How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? As a woman in the marine industry , I believe my actions and achievements , both in the industry as well as in the community , allow me a solid foundation to lead by example . I strongly believe in paying it forward , investing in your employees , and encouraging others to face their fears , get through their obstacles , and understand that regardless of gender , they have support . It ’ s important to empower one another and help one another grow . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? For women starting their careers in the marine industry , I would say the same thing I would to anyone : first , listen . Listen more than you speak so that when you do , your communication is most effective . Be confident , and never feel like you are not good enough . Embrace the challenges that you will face , continue to develop and grow , and , more than anything , build your network around you . It will give you a sense of community and strength .
Karen White
Chief Operating Officer , Marina Holdings
Education : MBA , University of Maine Years in the marine industry : 17 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? I had been working part-time as an admin at a PT clinic . Once my kids were both in school , I needed to work fulltime , and the clinic couldn ’ t offer me that at the time . I had no previous experience in the marine industry . I just applied for an interesting sounding job in the parts department at Yarmouth Boat Yard , and being on the water was a bonus ! I didn ’ t think there was any chance they would hire me , but Steve ( Arnold , Owner ) likes to tell everyone since that once he heard that I had previously
been a waitress and a bank teller , he knew I could multi-task , I was detail oriented , and that I would be a perfect fit . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? The biggest lesson I would say I had to learn is to be able to pivot quickly . Things change by the second , and you must be ready for anything . Having processes and procedures in place for when things are going right is great , but having a backup plan for when things are not is key .
Another lesson I have learned is how much it helps to master as many jobs as possible . It has helped me learn how it all works together . I started in the parts department , then I moved to the service department . I was also doing warranty , billing , and scheduling . I used to put the docks in in the spring and
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