Greenwood , Carly Poole and many , many more . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I would love for people to see that my strong work ethic got me to where I am today . I am a driven person with a lot of grit , and I would love to inspire others to strive for the same for themselves . It ’ s hard to get to the place where a lot of us on the 40 Under 40 are without putting ourselves wholeheartedly into our work . It ’ s easy to be passionate in this industry , where we ’ re all driving to get people on the water every day , but it does take hard work for all of us to make this industry competitive against other products that are taking our customers ’ discretionary dollars away . Who was your hero as a child ? My grandpa . He was the president of a steel fabrication company . I was always impressed with his work ethic and how he carried himself . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? It ’ s a fun industry . It ’ s rewarding work to bring people to the water . It ’ s a close-knit , kind and collaborative community . I laugh when we ’ re at a dealer meeting , and I see our people in cargo shorts and boat shoes , getting ready for a boat demo , next to an event where everyone ’ s in a suit and tie all
day . How could you not want to be in boating when you see how much fun we ’ re all having ?
ROSS KENNEDY
Business Unit Director , Marine Concepts
What was your first job ? Growing up I worked as a dockhand at Castine Yacht Club in the summers . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My parents for giving me the opportunity to be involved with boating at a young age , Bob Long for giving me my first job in the marine industry , Lynn Brandon who has been a key mentor in my leadership development , and Rick Reyenger for allowing me the opportunity to prove myself at GG Schmitt . These people have all played a strong role in where I am today . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? Manufacturing in general , marine being no exception , brings
people from all parts of life together to accomplish a common goal . To be able to lead such diverse groups , develop buy in and create results , was a big challenge early on in my manufacturing career . I ’ ve found people respect a leader who is able to communicate a clear goal but also make tough decisions when needed . People tend to respect those decisions , especially when they understand what our common goal is . More succinctly , each individual must understand what winning looks like in their position . Proper goal setting and communication on both short and long term goals are key . Who was your hero as a child ? My Dad , he was the catalyst to my mechanical aptitude and a supporter for messing about in boats , and my Mom , for never getting mad at us having too many boats . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? It ’ s an industry that has so many opportunities , rewards entrepreneurialism , and centers around a product that provides so much enjoyment to so many people . You can be passionate about the product you make and meet some very great people along the way .
C
O N G R A T U L A T E S M A R I A G A L A T I H I L L , S O C I A L M E D I A M A N A G E R
Maria joins an accomplished group of up and comers at Galati Yacht Sales , including past winners :
2023 2022 2019
Jay Dee Jackson Emma Galati Tsantles
Michael C . Galati
We are grateful for the contributions of all of our team members to Galati Yacht Sales and the boating industry .
Maria Galati Hill - 2024
G A L A T I Y A C H T S . C O M
www . boatingindustry . com march 2024
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