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 would be team management . Working with many different personality styles is not always an easy task . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? If I had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , it would be opening the door for more women . When I first started in the shipping department , aside from our shipping coordinator , I was the only female , working side by side with a group of men who quickly became more like brothers and even a father figure . Jobs were shifting and I had an opportunity to help bring in a new female staff member . She joined our team in the middle of covid and fit in perfectly . Starting in the shipping room as well , she is now in charge of our incoming freight in the warehouse . Working together , we have completely reorganized the whole warehouse , assuring we have more room for our growing inventory , and it is more organized , allowing our teams to be able to work more efficiently .
Shortly after , I brought another female onto our team . Three years into her job , she is now doing amazing in our shipping department and is currently training with our shipping coordinator to slide into her position once she retires .
Since then , we have brought on two more women , leaving us with a shipping department run by women . The women ( and men ) on my team are amazing . I couldn ’ t ask for a better group of people to work beside . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? Yes and no . I got my foot in the door , with a job I enjoyed , for a company I loved and ran with it . I started on the shipping bench packing orders , but I knew I wanted more . So , I learned to process orders , then I started to really get a better understanding of our products so I could start picking the orders . Once I mastered those jobs , I then offered my time down in production helping build lights . I wanted to learn the ins and outs of the company that I knew I wanted to plant my roots with . I started taking on special projects , being a part of committees , and just helping where I could . Six years later , I found myself being offered the position as the manager of the shipping and warehouse team . So , when asked if it was difficult , the answer is no . Sure there were and are some hard days , but really everything just happened to fall into place .
The difficult part of navigating my career were relationships I had formed . Not all were pleased to see the progress I had made . I didn ’ t have any ill intent ; I just came to work to do what I enjoyed . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? The marine industry comes off as a man ’ s industry , but I didn ’ t let that intimidate me . I started at Imtra with no experience , and I was the only woman in my department , aside from the coordinator in the shipping office . I worked side by side with a team of men who may have felt entitled to a position I now have . I was offered a position that I was good at , working for a company whose culture I love , and I flourished . At the same time my career flourished , my home life was drastically changing . I had just become a new mom . There were plenty of days of struggle , trying to find the perfect balance between home life and work . I would lie if I said it was easy . But I am blessed to work for such an amazing and understanding company . Being able to still attend both doctor appointments and work meetings .
I didn ’ t let my age or my gender determine if I was good enough to be in this industry . I let my work ethic and my motivation make that decision . I hope women out there continue to go after their dreams and do the jobs they love . It ’ s amazing how well things can fall into place . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Don ’ t shy away from a job because it isn ’ t “ shiny ” or it ’ s a “ man ’ s job ”. If it is something you enjoy doing , do it ! You will be amazed where it can take you .
Lori Wheeler
Vice President , Marine Industries Association of South Florida
Education : Florida Atlantic University Years in the marine industry : 10 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? I fell into the marine industry by accident . I was in search of a new job , and a friend knew of this company called the Marine Industries Association of South Florida ; they were hiring , and the rest is history . That was truly my entry point into this unknown industry that I quickly learned was not a secret and is one of the largest economic drivers in our region . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? I continue to learn every day , but one of the most valuable lessons is how important it is to build a strong network . Being collaborative in an association atmosphere , as in all business , is extremely important . A team helps cultivate new ideas , problem solve , and bring unique perspectives . Whether your network is in your office , your industry , or your community , it ’ s one of the keys to moving forward . It ’ s also important to remember that being at the table keeps you relevant . I sit on numerous boards and committees throughout the community , and I believe in doing so , I am building my network , doing positive things that matter , and keeping the marine industry at the table . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? My most memorable achievement in the marine industry is getting the Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program off the ground and running . Started by a team of industry leaders , MIASF , the Florida Department of Education , and Atlantic Technical College , the two-year program is in its 5th year , having graduated 3 classes to date . As challenging as this task has been and continues to be , it is also more rewarding than I could ever have imagined . You become an instructor , a chair , in some ways , a parent , and mostly , a mentor , all while building the future workforce of the industry . I am proud of where we are with this program and look forward to class 6 and beyond . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I have been exceptionally fortunate in navigating my career throughout my short ten years . I was blessed with a good team surrounding me and the most tremendous mentors who regularly push me out of my comfort zone , driving me to grow . For this , I am thankful .
24 june 2024 www . boatingindustry . com