NIKKI TIMMERMAN
MARKETING MANAGER, MARINEMAX FORT MYERS, FL
Education: Bachelor’ s degree in advertising, Iowa State University Years in the marine industry: 5 years What first drew you to the marine industry? I grew up boating in Minnesota, primarily on Leech Lake, the third-largest lake in the state. Some of my favorite memories were made fishing, tubing, wake surfing and spending quality time with my family on the water. After moving to Southwest Florida in 2020, joining MarineMax felt like the perfect fit. Being able to come to work each day with the opportunity to help others create memories on the water, just like I did growing up, truly feels like a dream job. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry?
Passion is contagious. Clients can tell when you genuinely love what you do, and that enthusiasm helps create stronger connections.
Boating is emotional. People are not simply buying a boat, they’ re investing in experiences, family time, and the next chapters of their lives.
Attention to detail makes all the difference. Small touches and strong follow-through can completely shape a client’ s experience. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? Being promoted to Marketing Manager, my current title, has been one of the most memorable achievements in my career thus far. Having the opportunity to create and lead a team to continue enhancing the experience we provide our clients throughout every step of their boating journey has been incredibly rewarding. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? At times, navigating a career in the marine industry can be challenging because no two days are ever the same. There is no“ wash and repeat” approach; every day brings new opportunities, challenges and expectations. I’ m constantly looking for ways to elevate the client experience, create fresh and exciting events and campaigns, and focus on the small but important details that help set us apart in the market. While that fast-paced environment can be demanding, it’ s also what makes the industry so rewarding and exciting. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to inspire other women in the industry by encouraging confidence both on and off the water. MarineMax hosts Women on Water seminars, which are designed to help women feel more comfortable and confident around boating in a supportive environment. To me, that concept is really a metaphor for everyday life, having the confidence to step outside your comfort zone, trust yourself and take the helm in whatever you do. I hope to lead by example and encourage other women to feel capable, empowered and confident in pursuing their goals. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Relationships are everything. The marine industry is incredibly relationship-driven. Trust, responsiveness and reputation go a long way. What is your favorite place to go boating? The Land of 10,000 Lakes. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? When I am not on the water, I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking and antiquing with my mom.
JABET MORGAN WADE
GENERAL MANAGER / OPERATOR, PONTIAC COVE MARINA
Education: Bachelor’ s Degree in Journalism, University of Missouri Years in the marine industry: 20 + years What first drew you to the marine industry? I was born into it. My grandparents, Joe and Alice Morgan, bought our marina in 1964. My parents bought it from them in 1978, and I joined the company in 2006. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? Customer service is incredibly important and should be the focus of any business. It leaves a lasting impression on people and brings customers back year after year. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? Navigating a global pandemic was certainly memorable, and I suppose it was an achievement now that I can look back and reflect. The summer of 2020( and the couple of years after) were some of the hardest and most stressful times but were also some of the most profitable. Folks from nearby metropolitan areas flocked to our area, which is very rural, to escape the city and be outdoors. We are thankful for the business it generated, but I was also hyper focused on keeping my staff and clientele safe. We thrived and survived at the same time. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? Not really, as I was raised in this industry and grew up working at the marina. One of the most
32 june 2026 www. boatingindustry. com