Georgios Voulgarakis
Chief Service Manager , Nautical Ventures Group
What first drew you to the marine industry ? As a young boy growing up in Greece along the coast of the Aegean Sea , I was fascinated by all the colorful fishing boats launching at sunrise and heading out into the Med . There was this natural flow between the boats , the water , and the people . Living in that environment from a very young age , I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of . What was your first job ? My very first job was a marine shop cleaner at 8-years old . Then , at 10 years old , I was the kid handing out tools to the technicians as needed . I was a marine technician helper at 12 and a working technician at 14 . I became a certified technician at 16 years old . I consider myself very lucky to have never done anything other than being in the marine industry .
Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? The key influences in my early career came from my family , especially my father . I was born and raised in a family business dealing with the marine industry and they were extremely supportive in my work life path . Current mentors come from my Nautical Ventures family , especially our CEO Roger Moore , who ’ s continued encouragement and zest for this industry provides me with inspiration and guidance . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I would like to show others in my field that the marine industry is not only about design , sales , or marketing , and that a key pillar is service - either before or after the sale . I think that is a key sector when it comes to a boater ’ s satisfaction and that the people who work in it should be recognized for their positive contribution . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? The marine industry is a fun industry . It ’ s one of the few professions that gives you the opportunity to give someone that experience of " the best day of his life .” Also , the future is bright with so many levels of new technologies and new developments on the horizon . The opportunities are boundless for those who recognize the potential .
www . boatingindustry . com march 2023
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