WOMEN MAKING WAVES
staying curious, adapting to change, and truly loving what you do. When you’ re driven by purpose and passion, even the toughest moments become part of a fulfilling moment. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? Coming to work with a smile on my face! Always look for the positive side of any situation and put your energy where it’ s worth it. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Simply be yourself! Don’ t feel pressured to know what others know or to talk about subjects you don’ t manage or that don’ t interest you. Your perspective as a woman is not a weakness; it’ s one of your greatest strengths. Bring your authenticity, intuition, and creativity to the table, and don’ t be afraid to speak up or lead with confidence. Believe in your worth, stay open to learning new fields, and surround yourself with positive people who support your growth. Diversity plays such an important role in the industry because there is an entire experience and lifestyle behind it. What is your favorite place to go boating? Each place has its charm, but one that stands out is Amsterdam. You can jump into a boat from anywhere, no matter what the weather is or how you’ re dressed, alone or with 20 people. I love the freedom and boating culture here.
MICHELLE DEMETI
MEMBER EXPERIENCE DIRECTOR, FREEDOM BOAT CLUB
Education: MBA, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Marketing Research Years in the marine industry: 7 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held at those companies: Member experience director at Freedom Boat Club, strategy and business development manager at Mercury Marine, and product manager of chemicals and lubricants at Mercury Marine. What first drew you to the marine industry? Mercury Marine was my first introduction to the marine industry, and it immediately felt like the right fit ― both professionally and personally. Having lived in Wisconsin for most of my life, I was drawn to Mercury’ s deep roots
Michelle Demeti
in the community and its legacy of providing meaningful careers to local families. When I interviewed with Brunswick for a strategy role, I was impressed by their broad impact across the industry, which only strengthened my interest. What truly sealed it for me was the chance to be part of a company that enhances the boating experience, helping people create lasting memories with friends and family, and enjoying their time on the water. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? I’ ve learned that to really grow in this industry, you must keep evolving. Things are always changing, and being adaptable is key. What has surprised me is how advancements in technology can truly enhance the overall boating experience, whether through traditional boat ownership or the club model. Additionally, I’ ve seen how critical it is to think from the boater’ s perspective. Boating is a deeply personal, lifestyle-driven experience, and understanding the boater ' s needs and wants is essential to creating memorable and lasting experiences. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? One of my most memorable achievements was implementing a customer experience management software at Freedom Boat Club. This platform allows members to share both frustrations and positive feedback directly with teams who are equipped to listen and respond at key moments in their membership journey. It’ s a foundational step toward continuous improvement, and a way
I’ ve been able to help create meaningful experiences for thousands of Freedom Boaters. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Be open to learning new things and, above all, network! I’ m not a hands-on, mechanical type by nature, but during my time at Mercury Marine, I learned the ins and outs of boat maintenance ― including changing gear lube and oil on an outboard, something I never imagined myself doing 10 years ago. You don’ t have to fit a specific mold to succeed in this industry. As for networking, depending on your goals, attending boat shows, industry trade events, and seeking out mentors can be great ways to build relationships and open doors. What is your favorite place to go boating? I enjoy boating on Central Wisconsin’ s lakes and rivers – the quiet, fog-covered mornings offer a peaceful and grounding experience. I also appreciate the lively outings with friends and family, especially the special moments watching Fourth of July fireworks from the water. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading a good book, or attending live concerts. As a mom to a toddler and an infant, much of my time these days is filled with reading children’ s books, potty training, teaching numbers and letters, and changing diapers. While this season of life can be hectic, I wouldn’ t trade the chaos for anything.
STEPHANIE DESPREAUX
SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, PACER MARINE, INC.
Education: BA, Florida State University Years in the marine industry: More than 20 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held at those companies: VP of sales at Dino, president of Ladies Fish- Off, and president of Hydrotechnik. What first drew you to the marine industry? I was fortunate to grow up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where life on the water isn’ t just a pastime, it is a way of life. My parents, avid boaters themselves, owned Dino, a company supplying high-end steering wheels to the
10 june 2025 www. boatingindustry. com