WOMEN MAKING WAVES
manufacturing, contribute meaningfully, and serve as a bridge between consumer insights and innovative product design. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? Customer-centric design is everything. Understanding why customers choose certain features is just as important as knowing what they choose. Relationships are the backbone of the business. Success in the marine industry depends on long-term relationships built on trust, transparency, and follow-through. Adaptability is essential in a cyclical market. Staying nimble with planning, staffing, and strategy has been critical to navigating uncertainty and maintaining resilience. Crossfunctional collaboration delivers better products. When silos are broken down, the result is a smarter, more complete product that performs better in the market. You’ re not just selling boats, you’ re selling fun. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? Helping shift the mindset around pontoons within a dealer sales organization. As a factory trainer, I saw firsthand how many salespeople had little enthusiasm for pontoons. Through training, storytelling, and real-world perspective, I helped those same salespeople see the innovation, versatility, and customer joy that pontoons offer. Years later, one of the most successful dealers I worked with told me that my training had inspired his team to not only accept pontoons, but to become passionate advocates for them, which ultimately led to greater profitability for his dealership.
That mindset shift is something I’ m deeply proud of. When people believe in the product, they connect with customers on a whole different level, and that connection drives everything forward. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? Let your passion for your brand be your strength. Stay true to your values, be persistent in your goals, and don’ t be afraid to speak up ― even if it means being a little stubborn when it counts. I ' ve found that when your conviction is grounded in insight and care, people eventually listen. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry?
The marine industry is full of opportunity and now is an exciting time to be part of it. Whether you’ re starting with an OEM, supplier, or dealership, take every opportunity to learn as much as you can about how the organization works and what your end customer values. Be curious, ask questions, and seek out cross-functional experiences.
A mentor told me,“ Knowledge is power,” and that has held true throughout my career. The more you understand, the more valuable you become ― not just to your company, but in your ability to contribute meaningfully, adapt to change, and lead with confidence. Stay engaged, stay open, and never underestimate the impact your perspective can have in shaping the future of this industry. What is your favorite place to go boating? I love freshwater lakes where the water is clear and blue ― there’ s something incredibly peaceful about that setting. Some of the most beautiful lakes I’ ve had the opportunity to enjoy are in northern Michigan and Idaho.
AMANDA NOON
VICE PRESIDENT / CO-OWNER, DAVID WALTERS YACHTS
Amanda Noon
Education: St. Thomas Aquinas High School Years in the marine industry: 11 Years What first drew you to the marine industry? I grew up boating in Fort Lauderdale and have always had a passion for being on the water. Yachting was a big part of the lifestyle around me, and I was naturally drawn to it. That love for boating turned into a career when I joined David Walters Yachts in 2014. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? This industry has taught me the value of patience, persistence, and relationships. Every deal is different, every client has unique needs, and success often comes down to how well you listen and adapt. I’ ve also learned that integrity is everything ― doing the right thing, even when it’ s inconvenient, always pays off in the long run. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? Taking ownership of David Walters Yachts in 2016 was the most defining moment of my career. To go from having no industry experience to leading a well-established yacht brokerage is something I’ ll always be proud of. It’ s a reflection of hard work, mentorship, and the belief that anything is possible when you show up every day ready to give it your all. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? No, it wasn’ t difficult. I was fortunate enough to work alongside Dave and Betsy Walters early in my career. They were incredibly supportive mentors who shared their knowledge, values, and passion for the industry. Their guidance gave me a strong foundation and made it feel natural to grow within the business. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to show other women that there is no one path to success and that even in industries where we’ re underrepresented, we can lead, grow, and make meaningful change. I want to be the example that says,“ You don’ t have to have it all figured out, you just have to start.” What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Don’ t be intimidated by what you don’ t know, just start. Ask questions, stay curious, and be willing to put in the work. This is an industry where hands-on experience goes a long way. Surround yourself with people who support your growth. You belong here just as much as anyone else, and your unique perspective is a strength.
18 june 2025 www. boatingindustry. com