Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Courtney Chalmers , the VP of marketing at Boats Group , gave me my start in the industry and taught me everything I know about marketing . She really puts her employees ’ career paths before her own and gave me so many opportunities that shaped the course of my life . Most importantly , she taught me not to sweat the small stuff , and its mostly small stuff ― but when it ’ s big stuff , to raise hell . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? As the chair of the networking committee for the Marine Marketers of America , I help organize and promote association events that bring marketers together and grow our network . This year we had the biggest event in our history , over 150 people at the Neptune Awards during the Miami Boat Show . I hope that our work on these events will inspire marine marketers to believe that one day , we will have a seat in the C-suite of all marine companies . As my friend Victor at Sportsman Boats put it while accepting the top marketing award , “ We are in charge . We are the ones that grow this industry every single year . So , let ’ s do it again .” How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I am a people person and thrive off group energy . Rather than focusing on my own goals or success , I try to find a purpose and a team that I love . There is no better tool for personal success than the relationships you make from tight teams . Who was your hero as a child ? That would be a toss-up between Indiana Jones
and Michael Jordan . Indiana because he is an intellectual who proves that anyone can be a hero and that can have an adventure , no matter how normal your life seems . Michael Jordan needs no explanation . This was the ‘ 90s . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? This is my favorite topic . I think the boating industry is the workforce ’ s best well-kept secret . It ’ s a very authentic place , and it ’ s tough to beat a job where you are surrounded by people who are selling happiness . Every time I meet a young person with a good head on their shoulders , I encourage them to consider roles here when they graduate ― especially people in technology or marketing . The opportunities to be inventive and have a real impact here are endless .
Daniel Furnback
Managing Partner , Sandy Hook Yacht Sales Inc .
What was your first job ? At 14 , I was a summer camp counselor . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? Taking the leap as a business owner . In March of 2020 , Matthew Cini and I took a chance and devoted our lives to taking SHYS to the next level in the most uncertain of times . We have grown the company by organic and inorganic means with disciplined strategic principles . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Matthew Cini – He is the most fair and pragmatic individual I have met . I consistently use Matthew as a soundboard in all aspects of personal and professional life . Matthew is the backbone of our company ! Nancy and Douglas Furnback – As my parents , they had the difficult task of raising my brother and me . I received my core values of treating people with respect and unparalleled work ethic were driven from my upbringing at a young age . Ashley Furnback – Ashley is the most supportive , patient , and understanding person I ’ ve known . She is driven and a successful occupational therapist . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? When I started as a business owner , I was 33 years old . Being an owner doesn ’ t grant you automatic respect . I put my head down and continued to earn respect by doing business the right way and using my core values that I learned over the culmination of my life . I continue to learn how to read people and understand what is most important to them . Everyone has different goals and understanding these by having meaningful conversations routinely is incredibly important . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I want to show everyone that if you ’ re willing to truly commit yourself to the marine industry , there is no limit to the success you can bring both professionally and most importantly personally . Who was your hero as a child ? My family , we have a small and very close family that is always there for each other . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? There is no better industry for quality of life than the marine industry . When you enjoy your career , you ’ ll never work a day in your life . Being able to walk outside in the salty air , take a boat ride , and live people ’ s dreams on a daily basis is life changing .
Amber Garcia
General Manager , Pleasure Cove Marina West , Suntex Marinas
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I have always been drawn to water , so working on it is a no brainer . After selling our business
22 march 2023 www . boatingindustry . com