head service writer at Hall ’ s Sport Center . With my years of diverse knowledge , I feel I excel in this position and feel at home , having pulled all the pieces together with past roles , to make this the perfect fit . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? I have learned many lessons , but there are two main takeaways in business that feel are of the upmost importance . 1 . Customer service ; This is why we are here , to give each customer the best service you can . It ’ s a small community here in West Michigan , so if you treat people fairly and in a timely fashion , word gets around fast . Keep them happy and they keep coming back . 2 . Equally important is the quality of your work . As head service writer , I must make sure that my techs have a clear understanding of what needs to be done and to what degree . We have to always remember that accurately communicating ensures that the work gets done correctly and that the customer is satisfied . The safety of the customer is dependent on the service we provide , there can be no margin for error . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry as a woman ? OH YES ! It is most definitely a challenge but a gratifying one to say the least . First of all , you work in an office , yet still have to learn all of the technical terms , parts , diagnostic issues , terms and what is the best approach to take care of the customer . To add to all of that , you have to gain the respect of your peers , which are almost always men . Next is the customer . They don ’ t intend to do it , but they will stereotype at first . As they start to see that you know just as much or more than they do , the conversation turns in a positive direction and the problems or requests get solved the same as if a man were to help them . Eventually , you become known as the “ woman to go ask .” How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I hope to set an example of being a positive light with a strong work ethic that most women possess by nature . You need to grow a thick layer of skin to work in this industry . This comes with time but the strength you gain will build a deep layer of confidence that will only propel you through this industry . If this is your passion , go straight in and do not let anyone tell you that you cannot do what a man does in the same role .
What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? If boating is your passion , go for it ! Immerse yourself in all of the knowledge you can from those around you . Take note and learn from people who have been in the business for a long period of time . The fundamentals of the industry never change , but the technology and manufactures are always evolving . Listen to your techs , they have been involved in many facets of boating repair , as they hold the most tribal knowledge . Also , never forget your outliers in the business ; fiberglass repair , detailers , canvas workers and many more . Every different department within the boating industry hold key knowledge that will always help you advance . All in all , everyone is important and will somehow , someway have something to offer you in knowledge .
Christine Carlson McKone
Vice President of Marketing & Communications , Volvo Penta
Education : B . A . University of South Carolina Years in the marine industry : 8 years What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? Life is better on a boat . I knew that before , but I ’ ve developed a deeper appreciation for what we create at Volvo Penta and the memories that we enable through this industry . We ’ re all in the business of shaping moments that allow us to disconnect from the daily distractions of life and re-connect with what and who matter most . And for that , we are extremely fortunate . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Several years back there was regulation in place that prevented boaters from participating in watersports behind a Forward Drive-powered boat , due to outdated language that did not take new innovations into consideration . I was part of a team , led by colleagues from Volvo Penta ’ s Chesapeake , Virginia HQ office , our public affairs group in D . C ., the NMMA and several Virginia dealers who took to the state Capital in Richmond in an effort to lobby for new legislation . The efforts paid off in the form of a bill signed into law by Virginia Governor Northam . Now Virginia boaters can enjoy towed watersports , including wakesurfing , behind boats where the propeller is placed forward of the transom or an integrated swim platform . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? The only limitations I ’ ve experienced were the ones I set upon myself . I ’ ve yet to come across someone in this industry – whether a peer , a leader , an industry partner , or even an industry icon – who was not willing to support in development however possible . There is an amazing network of individuals out there with their own stories of inspiration and advice , but it ’ s up to each of us to reach out personally and make those connections . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I often share authentic stories about the challenges and joys of being a mother , while serving in a leadership role , managing a hectic travel schedule , volunteering in the community and somehow still finding time to prioritize self-care . Being a professional and parent isn ’ t about finding balance . It ’ s a constant juggling act – balls will go up , balls will go down , and some balls will inevitably fall . My hope is that in sharing my own vulnerabilities , other women will know that we don ’ t have to do it all and be everything to everyone all at once . If we just focus on doing our best , that is the best that we can ever do . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Be authentic . Recognize who you are and embrace that to the fullest . Leverage the characteristics that make you unique and honor the strengths you bring to the table .
Marieke de Boer
Founder , IMPACD Boats
Education : Lean Six Sigma – Master Black belt behavioural studies Years in the marine industry : 4 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? My initial attraction to the marine industry
10 june 2024 www . boatingindustry . com