my happy place is on the water , so I understand the love that our customers have for boating . I ’ m honored to be able to contribute to the experience they have on their own Tiara Yacht and to share my passion with customers through my work . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? The marine industry is very unique in how passionate our customers are about their yachts . Seeing that passion , we strive to exceed their expectations , and to do so , we must be equally passionate about the products that we build . This requires extensive collaboration between the teams in all areas of our company by developing strong relationships built on mutual trust and support . Quality is always important , but as a luxury brand , the quality of our yachts is foremost in the minds of our customers and requires a focused approach from each of our employees . As in life and in the marine industry , there is nothing permanent except change . It is crucial that we focus on continuous improvement in both our processes and our product . Working together , we can design , build , sell , and deliver world-class yachts to our customers that exceed their expectations . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Many years ago , we implemented an Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP ) System . It was a long and difficult process , but the success of this project has provided the foundation for the improvement of many of our business processes and data . There was a time at Tiara when technology was considered a necessary evil . This was especially true in our production processes . We rightfully viewed our building processes as manual artistry , and technology was seen as antithetical . However , in the last several years , by working closely with our teams and listening to their input , we ’ ve been able to successfully integrate technology and our ERP system into our production environment in ways that have streamlined processes , provided business intelligence for improved decision making , and supported our efforts to produce the highest possible quality products . This work is part of an extensive digital manufacturing project currently underway at Tiara . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I ’ ve had the privilege of seeing many others pursue their careers with integrity and a commitment to excellence , and it is my mission to also lead by this example . At Tiara , I have the opportunity to work with many women , and it is my privilege to be a resource and to support and encourage them as they grow in their careers .
There are many opportunities in the marine industry , and I encourage women to look for ways that they can use their unique talents and skills to reach their personal goals and further the goals of their company . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? I would encourage them to remain curious , to ask questions , and to never stop learning ; always remember that your education doesn ’ t end when you graduate .
Endeavor to be a team player . Creating meaningful connections and supporting your teammates will help the company to function more cohesively and to run like a well-oiled machine . It is incredibly rewarding to support the growth and efforts of your teammates and to win together .
Lastly , strive for perfection . I know it may sound like an obvious and impossible feat , but I strongly encourage everyone to always push to be better . And be patient . Excellence isn ’ t achieved overnight , but with enough hard work and dedication , you will get there .
Tina Sodemann
SE Sales Manager , Syntec Industries
Education : Some College at Pellissippi State Community College Years in the marine industry : 37 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : G & T Industries Customer Service manager and G & T Industries Sales ; Worked for them for 22 years . What first drew you to the marine industry ? Relocation of Sea Ray moving to Knoxville Area . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? Conduct yourself with integrity and follow through with what you say you are going to do . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Maintaining a large account when my mentor retired . A lot of people doubted my capabilities .
Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? At times , yes . When I started , there were very few women in this industry , but I learned that when you know your product and treat people with respect , they will do the same in return . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I absolutely love the marine industry , mainly because of the people and relationships I have built over the years . I want to share with other women that If you work hard and care about the job you are doing , it is very rewarding . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? If you are in sales position , you want to be awarded the business because you know your product and work for a great organization . Find other women to mentor you . Having been in this industry for so long , I feel it is my responsibility to mentor and support younger women in their careers , helping them grow and succeed in their personal journeys .
Debbie Sutton
Plant Manager , Chaparral Boats
Education : High School Years in the marine industry : 36 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? Growing up in a small town , a lot of my family worked for Chaparral and Robalo Boats and loved it . I wanted to be a part of something that connected me to the world . Working for Chaparral and Robalo boats has been an amazing opportunity for me and my family .
22 june 2024 www . boatingindustry . com