I’ ve found that confidence, preparation and a willingness to keep learning go a long way, regardless of your background or experience level. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to show that there isn’ t just one path into this industry. Whether your passion is marketing, engineering, operations, sales, product development, leadership or simply being out on the water, there is a place for you. I want other women to see that they don’ t need to fit a mold to make an impact. I’ d also love to see more women confidently take the helm. The more time we spend driving, docking, towing and navigating, the more we build confidence, deepen our understanding of the products we represent, and connect with the experiences of the owners we serve. Those perspectives make our industry better. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Be curious, ask questions and don’ t be afraid to take up space. The marine industry is filled with people who are passionate about what they do and willing to share their knowledge. Build relationships, stay open to learning and remember that your unique experiences and perspective are valuable. What is your favorite place to go boating? Lake Wawasee in Indiana. It’ s where I spend time with family and friends, and there’ s nothing better than watching your kids, niece, or nephew learn a new skill and fall in love with the water. Boating has always brought my family together, so being able to share that same passion with the next generation is incredibly special to me. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Are there others? Ha! When I ' m not on the water, you ' ll usually find me spending time with family, traveling, snowmobiling, taking photos, attending live events or doing anything music-related. I also genuinely enjoy bringing creative ideas to life through branding and marketing.
GIGI RHOTEN
SALES AND OPERATIONS MANAGER – TEXAS, WATERFRONT BRANDS
Gigi Rhoten has been a driving force behind HydroHoist’ s growth in Texas, playing a pivotal role in expanding the brand’ s presence in key and previously underserved markets. As Sales and Operations Manager, she successfully led the launch of a new distribution center in Austin, TX ― strategically positioning HydroHoist for long-term growth in the region. Drawing on more than a decade of experience with the brand, Gigi implemented proven best practices while adapting to the unique needs of the market, contributing to national sales growth and strengthening the company’ s operational footprint.
Gigi’ s work has helped expand access to premium boat lift solutions in underserved areas, bringing innovation and reliability to new markets. By establishing HydroHoist’ s presence in Central Texas, she has supported marina operators and boat owners with high-quality products and service, elevating expectations for both. Her continued involvement in the Marina Association of Texas also demonstrates her commitment to strengthening the industry as a whole through collaboration and shared knowledge.
Gigi is a strong advocate for growth, resilience and relationship-building. She leads by example ― showing her team what it means to adapt, persevere
and continuously improve. Whether navigating new market challenges or maintaining long-standing relationships, she demonstrates professionalism and dedication. As a woman in the boating industry, she also sets an example by confidently carving out space for herself and proving her value through consistency, expertise and results.
Gigi leads with patience, passion and a deep commitment to her team’ s success. She creates an environment where employees feel supported but also challenged to perform at their best. Her leadership style balances accountability with encouragement, helping her team grow both personally and professionally. She doesn’ t just direct ― she invests in her people and leads alongside them.
Launching a new distribution center in an underserved and highly competitive market presented significant challenges, from building brand awareness to establishing operational stability. Gigi approached these obstacles with determination and confidence, leveraging her experience and industry knowledge to build a strong foundation for success. She has consistently demonstrated resilience, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
While her role is focused on sales and operations, Gigi’ s feedback from the field plays an important role in shaping how products are positioned and supported in real-world environments. Her close relationships with marinas and customers provide valuable insights that help inform product improvements and service strategies.
Gigi Rhoten stands out for her ability to combine deep industry knowledge with a forward-thinking, resilient approach to leadership. She has successfully expanded HydroHoist’ s reach while maintaining strong relationships and delivering consistent value to customers. Her presence in the industry is one that others rely on and respect ― making her a true example of a woman making waves.
30 june 2026 www. boatingindustry. com