the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back Grant Program, I ' ve had the opportunity to help connect people with valuable resources and opportunities. Since 2023, the grant program has awarded $ 1.5 million to local nonprofits and knowing that I play a small role in supporting those efforts is something I am incredibly proud of. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? Like any new industry, there was definitely a learning curve. When I first started, I had a lot to learn about the marine sector, its businesses and the people who make it thrive. However, what made the transition easier was the welcoming and supportive nature of the marine community. The industry is vast and diverse, yet it feels very close-knit. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn, grow and build meaningful relationships, which has made the journey incredibly rewarding. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to inspire women to be open to opportunities, even if they don ' t seem like the path they originally envisioned. My own journey into the marine industry happened unexpectedly, and it has introduced me to incredible people, meaningful work and experiences I never would have imagined. Whether in the marine industry or any profession, I believe that putting God first, staying true to your values and being willing to learn can open doors in ways you don ' t always anticipate. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Get involved as much as possible. Attend industry events, volunteer, ask questions and build relationships with people across all sectors of the industry. Seek out mentors, stay curious and take advantage of opportunities to learn from those around you. Joining your local marine association is a great way to connect with industry leaders, expand your knowledge and become part of a network that is invested in the industry ' s future. What is your favorite place to go boating? The Exumas in The Bahamas will always be at the top of my list. The crystal-clear water, incredible marine life and breathtaking scenery make it unforgettable. Closer to home, I love spending time by Peanut Island. It ' s one of Palm Beach County ' s hidden gems and a perfect reminder of why protecting and enjoying our waterways is so important. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Outside of boating, my favorite thing is spending quality time with my husband, family and friends. My husband and I are big foodies, so we love exploring new coffee shops and hidden gem restaurants wherever we go. I also enjoy reading, Pilates, surfing, home projects, thrifting and recently started learning needlepoint as a creative outlet.
LAURA FLEISCHMAN
DIRECTOR, DEALER SALES, MERCURY MARINE
Education: B. B. A., Business Administration and Management, Ottawa University Years in the marine industry: 25 years What first drew you to the marine industry? Growing up in Wisconsin, being around the water was simply part of life. When I graduated from college and had the opportunity to join Mercury Marine, it felt like the perfect combination of my passion for the outdoors, my roots in Wisconsin and the chance to build a meaningful career. What has kept me here is the people and the purpose. The marine industry is unique in that the products we build create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it ' s fishing with family, teaching a child to waterski or enjoying a sunset cruise, we play a small role in experiences that people never forget. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? One of the biggest lessons I ' ve learned is that passion truly drives this industry. What continually inspires me is how that passion extends far beyond recreation. Every day, I see our products supporting family adventures, commercial fishing operations, marine businesses, first responders, conservation efforts and government agencies tasked with keeping waterways safe. While the applications may differ, the mission is the same: delivering reliable solutions that people depend on. That shared purpose creates an unstoppable culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? One of the most memorable achievements during my career has been the introduction of Mercury ' s V6 and V8 outboard platforms. What stands out most to me wasn ' t just the technology itself ― it was watching an incredibly talented organization come together to bring a bold vision to life. Teams across engineering, manufacturing, operations, marketing and sales all played critical roles in setting a new standard for the industry. It was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when innovation, collaboration and customer focus come together. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? There have certainly been challenges along the way, but I wouldn ' t describe them as obstacles as much as opportunities to learn and grow. One of the things I appreciate most about this industry is that there is always something new to learn. Whether it ' s emerging technologies, changing customer expectations or new opportunities in the marketplace, growth comes from staying curious and remaining open to different perspectives. I ' ve been fortunate to work alongside talented people across Mercury, Brunswick and our dealer network who continuously challenge me to think differently and improve. That commitment to learning, collaboration and continuous growth has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career journey. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to inspire others by demonstrating that there is no single path to success. Careers are rarely linear, and some of the most valuable experiences in my journey came from stepping outside my comfort zone, taking on new challenges and remaining open to opportunities that expanded my perspective. I also hope to encourage women to stay connected to their purpose, especially during challenging times. Every industry faces obstacles and changing
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