enjoyed working with Outdoor brands . Their strong brand identities , enthusiastic customers and close-knit communities were appealing . When I saw an opportunity to help grow SeaWide ’ s business ,
I was curious to what extent my past experiences with the Outdoor world would translate to the marine industry . During my interview , I could see that the team loved what they did and were passionate about the brands they distributed . Ultimately the culture is what drew me to the industry and why I stay . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? The power of networking and relationship building . People who work in the marine industry are deeply passionate about their jobs . Many have worked in the industry for decades and have built profound friendships . Understanding those dynamics and leaning on mentors to help navigate key relationships is critical . Those relationships create a level of trust between business partners and competitors not often seen in other industries . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Leading the SeaWide Category and Inventory Team transition into LKQ Specialty ’ s systems and processes . When SeaWide was acquired by LKQ Specialty , we gained new teammates , additional warehouse space , delivery trucks , enhanced IT programs and additional marketing support to grow our business . To take advantage of our new capabilities , we had to move our inventory , pricing , supplier programs , etc ., into LKQ Specialty ’ s systems in the matter of a few months . The project met our timeline , and we were able to meet customer demand for products throughout the transition . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? Navigating a career in the marine industry has unique challenges , but it is not more difficult than any other industry . Regardless of your particular industry , you need to challenge yourself to learn everyday and proactively find opportunities to grow . You also need to be flexible and say yes to unexpected opportunities that may be out of your comfort zone .
How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ?
I would like to inspire other women to not only lead by example but also with their voice . It is vital to put your ideas on the table and illustrate your views . Fresh perspectives are essential to the growth and evolution of any company .
What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? I will give them the same advice that my dad gave me . When you work for a company , work hard , learn beyond your job requirements and treat the business like you are the owner . Always strive to push the company forward and ask yourself how can I move the needle today . What is going to be most impactful to the business both short-term and long-term ? What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? Most weekends you can find me on the softball field , watching a Dodgers game or wine tasting . I love to travel and explore new cultures , cuisines , and landscapes . This year I am excited to travel to Turkey where I will be attending a wedding and stopping to see the natural wonders in Cappadocia and Bodrum .
Anna Ramirez
Product Planning Manager , Marine Leisure , Volvo Penta
Education : B . S . Chemical Engineer M . S . Manufacturing Engineer MBA ( Kellogg School of Management ) Years in the marine industry : 4 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : Caterpillar Inc – Sales and Marketing Manager , Cat Marine What first drew you to the marine industry ? The marine industry was one of the segments I was exposed to during my years in corporate
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