// PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
GK : I like the variety and the travel the most . I never do the same thing every day because there ’ s always something new to focus on , or a new project to tackle . And , I love visiting new places , especially if water is nearby . I have a map and have colored the states I ’ ve visited : I have only three left , Iowa , Nebraska and Oklahoma .
BI : What were the challenges … and how did you earn a “ seat at the table ?” AH : My two biggest challenges are keeping up with the ever-changing world of marketing and being a female in a male-dominated industry .
Keeping up with marketing changes is as exhilarating as it is defeating . Utilizing mentors , webinars , AMA and surrounding myself with a team of intelligent , passionate people have been my go-to and a key to success . Long ago a mentor told me to always surround myself with those that are smarter than me and always have bench strength . These words have served me well .
As for being in a male-dominated industry , I ’ ve learned you must think differently and then think even bigger than that . Gender should never precede our ability ; women must make sure we don ’ t limit ourselves to being labeled differently and not let gender expectations dictate what we do . The most important thing I can do to overcome this challenge is supporting other women in our industry , actively standing up for one another and leading by example .
Abbey Heimensen , VP Marketing , MarineMax
GK : In 2005 , I was teaching middle school in Kentucky and saw an advertisement for an organization that wanted someone with an education background and a boating background . Since I ’ d grown up canoeing and kayaking , I applied and was hired as the first Education Director for NASBLA . I had a boating safety certificate when I was hired , but I was unaware that the boating safety laws varied from state to state . I learned a lot from the state marine law enforcement officers and state education coordinators . I felt I had finally earned my seat at the table when I was quoted by USA Today as a “ boating safety expert ” a couple of years later . MD : I was a young female in my twenties when I began , and I knew I needed to work hard to prove that I could be successful . I spent the first few years learning , asking questions , listening , and absorbing all that I could and arranged meetings with everyone that the association was involved with … state / federal agencies , organizations involved in boating / related activities , other associations both in and out of the state and members and business owners .
I wasn ’ t always taken seriously but I never let that get in my way , ever . I worked as hard as I could and communicated relentlessly . I put our members and their needs first and pushed forward . I have a strong drive to solve problems and help others . We faced incredible challenges over the years . I believe that my work in facing and overcoming them earned my seat at the table .
Gender should never precede our ability ; women must make sure we don ’ t limit ourselves to being labeled differently and not let gender expectations dictate what we do .
Abbey Heimensen VP Marketing , MarineMax
BI : What are three key strategies necessary for long-term career success in the marine industry ? AH : Be willing to listen and learn . Be willing to fail fast . Be willing to break the rules . MD : Communicate clearly , honestly , and effectively . Share information that is helpful , informative , and interesting . I always want our members to know that we are working hard for them every single day .
Be Strong / Stay Strong . Maintain strength and resilience in the workplace and especially this industry . We are continuously faced with challenges and hurdles that we need to overcome . Having strength enables me to navigate these challenges effectively . Self-care , setting boundaries , asking for help , and maintaining a work-life balance helps me stay strong . We all have different strengths and weaknesses . We need to know what they are so we can cultivate our strengths and overcome our weaknesses .
Work Smart . Use time wisely . I ’ ve learned certain things are necessary to get the job done while others are not . I always try to stay focused and figure out the most effective way to get the job done . GK : First and foremost , you need to love what you do and believe in it . Second , surround yourself with others who are just as passionate about their careers and the organization / company . Third , always be willing to ask questions and learn from those around you .
BI : What is your go-to word , quote or business mantra ? GK : My favorite quote is from Katharine Hepburn : “ As one goes through life , one learns that if you don ’ t paddle your own canoe , you don ’ t move .” Not only does this apply in the boating industry , but in anything that I do . Waiting for something to happen doesn ’ t make it happen ; I must work hard and go out and get what I want , or to make it happen . MD : I ’ m a full-time working mother with incredible responsibilities . Balancing all that I have on my plate on any given day often feels insurmountable . I begin each day with a list of positive affirmations that I repeat often . When it comes to work , I stop and tell myself to “ FOCUS ” and “ MOVE FORWARD .” It helps me to pause and get back on track with a focused mindset on what I need to accomplish . AH : “ It ’ s all figureoutable !”
30 june 2024 www . boatingindustry . com