GRETA ANDREWS
REGIONAL MARKETING MANAGER, MARINEMAX Nearly two decades into her career at MarineMax, Greta Andrews has become one of the most knowledgeable and effective regional marketing leaders in the company. As Regional Marketing Manager supporting more than 12 locations on the East Coast, she serves as the critical bridge between national marketing strategy and the day-to-day reality of individual dealerships ― ensuring that companywide campaigns don ' t just get distributed, but actually land at the local level in ways that drive results.
Over the past 10 years, she has played an integral role in enhancing the customer experience across her stores, particularly through her leadership of the Getaways!® program ― hosting first-class events from Boston to Maryland each year. Her negotiation skills have delivered real financial impact: through renegotiated vendor contracts and tightened event spending, she has reduced costs by over 20 % without sacrificing quality or reach.
One of her most notable accomplishments has been her leadership of MarineMax ' s annual Northeast Azimut Owners ' Yacht Rendezvous. Through her vision, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to delivering an exceptional experience, the event has grown into a highly anticipated, sold-out gathering year after year ― held in some of the Northeast ' s most desired boating destinations, including Newport, RI, Nantucket, MA, and Montauk, NY.
Greta ' s philosophy is to market the boating experience, not just the product ― and that distinction matters enormously for an industry that has historically struggled to attract new participants. By centering her marketing strategy around education, confidence-building, and community, she helps lower the barriers that keep people from ever making boating part of their lives.
Her forward-thinking approach extends to how Marine- Max uses data. By pushing leadership to invest in analytics, enhanced online inventory, and more targeted marketing, she is helping modernize how a legacy industry connects with today ' s buyers, a contribution that reaches well beyond her own region.
On top of this, Greta supports MarineMax ' s philanthropic partnership with Habitat for Humanity, participating in build days and volunteer initiatives that reflect a belief that community investment extends well beyond the water.
Greta Andrews has given nearly two decades of her career to MarineMax and to the broader boating community, and the organization is measurably better for it. She has managed the marketing infrastructure of a Fortune 500 retail operation across a 12-location region, delivered cost savings through sharp negotiation, grown programs that bring new people into boating every year, and invested deeply in the professional development of every person who has worked alongside her.
VANESSA BENSON
GENERAL MANAGER, BOATERS EXCHANGE – ROCKLEDGE AND NEW SMYRNA BEACH
Education: Master’ s Degree Years in the marine industry: 12 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies: Before entering the recreational marine industry, I served as a Combat Engineer in the United States Army, specializing in Assault Float Bridge operations as an On-the-Water Engineer and Officer in Charge. In that role, I led complex waterborne engineering missions and oversaw bridge and boat operations in high-pressure environments. What first drew you to the marine industry? Honestly, it started long before the showroom floor. As a Combat Engineer, I became the first woman appointed by Congress to lead a company of engineers operating eight erection boats. Life on the water wasn’ t recreational then ― it was mission critical.
That experience created a deep respect for the marine environment and the people who operate in it. After 23 years of military service, the marine industry felt like a natural transition ― still centered around leadership, operations, and performance, but now helping families create memories and enjoy life on the water. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? One of the biggest lessons I’ ve learned in the marine industry is that leadership matters just as much as the product. Boats are emotional purchases ― families are investing in memories, freedom and time together on the water. Another lesson is that this industry rewards grit. Boat shows, storms, inventory challenges, long launch days, last-minute rigging issues ― you learn quickly that success belongs to the teams willing to outwork problems and adapt fast. I’ ve also learned boating brings people together in a way few industries can. Whether it’ s a first-time buyer stepping onto their new boat or a lifelong customer upgrading into their dream Everglades or Cobia, you become part of their story. That’ s something special. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? My most memorable achievement is tied between two milestones. The first was being appointed as the first female Combat Engineer to command an all-male bridge unit on the water, proving that leadership is earned through competence, character and commitment ― not gender. The second has been transforming Boaters Exchange in the years following COVID as a female General Manager. Leading our team through significant change, modernizing the dealership, growing our community presence and building a culture focused on both customer experience and operational excellence has been incredibly rewarding. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? Coming from the military, especially as a Combat Engineer leading soldiers and operating on the water, I learned early that respect is earned through performance. You show up prepared, you outwork problems and you take care of your team. The marine industry responded well to that mindset. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to inspire other women in the marine industry by leading from the front and show-
www. boatingindustry. com june 2026
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