market conditions, but those moments are often when we grow the most. When things get tough, reconnecting with your " why " can provide the motivation to keep moving forward. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Listen first. Early in my career, I learned that some of the most important growth happens when you ' re willing to listen and learn from those around you. The marine industry is filled with people who bring decades of experience, unique perspectives and deep expertise.
While it ' s important to contribute your ideas and have confidence in your abilities, active listening creates opportunities to learn faster, build stronger relationships and become a more effective leader. The more curious you are, the more you ' ll grow. What is your favorite place to go boating? Northern Wisconsin will always be my favorite place to be on the water. It ' s where my passion for boating began and where many of my best memories were made. Whether it ' s fishing at sunrise, enjoying watersports with family or simply taking in a sunset cruise, there ' s something special about the lakes and waterways of Wisconsin. No matter where my career takes me, those waters will always feel like home. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially when it supports a meaningful cause. Whether it ' s participating in a charity golf outing, joining a snowshoe hike or walking in a community 5K, I love activities that bring people together while supporting organizations that make a difference. Many of the causes I support range from medical research and community initiatives to local fire and rescue organizations. For me, the greatest reward is being able to spend time with family and friends while contributing to something larger than myself.
KIM GREENE
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, MERCURY MARINE
Education: Hands-on, careerbased experience in the travel and marine industries. Years in the marine industry: 21 years What first drew you to the marine industry? I entered the marine industry during a career transition after the company I worked for closed. Living in the Fond du Lac area, Mercury Marine had always stood out for its strong community presence and reputation. What started as curiosity turned into a rewarding, long-term career. 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 strong collaboration across a wide range of teams ― from engineering and manufacturing to sales, leadership and customer experience. In my role as an Executive Administrative Assistant, I see firsthand how much coordination is required to keep everything aligned. I’ ve also seen how critical adaptability is. Priorities can shift quickly, especially when supporting executive leaders, large-scale events or cross-functional initiatives. Staying organized, thinking ahead and adjusting plans when needed are essential to keeping things running smoothly.
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 the opportunity to support four different Mercury Marine presidents throughout my career. Each leader brought a unique vision, leadership style and set of priorities, and adapting to those changes while maintaining continuity and strong support has been incredibly rewarding. In this role, I’ ve had the privilege of contributing behind the scenes to high-level initiatives, executive communications and key events that help move the company forward. Successfully navigating those transitions ― while ensuring leaders are prepared, aligned, and able to focus on what matters most ― has been something I take great pride in. It has strengthened my ability to anticipate needs, stay flexible, and build trusted relationships, all of which are critical in an executive assistant role. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? There were challenges early on as I learned about the business, but those experiences helped me grow. Success in this industry comes from adaptability, strong relationships and a commitment to continuous learning ― qualities that have supported my long-term career at Mercury Marine. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? There is no one“ right” path into the marine industry, and meaningful, impactful careers exist in every corner of the organization. Throughout my career, I’ ve had the opportunity to grow, adapt and support multiple leaders at the highest level, which has shown me that strong relationships, professionalism and confidence in your abilities can open many doors. You also don’ t have to be in a traditional or technical role to make a significant impact. Behind every successful leader or initiative is a strong support system, and I take pride in being a trusted partner who helps drive success from behind the scenes. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Stay curious, be confident in your abilities and take the time to learn as much as you can about the business. The marine industry has many different facets and understanding how they connect can open more opportunities than you might expect. What is your favorite place to go boating? North and South Twin Lake in northern Wisconsin. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Outside of boating, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially snowmobiling in the winter and golfing during the warmer months.
www. boatingindustry. com june 2026
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