and the people- six months later I had moved into a role at the manufacturing plant and never looked back. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? First, listen- genuinely and consistently. Whether the feedback comes from employees on the production floor, customers at a boat show or followers on social media, giving people a voice and acting on what they say demonstrates respect and builds trust in your leadership. Second, embrace the risk of making mistakes. Progress beats paralysis. At Sea Fox we avoid " analysis paralysis " ― overanalyzing to the point that no decision is made. I encourage my team to test their ideas, learn from the results, and pivot when necessary. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? One standout achievement was working alongside my dad, Freddy Renken, through the pandemic. We were able to reach company milestones that the previous generation hadn ' t achieved. Months of late nights in the office colored with creative discussion, some tears of overwhelm and screams of joy, early mornings entering sales orders before tackling the daily production, and the emotional strain pushing to keep Sea Fox moving forward were transformative. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? Heck, yes- It was difficult! Early on, I made plenty of errors as I learned the industry- mistakes are part of the journey, but applying those lessons every day helped me grow into new roles and gain a deeper understanding of Sea Fox. In 2024 I also became a mom to my greatest gift, Renny, which meant relearning how to show up both at work and at home. That brought fresh challenges ― and with them, new opportunities for growth both personally and professionally. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I strive to inspire other women in the industry through positivity, high energy and communication ― bringing enthusiasm to every challenge and encouraging others to do the same. By showing up with an optimistic attitude and solution-based problem-solving skills, I aim to create an environment where women feel empowered to take risks, speak up and pursue leadership. Energy is contagious. When one person leads with confidence and joy, it helps to lift the whole team and opens the door for everyone including women to have not only a seat but a voice at the table. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Be confident. Don ' t be afraid to ask the questions. Learn as much as you can. Power is in the understanding. Explain the why. Your voice matters and deserves to be heard. Own your mistakes. Ask for help. The list goes on. Simply be yourself and don ' t back down! The industry needs more powerhouse women. What is your favorite place to go boating? We do most of our boating locally in Charleston- I love a day cruising the intracoastal water way, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant or picking up boiled peanuts and a slushie at a fuel dock, and hitting the sand bars with lots of country music. A day on the water sun-up to sun-down is perfect really anywhere! What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Outside of spending time with my husband James and our daughter Renny, I prioritize health and fitness whether at the gym, training for a distance run or tracking my nutrition. Maintaining physical wellness is essential to who I am at my core- not only for long-term health but also for mental clarity and grounding.
MARIE-FRANCE MACKINNON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION( NMMA) CANADA
Education: University of Ottawa, Communications Years in the marine industry: 3 years What first drew you to the marine industry? Honestly, it was the opportunity to lead federal government relations and advocacy for an industry that genuinely matters to Canadians-- economically, culturally and personally. The GR work was the draw, but the fit felt natural from the start. Boating is woven into my family history going back generations on Kipawa Lake in Quebec, where summers meant a cottage packed with family and endless time on the water. When you grow up like that, you already understand what this industry means to people. That made it easy to show up for it. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? Relationships are everything. Whether you ' re building a coalition, navigating a regulatory challenge or making the case to government, trust built over time is your most valuable asset. I ' ve also learned that sustained, evidence-based advocacy wins-- the industries that show up consistently with data, and a united voice, are the ones that get results. What has also struck me is how far this industry reaches-- manufacturing, tourism, retail, environmental stewardship and infrastructure across every region of the country-- and how deeply passionate the people in it are. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? The repeal of the federal luxury tax on boats in Budget 2025. The tax had caused a nearly 70 % drop in sales of boats over $ 250,000 and was
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