situations such as the uncertainty of the global pandemic to financial downturns , having strong customer relationships in place has served as the anchor during uncertain times . The ability to enjoy a strong community and to have a close network with whom you can collaborate and share best practices leads to a culture of trust and loyalty . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I ’ ve been very fortunate to work closely and alongside many individuals who bring 20 + years of marine industry experience to their roles . My colleagues have openly shared their knowledge and expertise , which made it very easy to launch , navigate and sustain my career . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I hope to be able to show other women that with the right support , you can succeed and thrive in any industry , including marine . The key to success is finding an organization that not only supports you , but also encourages your professional growth and achievements , while also understanding that life happens outside the four walls of your office and provides flexibility on all fronts . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Find mentors within your organization who are willing to help guide you and provide helpful advice and insight . Proactively seek opportunities to get involved and contribute to your organization and / or within the marine industry . Continue to learn and invest in yourself through professional development and educational initiatives .
Dawn Hunt
Director of Human Resources , MarineMax
Education : High School Years in the marine industry : 30 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : Gulfwind Marine : Office Manager What first drew you to the marine industry ? I first came into the marine industry by following a former manager from the automotive industry , but I soon knew that I had found a place that I would stay . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ?
Resiliency ! Not everything happens according to our plan . We have all had to adapt along the way . From the recession of 2008 to the COVID pandemic , we all had to strengthen our agility , problem solving , and flexibility , and we are all better because of it . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Being nominated by my peers for this award is truly a highlight . Human Resources is often a field that is outside of the limelight , which makes this honor even more special ! How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? When I joined the industry , I had a lot to learn . I devoted myself to learning about the industry , and importantly , about the people that make MarineMax so special . Making people ’ s lives better is my personal WHY , and I can fulfill that WHY in the field of Human Resources . Hopefully others will see that hard work along with a love of what you do , combined with WHY you do it . I hope others will see that if you are willing to put forth the effort , you will see the rewards . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Take advantage of every learning opportunity , spend time in other departments , ask questions , and soak up knowledge . Don ’ t be afraid to fail or step out of your comfort zone ― I ’ ve learned the most by saying “ yes ” when a new opportunity arises ― even if I wasn ’ t sure of the outcome or the outcome wasn ’ t what I expected . There is no such thing as failure if you learn from every experience .
Debbie Kent
Chief Human Resources Officer , Malibu Boats , Inc .
Education : Masters in Adult Education , Training / Development Emphasis Years in the marine industry : 13 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? What first drew me to the marine industry was
my upbringing . I grew up camping and boating with my parents from a very young age , and these activities became a fundamental part of my life . My husband and I have continued this tradition with our own children , teaching them to love the outdoors and boating as much as we do . My passion for boats makes working in this industry a dream come true . What better way to spend your career than making products that inspire joy , bring families together , and create lasting memories ? You don ' t find that everywhere . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? One of the biggest lessons I have learned working in the marine industry is the importance of understanding the unique nature of boat building . Unlike high-volume manufacturing , boat building is highly customized . Taking the time to learn and thoroughly understand this specialized manufacturing process is critical . Not only did it help prevent me from making mistakes , it also helped me gain credibility with the team . Embracing this approach has been invaluable in navigating the complexities and nuances of the marine industry . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? If I had to pick one memorable accomplishment in the marine industry , it would be leading the HR function during a period of significant growth for our organization . When I started , we had just two brands and about 300 employees . Over time , we expanded to five companies , eight brands and more than 2,500 employees . It has been incredibly rewarding to be a part of this tremendous growth and to help manage the challenges and opportunities that came with it . This achievement stands out because it underscores the impact of strong HR leadership in fostering a thriving and dynamic workplace . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I hope to inspire other women in the marine industry by demonstrating the tremendous
16 june 2024 www . boatingindustry . com