WOMEN MAKING WAVES
What is your favorite place to go boating? It’ s more about who I’ m with than where I am, however, I grew up spending just about every weekend on the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal sailing and powerboating with family and friends. I also had the good fortune of spending my summers in Northern Michigan, so the Great Lakes and inland lakes hold a special place in my heart ― especially for racing sailboats. If we’ re talking a destination, boating in the Abaco Islands truly brings me peace and is an experience everyone should have.
BRIDGET PINSONNEAULT
DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE OPERATIONS, MARINEMAX
Bridget Pinsonneault
Education: BS, University of South Florida Years in the marine industry: 3 years What first drew you to the marine industry? I was instantly captivated by the idea of working in a field where people genuinely get excited about what they do. It’ s not champagne and exotic cruises, though that misconception makes for a good icebreaker. It ' s fun being part of a community that is passionate about the water and the lifestyle around it. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? There’ s always more to learn. The marine industry is incredibly diverse, not just in the people but also in the roles, regions, and customers we serve. From different types of boats and regional markets to emerging technologies and evolving efficiencies, every day presents new insights and challenges. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? Launching a company-wide survey to gather honest feedback stands out. Our team is so spread out that getting a clear picture of how people felt was tough. The survey gave us powerful insights and helped spark positive changes that genuinely improved both work and life for everyone involved. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Yes and no. The marine industry is unique because people rarely leave once they’ re in, so there is great deal of experience and loyalty. The flip side is that it’ s tough for newcomers to break in, and at times, fresh ideas can be scarce. We need more diverse perspectives and voices to keep pushing the industry forward. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to inspire other women by showing that their unique perspectives and talents are not only welcome but essential in the marine industry. This field has traditionally been male-dominated. Too often, women are steered toward expected or limited roles. I want to challenge that narrative by encouraging women to pursue the positions they’ re truly passionate about. I ' m especially proud of my youngest sister, who recently earned a S. T. E. M. scholarship to study electrical engineering. Her dream is to work in the marine industry, specializing in large vessel electrical infrastructure. She’ s a perfect example of the future we’ re building ― where women are shaping the industry in powerful and innovative ways. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Jump in, the water’ s fine! Don’ t hesitate to ask for growth opportunities and to take the helm, navigating your career path. What is your favorite place to go boating? The Intracoastal Waterway around Siesta and Longboat Key. Give me a sandbar, snacks, sunscreen, and a set of Kadima paddles and I’ m set.
What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? When I’ m not on the field coaching Little League, you’ ll find me at the gym, climbing the stair stepper while listening to an audiobook and online shopping. Multitasking at its finest!
CHANTAL ROBIN
VICE-PRESIDENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, NORTHPOINT COMMERCIAL FINANCE
Chantal Robin
Education: University of Montreal – Finance Years in the marine industry: More than 30 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held at those companies: Executive account manager at ITT Commercial Finance, portfolio manager at Deutsche Bank, and vice president of operations at TCF Commercial Finance. What first drew you to the marine industry? I was initially motivated by the challenges that allowed me to learn more about the marine industry and wanted to play a role in supporting the industry ' s growth. I have always been impressed with the people who work in the marine space and their dynamic impact on communities and promoting their lifestyle. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? Gaining experience often involved adapting to change, prioritizing effective communica-
22 june 2025 www. boatingindustry. com