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commitment to stewardship and sustainability . While some days may feel like just another day at the office , the broader impact of our work becomes evident when we witness the transformative experiences our industry facilitates for countless individuals and families . It ' s a profound sense of purpose and pride to be part of something greater than ourselves , making a tangible difference in both the economy and the lives of those who cherish time spent on the water
DONNIE PATTERSON
Senior Composites Manager , Nautique Boats
What was your first job ? Out of college at the United States Military Academy , I commissioned as an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer . I did seven years in the career field with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan .
Following military service , I had the opportunity to transition into full time Six Sigma Black Belt work for a Roofing manufacturer in Joplin , Mo . ( Tamko Building Products ). That experience was my first with composites . The first opportunity I received in the Marine Industry was with Twin Vee PowerCats in Fort Pierce , Fla . in the Quality Department . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Many . From a leadership standpoint I was fortunate to work for several officers in the U . S . Army that really helped shape my own leadership style . I ’ d say the largest influence coming from the late Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Poznick whom I worked for while in Iraq . In the marine industry , Preston Yarbrough ( Twin Vee ), Tom Vale , Fred Slann and R3 ( Iconic Marine Group ), Linwood Parker & Thomas Greene ( Parker Boats ), Karen Zullo ( CompOne ), Zach Hutcheson , Thomas Bates & Bill Yeargin at Correct Craft . This is by no means a comprehensive list . Many of the best lessons I ’ ve learned have come from the bottom up . Who was your hero as a child ? My father . My earliest memories were not of lavished gifts or extravagant experiences . I remember being in beat down single cab work trucks without A / C in South Florida going from jobsite to jobsite with him as he attempted to provide for his family as a struggling landscape entrepreneur , dragging palm fronds from behind multimillion dollar homes to a woodchipper out front . At the time I ’ m sure I wasn ’ t exceptionally enthusiastic about it , but I was always with him . His work ethic , intensity , and loyalty were unmatched . I never wanted and knew that when the chips were down , he would
figure out a way . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? It ’ s ripe with opportunities . If you ’ re willing to commit to pursuing knowledge and you ’ re passionate about the work you are doing , it is an industry that is easy to grow within . It ’ s international in application , yet small enough that the contacts you make keep you interwoven throughout the community . I haven ’ t been in the industry that long but I ’ m sure that I know at least 2-3 people that owe me favors in every state down the eastern seaboard and I ’ m sure I ’ m in more peoples ’ phones than I care to admit that think the exact same thing ! The contacts and people that I ’ ve met are deeply committed to the aquatic experience and real passion is hard to come by .
ALEXANDER PISKO
Product Support Manager – Americas , Seakeeper
What was your first job ? After graduating from the Landing School in 2012 , I started my career as an outboard mechanic and electronics installer for a local marina here in Toms River , N . J . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? I ’ ve been fortunate to work around a lot of great people in the industry , but Tim Ryan was someone who really showed me all aspects of this business . He allowed me to make mistakes but was always there to guide me . He is a big reason for the growth in my career . No day is ever the same but having the tools to deal with multiple situations and backgrounds has helped me tremendously and I have him to thank for teaching me a lot of the skills I still use today . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I ’ ve always had a lead-by-example mentality , willing to do whatever is needed to solve the problem . My hope is the team around me sees that and understands that together we can achieve greatness . Who was your hero as a child ? My parents , they still are to this day . My father taught me work ethic , fairness , and how to be there for your family . My mother taught me how to have compassion , live with values , be honest and do things the right way . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? You have to love what you do . It ’ s not all rainbows and sunshine , but if you have the passion and love for it , there isn ’ t a better career choice .
ERIC ROSENTHAL
Marketing Director , Wavve Boating
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Honestly , it was my mom . She ’ s a long-time employee of Freedom Boat Club . Back in 2018 she referred me to a back-office job with the Freedom Boat Club franchise in Tampa , Fla . The passion and vision of that team helped me see the incredible opportunities in the marine industry . You could see a transformation starting to happen in recreational boating , and I wanted to be part of it . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? My goal is to inspire others by leading with integrity , passion , and a relentless pursuit of excellence . Through my actions and achievements , I aim to demonstrate the transformative power of innovation and collaboration , inspiring fellow professionals to push boundaries and contribute to the continued growth and advancement of the marine industry . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I believe in setting ambitious yet achievable goals that align with my personal values and professional aspirations . I prioritize clarity , accountability , and continuous learning , leveraging strategic planning and effective communication to set myself up for success . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? You know , the marine industry , it ' s really something special , especially for us young professionals . It ' s not just a job , it ' s a whole world of opportunities waiting to be explored . From cutting-edge innovation and sustainability efforts to thrilling adventures and tight-knit communities , a career in the marine industry is like embarking on a journey filled with endless possibilities and meaningful impact . It ' s truly something worth diving into headfirst .
CHRIS RUMSEY
Composite Engineering Group Leader , Tiara Yachts
What was your first job ? My career first started at my family ’ s residential home building company , Rumsey Builders Inc ., as a Construction Assistant . During my time there , I learned the importance of customer service , hard work
28 march 2024 www . boatingindustry . com