to show that it can be done differently . Women can make a big impact in the watersports , also if they are starting from scratch or living in a small country or place . If your passion is in place , you ’ re your story is good , you can absolutely succeed ! I like to give other women the possibilities to grow , by investing in young potential and growing their network . I want to contribute and inspire others to be the best version of themselves and reach for the moon . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Just start ! Have your story ready and partner with other women . Let nothing hold you back . Help each other succeed , no matter what .
Alicia Dudezki
General Manager , Bluffers Park Marina
Education : BA Hon . Environmental Biology / English , SVOP , AMI Intermediate Marina Management Years in the marine industry : 17 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : Ontario Place Marina : Dock Master , Harbourmaster , Manager ; Mariposa Cruises : Cruise Manager , Deckhand ; Old Mill Marina : General Manager . What first drew you to the marine industry ? We had many family boats ( from a 42 Catalina to a 37 Carver ) throughout my entire childhood which dominated the majority of our summers / time off . Since boating was my family ’ s and my leisure / fun activity , I thought it ’ d be amazing if I could find a career doing what I love ! Low and behold , from starting at the bottom as a summer student Dock Master , I worked my way up , and over the years , absorbed any and all information I could about the industry , and here I am ! What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? It ’ s tough ! Managing customers , vessels , employees , and all of the different kinds of
relationships that come along with those categories is super difficult ! No amount of education can prepare you for what comes out of people ’ s mouths or what can happen to vessels on and off the water . I feel experience and working successfully through each scenario is the only way to truly understand the best methods to tackle each situation ! If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Being hired in my current position has certainly been an achievement I ’ m proud of . I was GM at a beautiful marina in cottage country with no intention of leaving until my dream job as the General Manager at Bluffer ’ s Park Marina in the GTA became available . I applied and met with some of the awesome owners and directors who appreciated my many years of experience and expertise , and here I am ! Being here is the ultimate challenge and test of my skills ; summer slips , winter storage , mechanic shop , fuel dock , fishing tournaments , busy transient docking , public park , restaurant and pub … what doesn ’ t BPM have ?! And , I get to deal with all of it ! How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? There is no doubt in my mind that anything a man can do , a woman can do as well ( if not better )! I continue to never say ‘ no ’ to a task and want to master all aspects of the industry . The marine industry is absolutely known to be maledominated , but I slowly see the tides turning . More women ' s names on vessel ownerships , more women summer students applying , and I have some powerhouse women working with me who kickass in their respective positions ( yard crew , office administrator , summer attendant , etc .)! What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Don ’ t get discouraged . Getting your feet wet ( pun intended ) in the male-dominated marine industry can certainly be intimidating . My advice is to never say no to an opportunity , take chances , try new things , ask questions , and never give up . Cheesy , sure , but it ’ s what got me to where I am !
Lisa Lynn Gilbert
Senior Business Administrator , Priority One Financial Services
Education : Bachelor of Science Years in the marine industry : 24 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? My work at Priority One is what brought me to the industry . I knew nothing about boating when I began my career , even though my husband and I owned a boat ourselves ! I began noticing some of the boat models that came across my desk as I helped customers . As my curiosity grew , I took a closer look at the engines and customizations . I started taking pictures and making a book with descriptions of each boat – something I thought would be beneficial to my team at the time . I ’ ve worked with over 23,000 customers at this point in my career , so I ’ ve seen a lot of boats ! What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? Things change often in this industry . You cannot assume that the “ norm ” is always correct . I work in a department where we need to “ cross every ‘ t ’ and dot every ‘ I ’.” It takes a lot to keep up with new financing standards and regulations today , so newness and change is something I am constantly preparing for . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? It is always an honor to be among the list of nominees for Priority One ’ s annual “ Above & Beyond ” peer-nominated awards and “ Dealers ’ Choice ” dealer-nominated awards . It is rewarding to see my hard work noticed and appreciated in a formal capacity . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I do hope that my experiences and knowledge can provide hope to future women in the industry . Don ’ t hold back . Take risks . When it feels uncomfortable to put yourself out
12 june 2024 www . boatingindustry . com