help take them out in the fall . I drove the forklift to launch and haul . I uncovered boats , cleaned and detailed them . I wanted to know how it all worked . Because of all that experience , I have a deeper understanding of how each department affects the other and how problems can potentially flow to and from each , as well as how the departments all depend on each other . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? I think my biggest achievement was Steve giving me the opportunity to take the Office Manager job back in 2015 . Our previous manager was transitioning to a seasonal position , living part-time in Florida , so the spot opened up . I found myself again in a situation where I would need to learn a new job from top to bottom , but I knew I could do it . I feel like because he had already seen me learn everything from scratch once , he knew he could let me have such an important job . I learned it , I grew it , and grew my own knowledge . Now , I am the COO for the Marina Holdings family of businesses which includes Yarmouth Boat Yard , Moose Landing Marina , Freedom Boat Club of Maine , and Sea Tow Portland / Midcoast . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I was lucky . Steve made it easy . He gives everyone who works for him the opportunity to grow and learn . He will never turn away a request to go to training or a class , anything you can do to make yourself better , both as a person , and at your job . I just recently completed my MBA . I graduated with a Bachelor ’ s in Therapeutic Recreation many years ago . For the last 10 years , I had talked to Steve about wanting to go back and get my Master ’ s degree . He encouraged me to follow through to get it done . I wasn ’ t sure in the beginning if I was going to have to do classes in person , but if I found that I would , he was fine with me having to miss some work time to get it done . I eventually found a local college that offered online classes . I started taking some in 2017 , but then paused in 2019 because of the workload . I switched schools , cut back on how many classes I took at a time , and started back up again in 2021 and graduated this spring from the University of Maine in Orono . I did all my classes online , mostly on the weekends . It was a lot , but it was worth it . I wanted to have that verification to myself and anyone who might ever doubt that I deserve to be where I am .
How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I would say never use your gender as a crutch , and don ’ t let anyone use your gender as a weapon against you . If you come to work every day , give it your all , and prove your worth as a co-worker , nobody can ever say you aren ’ t good at your job because you are a woman . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Women should never be intimidated to enter ANY typically male-dominated industry , not just the marine industry . When I started at Yarmouth Boat Yard , besides the Office Manager , I was the only woman there , but I never once felt intimidated . They were a little wary of me at first , but I fit right in . The more you can learn , the more confidence you gain , and once you have confidence , you can do anything .
Jill Wrobel
Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer , Brunswick Corporation
Education : B . S ., Math , Finance ; Fellow of the Society of Actuaries ( FSA ) Years in the marine industry : 3 years What first drew you to the marine industry ? The people at Brunswick ! Professionally , I was looking to do something new and took a leap during 2020 in the early days of COVID . Upon being introduced to the Brunswick management team , I was so compelled by their vision , ambition and authenticity that I couldn ’ t pass up the opportunity to join them in transforming an industry . With the Next Never Rests spirit , I leapt so enthusiastically it created waves ! What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? Some of my biggest lessons are my most notable observations - the marine industry has incredible employees and people ! I love that marine is all about relationships , especially at the local and individual level , and that translates in how
marine employees authentically care about each other . It ’ s a community formed around a lifelong passion and no matter when you start , you can grow with marine and the marine industry can evolve with you , too . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Brunswick at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (“ CES ”) was huge ! Seeing marine highlighted at the biggest technology and electronics show in the world was a milestone moment for the industry and especially for Brunswick . It ’ s really inspiring to see consumerfocused technology and bold innovation in marine , bringing more opportunities for everyone to access and enjoy the water . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? I ’ ve enjoyed the complexities of marine . There are so many ways to get involved and enjoy the products and the water . While not difficult , the complexity and variety are what makes marine rewarding and fun . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? It ’ s never too late to participate in marine ! While I didn ’ t grow up on the water , I ’ m glad I raised my hand to try something new . I hope to inspire other women in marine to continue to be curious , try new things and strive to encourage others to join and grow . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Be empowered ! Just like the feeling of learning to captain a boat , take the helm in your career by seeking the support of your community , giving yourself grace to learn , keep trying , and have fun !
26 june 2024 www . boatingindustry . com