NICHOLE WISHART
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, MARINE RETAILERS ASSOCIATION OF THE AMERICAS( MRAA)
Education: Moorhead State Technical College Years in the Marine Industry: 2 ½ years What first drew you to the marine industry? A friend of a friend introduced me to it ― it was honestly a happy accident. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? What I’ ve learned is this industry is a culture of support; people genuinely take care of one another. I’ ve always believed that if you’ re in sales, you’ re in service, and that mindset truly comes to life here. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? Being part of my first Dealer Week is a defining moment for me. Coming from the health industry where service played a central role, I questioned how I would be giving back in an industry centered around recreation. Dealer Week changed that perspective for me. It highlighted the importance of connection, partnerships and the real impact the MRAA has on this industry. Getting to meet both dealers and partners hearing testimonials reinforced my thoughts on what we do at the MRAA and the value we bring to the overall health of the marine industry. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? It has been smooth sailing. I feel very fortunate in my role at MRAA, working with partners across all facets of the industry gave me a wellrounded understanding early on. I give credit to my amazing colleagues and partners that deal with my curiosity and are happy to teach and guide me every day. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I have found so much inspiration in the many strong women throughout
this industry that I have gotten the pleasure to meet and work with. I feel one of the most powerful aspects of this industry is how women support each other. I hope to contribute to that by continuing to support and uplift other women just as so many have done for me. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Get connected and be curious! Build relationships and ask questions. The more people you meet and learn from, the more comfortable and confident you’ ll become. There are so many incredible people in this space who are willing to help. What is your favorite place to go boating? That’ s a tough one to answer! I’ m from Minnesota; the land of 10,000 lakes. Honestly, being on a boat anywhere is my favorite. Boating has always been a part of my life, and I feel really lucky to now work in an industry that I love. It just fits! What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? That’ s another tough one because boating is definitely something I spend a lot of time doing! But I do line dance for brain health, play volleyball and golf with my gal pals and of course time with my family where we are usually at the lake in the summer or in the gym where you will find most of my kids either coaching or playing a sport of some kind.
LISA YATES
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, NORTHPOINT COMMERCIAL FINANCE
Education: Kennesaw State College – Paralegal Studies; Six Sigma Green Belt; Dun & Bradstreet Business Education Services Years in the Marine Industry: 25 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies: Before joining Northpoint Commercial Finance, I served as Account Manager at NationsCredit / Bank of America and Greentree / Conseco, and as Portfolio Manager at Textron Financial ― building a deep, well-rounded foundation in floorplan finance across manufactured housing, RV and marine product lines. What first drew you to the marine industry? My career began in floorplan finance, supporting large-ticket product lines that included manufactured housing, RV and marine ― with marine quickly becoming the largest portion of my portfolio. Through trade shows, industry relationships and time spent on the water, I developed a genuine appreciation for both the business and the lifestyle that boating represents. While working across multiple industries gave me valuable perspective, the marine world stood out for its strong relational culture and unique market dynamics. That combination kept drawing me back.
36 june 2026 www. boatingindustry. com