Boating Industry June 2024 | Page 21

goes in the bank and he is a hero . But there are 20 touchpoints in getting that boat into the hands of the customer , especially with a custom overseas order . That requires a sharp eye and sharp pencil to keep profits high and a happy customer . That ’ s where I come in . Through tenacious maintenance of this macro view , I now have the attention of this male-dominant group and have risen to the ranks within our top-tier management counsel . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I hope my curiosity , eagerness to learn , willingness to share knowledge , and readiness to constructively challenge the status quo inspires other women in the marine industry to break through the fiberglass ceiling . When I reflect on all the “ would ’ ve , could ’ ve , should ’ ve ” moments of my professional career , I will encourage women to take stock of their skills and trumpet their contributions as they navigate their careers . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Always be eager to learn something new , take ownership of your job , maintain high morals and work ethics , and be mindful of the disposition you want to have whether it ’ s six months from now , two years from now , or 10 years from now .

IT Director , Tiara Yachts

Education : Three bachelor ’ s degrees : Elementary Education , Pensacola Christian College ; Software Development / Systems Analysis , Davenport University ; PC / Network Management , Davenport University . Years in the marine industry : 32 years ( it will be 33 years on 8 / 19 / 24 ) What first drew you to the marine industry ? When I first came to work at Tiara Yachts , I wasn ’ t seeking

a career in the marine industry . I was fresh out of college with an education degree , and I planned to stay for a year or two until I found a teaching position . However , I fell in love with the company , the people , and the products . Seeing how dedicated our team was to creating such beautiful products was inspiring and something I wanted to continue to be a part of .

I had always wanted to pursue a degree in technology , but lacked the confidence to enter the male-dominated industry . When Tiara offered a tuition reimbursement program , I jumped at the opportunity . This empowered me to receive two additional bachelor ’ s degrees in Software Development / Systems Analysis and PC / Network Management . Tiara has been incredibly supportive of my journey and has also supported others in exploring different educational avenues .

For more than 30 years , I ’ ve had a boat of my own , and

For 60 years at Chaparral and Robalo Boats , a team of dedicated employees have continued to lead the industry by introducing innovative products with forward thinking designs . Every model is built by expert craftsmen and distributed by the finest world-wide dealer network .

We are very proud of Debbie and Michelle for all of their dedication , hard work and contributions to the success of our company . Debbie is Chaparral and Robalo ’ s Interior Plant Manager with 35 years of dedicated service and Michelle is the Assistant Controller / AP Manager for Chaparral and Robalo Boats with 28 years of dedicated service .

Congratulations to Debbie and Michelle . They both epitomize the essence of Women Making Waves throughout the marine industry . What lies ahead shines bright at Chaparral and Robalo Boats .

DEBBIE SUTTON Plant Manager Interiors

MICHELLE PRESLEY Assistant Controller / AP Manager

CHAPARRALBOATS . COM • ROBALO . COM

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