WOMEN MAKING WAVES
Madison Ambrose
MADISON AMBROSE
MARINE MARKETING SPECIALIST, GREGORY POOLE MARINE
Education: Associate degree Years in the marine industry: 1.5 years What first drew you to the marine industry? I was born and raised in the marine industry ― it’ s truly in my blood. I grew up with sportfishing in my backyard, thanks to my parents’ love for the water, and my brother has always worked on the water and now runs his own charter boat. Being outdoors and on the water has always felt like home to me, so finding my place in this industry was a natural fit. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? One of the biggest lessons I’ ve learned is the importance of relationships. This industry runs on trust, reputation, and real connections. I’ ve also learned that no two days are ever the same, and being adaptable is key. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? One of my most memorable achievements has been building and executing a successful tournament season year after year. We’ re present at 12 to 15 tournaments throughout our territory each season, and what makes it so rewarding is how hands-on we are. We ' re not just a logo on a banner. We show up, walk the docks, connect with teams, and give back to the communities that support this industry. Being able to create meaningful experiences and relationships while also supporting local causes is something I’ m really proud of.
How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to inspire other women by showing that there’ s absolutely a place for us in every part of the marine industry, especially on the competitive side of sportfishing. I’ m always encouraging women to get involved, whether by stepping onto the tournament stage, working behind the scenes, or finding their own unique niche. I bring that mindset into my work every day by creating space for connection, visibility, and confidence. If I can help even one woman feel like she belongs here, that’ s a win. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Network, network, network. This industry thrives on relationships, so don’ t be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions, and get involved. Soak up every bit of knowledge, whether it’ s from mentors, hands-on experience, or just being around the docks. The more you know, the more confident and capable you’ ll feel carving out your own path. What is your favorite place to go boating? I truly enjoy my own backyard right here on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. There’ s something so special about being on familiar waters surrounded by the community I love. That said, I also find myself immersed in boating and fishing in Los Sueños, Costa Rica often, and there’ s just nothing like it.
ROBYN M. BOERSTLING
CHIEF ADVOCACY OFFICER / SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
Education: BA, Colby College; MA, Trinity College Years in the marine industry: Approximately 18 months; 17 in manufacturing advocacy Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held at those companies: Vice president at the National Association of Manufacturers and a policy advisor at the U. S. Department of Transportation. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? This is a small but important under-the-radar
Robyn M. Boerstling
achievement. I really enjoyed walking the show floor with the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts earlier this year at the New England Boat Show. She and Governor Healy have been advocates for safe boating – they supported important legislation in partnership with the Massachusetts MTA. I especially enjoyed Lt. Governor Driscoll’ s energy and curiosity. Her interest in some of the brands represented at the show opened the door to critically important one-on-one time and I was able to demonstrate how a boat show in Boston supports American jobs in Wisconsin, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and so forth. She learned a lot and getting that acknowledgement of our industry’ s impact was a win for our NMMA team. This is something we want to replicate across the country. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? I am very fortunate because I was exposed to the marine industry from the recreation side at a very early age. Time on the water was always part of my summers and still is. I had an early preference for power over sail, and I have sea stories to prove that! My dad’ s career was in ocean transportation, and I spent several years early in my career with a strong background and emphasis in the commercial maritime industry. I am still learning the various facets of the recreational boating industry
8 june 2025 www. boatingindustry. com