way back . Luckily , I have had the opportunity to partner with a wealth of knowledgeable people who were happy to steer me in the right direction . Everyone I ’ ve worked with welcomed me with open arms . It ’ s been incredible to learn from professionals who are so informed on the marine industry . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I hope to see women continue to use their passion as a catalyst for the work they do in the industry . It ’ s important to me that women receive recognition and representation as leaders . There are so many opportunities for growth and innovation , and I ’ m confident that the next generation of women occupying this space will lead the charge . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? I encourage any woman who is embarking on a career in the marine industry to get out on the water and experience all the industry you support has to offer . Try spending a morning observing a boater launching their boat or rental . You will quickly see areas of opportunity for attracting new consumers and enhancing their overall boating experience . Take the time to visit a dealership so you can understand the sales cycle . Also , make sure to study the available data and its sources . What is your favorite place to go boating ? I love spending time out on Lake Minnetonka or Lake Riley in Minnesota . I live in the area , so I get to visit the area with my family and friends and experience the boating lifestyle first-hand .
Allison Scharnow
Vice President , Marketing & Customer Experience , Chris-Craft
Education : B . A ., Management , University of South Florida ; Masters of Business Administration , University of South Florida , Years in the marine industry : 15 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : MarineMax – Watersports Marketing Manager What first drew you to the marine industry ? My dad . Because of my family ’ s involvement in boating , both personally and professionally , I was fortunate to grow up on the water . He had me behind the wheel of a boat at age three and waterskiing at age four . Since a young age , he has , and continues still , to push me to reach outside my comfort zone and try new things .
At first , I wanted to pursue a career as a corporate lawyer . But it wasn ’ t until I interned at MarineMax in their legal department that I realized I wanted to be a part of the marketing team . This is why I think hands on experience is one of the best things you can do to help guide your career path . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? When I first started at Chris-Craft I was newly engaged and was finishing up my MBA . I took what felt like an intimidating leap from a dealer level position to manufacturer position . Now , I am 10 years into my career at Chris-Craft and married with three girls . In that time , a lot has changed ; including helping transform our product line , pushing the brand to be at the forefront of product , design , and marketing , and undergoing the acquisition by Winnebago Industries .
While a lot has changed , and will continue to , my most memorable achievement is helping to position Chris-Craft as a category of one .
Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I think the boating industry can be intimidating at first for women , but once you are in , you ’ ll never want to get out . It ’ s an industry full of passionate people who are eager to help you learn and lend a hand . In fact , one of the best parts of the industry truly is the people . I quickly learned that boat building is a team sport . And relationships , be it owners , dealers , suppliers , or manufacturers , are what make this industry so great . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I want to inspire other women to find their purpose . My purpose is raising my three daughters to understand wholeheartedly they too can turn their passion into a career . By knowing your purpose , you will have the tenacity to not just pursue your own dreams , but also to lift others up along the way . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Get involved . It is one of the best things you can do . Join industry groups or be on a committee that helps drives change for our industry . You ’ ll be amazed by the people you meet . Don ’ t stop with external involvement , get involved in your own company . Learn how things are done outside your department and don ’ t be afraid to
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