FORTY UNDER FORTY
ALEX KRAMER
General Manager , SaraBay Marina
What first drew you to the marine industry ? As far back as I can remember , I have always been drawn to boats and the water . Throughout my childhood , my family always had boats which is where we spent the majority of our quality time together . I believe it was those enjoyable memories which gave me a natural interest in making the marine industry my career . Every chance I had whether it was summer break or a long weekend , I was working the docks picking up daywork or jumping on as delivery crew . Once I graduated college and faced with that “ first real job ” question , the marine industry was without a doubt where I was going to land . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Outside of my family , who have played an incredibly supportive role all these years , I have been privileged to work for two of the best companies in the industry , Galati Yacht Sales and MarineMax . While there , I was able to work alongside some of the most influential leaders in the marine industry and learned much of what I practice today from them . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? Initially , I would say navigating a full-time sales career as a 26 year old yacht broker was an eye opening experience , one that was met with its array of challenges . Now , holding a position of leadership at this age always comes with the level of scrutiny whether it ’ s from customers or veteran industry professionals who are going to question your experience . I remain confident in the principles of my decision making that have gotten me here , and stand by those every day with my team . Trusting that my team knows exactly what decision I would make in the moment , allows us to act quickly and always in the best interests of our customers . Who was your hero as a child ? My father has always been my hero and best example of how to successfully manage people , manufacture relationships , and make decisions . I depend on him now more than ever for advice and mentorship . If I had to pick a hero from the posters on my childhood wall , it was Peyton Manning without a doubt . I ’ ve always admired his incredible work ethic and ability to stay calm in a situation , never losing control in front of his teammates . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? The marine industry will open opportunities to see and experience some of the most iconic places and have discussions with the most successful and influential businesspeople in the world . There are only a few industries that can merge a recreational hobby and career success in one . I am proud to say this industry is on the leading front of some incredible technology and sustainability , which is exciting to be a part of as we continue to grow .
CHRISTOPHER LAMB
Plant Manager , Pursuit Boats
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I was a young adult who needed to find a full time job . The
Sea Ray Plant in Palm Coast , FL offered benefits , had a tuition reimbursement program and on the job training . What was your first job ? My first job in the marine industry was in the cabinet shop applying Formica , wood veneer and banding . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My brother Edward Lamb was a major factor in my journey to leadership , who worked in the Marine industry for 20 years . Ed along with my superiors at Sea Ray palm coast always focused on developing leadership . During my first evaluations as a new employee the supervisors were always focused on how I could be developed into a role that would be beneficial to the company . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I consistently push the benefits of education , training , and knowledge to the employees at Pursuit boats . MBI has a great tuition reimbursement program that can give the entry level employee an advantage at developing a professional career . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? Goals can be overwhelming and sometimes unable to accomplish with the amount or work that needs to be done . I have always simply written each task down , no matter how small . Each day I take the same list and transfer anything incomplete from the previous day . This helps me stay focused on the priority level so that nothing goes unnoticed or incomplete . Who was your hero as a child ? I was always inspired by “ the captain ” or Derek Jeter . I loved playing baseball as a child and looked up to Derek not only as a fan but as a leader . It was truly amazing to see you favorite player win the World Series five times . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ?
The marine industry has opportunities for young adults from entry level to college graduates . It is a great place to grow and develop skills necessary to have a rewarding and fulfilling career .
MARIAH LAWRENCE
Chief Operating Officer , Freedom Boat Club of Tennessee
What was your first job ? At 12 , my uncle ' s marina in Knoxville became our family ' s hub . Dad was the general manager , Mom ran the restaurant , and my grandmother managed the office . Year-round , we immersed ourselves there , and I eagerly embraced the work , especially at the gas dock ! Learning from my family taught me invaluable lessons in hard work , customer service , patience , and perseverance . Thank you , Mom , Dad , and Mimi for all the lessons over the years . Watching you and learning from you are the reasons why I am succeeding today . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? I was privileged to start managing a Freedom Boat Club location straight out of college in 2012 . That year , I attended my first Freedom Boat Club conference where at the time , there were only 25 people in the room . Throughout the years , I witnessed some of the most intelligent and hardworking entrepreneurs and executives succeed within Freedom . Those people took note of my hard work and ultimately introduced me to the man who changed my life . I met Bill Sheriff in January of 2020 , and we threw our hats over the wall . Bill took a chance on me , coached me , and inspired me to be the leader I am today . While our time was cut short in this world , I will always look up to him and ask myself , “ What would Bill do ” with the underlying fact that we are nothing without our people . Additionally , I ’ d like to say thank you to Ross Roadman and David Drake for their friendship and mentorship along the way . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? During the early years of my career , I was very quiet and didn ’ t feel my voice needed to be heard , so I stuck to listening . Being a young , inexperienced woman was incredibly intimidating and I lacked confidence . But during those years , I fell in love with the business , and I told
24 march 2024 www . boatingindustry . com