Women making
What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? Working in the marine industry is much more than just a job . While we can fall into a routine of getting up and going to work and fall into the traps of the day-to-day grind , it ’ s always good to remind yourself that you are responsible for creating so many positive memories for someone . Most people do not need a boat , therefore by boating they are simply doing it for the enjoyment of the lifestyle and for the memories they will make with their friends and family .
I have also learned a lot about being the only woman in the room and how having a more diverse workplace can really benefit our industry . Having others with different life experiences working in the industry brings many more opinions to the table and is extremely beneficial for all parties , from the customers to the team members and industry professionals . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? It is difficult to choose just one as I have been involved in many amazing moments in Legend Boats ’ history . For me , it would be this new venture and having earned the trust of my coworkers to take on this new out-of-the-box project . Starting a new division , based solely on finding new and innovative ways to get people boating , has been really eye-opening . I feel very proud to have been chosen . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I would say yes and no . While having been exposed to the industry my entire life , I already had a lot of knowledge that could take others coming in fresh many years to learn .
Working within a family business can come with its own set of challenges . One of the prominent hurdles is the constant scrutiny from coworkers , where the expectation to prove oneself worthy and deserving of the position becomes more pronounced . This expectation is particularly heightened for me as a female employee . I had to earn the respect of my peers and establish my credibility within the industry . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? While inspiring other women is a big responsibility , I want to show women that this is not just a boys club , and that our opinions on
the marine industry matter . It is not only men who enjoy boating , and if there are no women or diversity at the table , then the industry will always market and create things that are comfortable to them . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Educate . Always be learning and informed . Speak up and make your opinions known , and don ’ t settle into roles or responsibilities that are traditionally for women . Ask to be in the meetings or to attend the conferences . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? I enjoy spending quality time with my family , including my husband , our delightful one-anda-half-year-old daughter , and our extended relatives . I have a deep passion for various designrelated activities , such as interior design , planning memorable parties , and exploring the world of fashion . These creative pursuits allow me to express my artistic side . In the summer and fall , I love going to the cottage with my family , spending time on the water , campfires and playing lawn games and exploring Manitoulin Island .
Nicole Schantz
Vice President , OEM & Strategic Partnerships , Boatline
Education : St . Cloud State University Years in the marine industry : 10 years ( 2005- 2011 and 2020-2023 ) Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : I spent several years working at Boat Trader , which was a Dominion Enterprises company at the time . I learned a lot about the marine industry and was able to expound on my marine experience once I transitioned over to Trader Interactive . It ’ s been a great journey that I ’ m excited to continue for years to come .
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I grew up fishing with my dad and grandpa , so boating has always been a part of my life . As I got older and started a family of my own , we have made a conscious effort to ensure outdoor recreation is a part of our family ’ s experiences . Although we don ’ t currently own a boat , we take any chance we can to hop on a boat with friends or rent a boat during our family cabin weekends . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? Working in marine sales for several years has shown me just how community-oriented the whole industry is . Everyone cares about keeping the experience fun for marine professionals and marine buyers alike . There is not one person I have ever met in this business that doesn ’ t love the work they are doing to push the marine industry forward . It ’ s certainly a personal passion . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? As vice president of emerging brands at Trader Interactive in 2021 , I partnered with the product and marketing teams to develop the go to market strategy as we officially launched our first recreational marine brand , Boatline . This opportunity allowed me to take all the leadership skills I ’ ve gained over the years and put them into action on one of our most successful projects to date . I couldn ’ t be prouder to work with the talented individuals at Trader Interactive to build this cutting edge nextgeneration boat marketplace . I ’ m grateful to see the impact Boatline has had on dealers and manufacturers thus far .
Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? Before joining the Trader Interactive team , I spent several years focusing on projects outside of the marine industry .
It felt like I lost a little ground and had to get reacquainted with the marine industry once I made my
38 june 2023 www . boatingindustry . com