master ’ s degree in Sport and Recreation Leadership . Some of my earliest memories include sailing with my grandparents and hanging on for dear life tubing behind my parents ’ boat , so when I saw a position open with ABYC I jumped at the opportunity to work for an organization that has such a huge impact . I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a home within the marine industry ! What was your first job ? Lifeguarding when I was 15 . I made one save ; You ’ re welcome baby squirrel . After college my first job was marketing for Ripken Baseball . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My parents . They are the hardest workers I know and every day they show by example to do the work , be loyal and fair , and never stop learning . Also , John Adey , ABYC president , has believed in me and encouraged me to grow within my role at ABYC and within the industry . He pushes us to have a vision for the future and not just get stuck in just the day-to-day tasks . I ’ ve learned a lot about leadership through him . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? Many people have been in this industry for years and have long-standing relationships , so when I first started I wasn ’ t sure where I fit and how to make an impact . What I learned pretty quickly though was how collaborative this industry is so building a network isn ’ t complicated with the right mindset .
Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? There is so much opportunity for growth in the marine industry . The sky is the limit for an entry-level professional that is a hard worker , a problem-solver and a relationship-builder .
Andrew Artusa
Mechatronic Engineer , Marine Connected Division , Yamaha Motor Corporation USA
What was your first job ? A very slow dishwasher at Panera Bread . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? Some of the projects I ’ ve contributed to while working with Yamaha , which are hopefully soon to be announced . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My engineering manager , Alex Joseph , is a key mentor for me . Extremely personable guy while maintaining technical and business savviness . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? Biggest challenge in this industry I ’ ve faced is the apparent lack of compatibility between OEM devices – often times resulting in boat builders / customers having to splice harnesses , purchase adapters , etc . Thankfully using Yamaha and Siren Marine ’ s technology , I can work toward a more connected result .
How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? To be honest , I hope others in this industry would be inspired by the “ joie de vivre ” that everyone inevitably experiences while boating . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? As “ Baby steps ”, Bill Murray ’ s character in What About Bob says : One day at a time I suppose . What boat did you learn to boat on ? A single-engine 20-foot Suncatcher Pontoon . Who was your hero as a child ? For childhood heroes , I ’ d have to say my parents .
Jeff Backus
COO , First Approval Source
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I have some of my best memories from growing up on Lake Lanier , wakeboarding and wake surfing with my friends and family . I grew up working at my family ’ s dealership Atlanta Marine and was hooked on staying in the industry at an early age . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My mentors were my parents . My mom and dad have always been my heroes . I was lucky enough to watch them live the American Dream building a successful business and family . They are the two happiest people I have ever met . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope to inspire others in the marine industry to be more creative in everything they do whether
18 march 2023 www . boatingindustry . com