and being detail oriented . I ’ m incredibly grateful to continue my career at another family-owned business , Tiara Yachts , which shares so many of the same values as my family ’ s company . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? A lot of my peers have shaped and inspired me as a professional , but Kevin Schroeder from Plascore Inc . and Scott Lammers with Tiara Yachts have been incredible mentors in helping me learn and understand different composite materials . Stephanie Luckadoo at Tiara Yachts was also extremely helpful as I transitioned into my leadership position . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope to show others that career paths can be non-traditional and still be fulfilling , especially for engineers . The key is being committed and consistent and to put your best effort towards your current role . Careers change , but aspects of previous roles will carry over to your next role . My career has revolved around everything from polymers and thermal barrier technologies to lithium-ion batteries and luxury yacht composites , but I wouldn ’ t trade my experiences for anything . Who was your hero as a child ? Growing up , Derek Jeter , a West Michigan native from nearby Kalamazoo , Michigan , was the talk of the town . I always looked up to him . His book , The Life You Imagine : Life Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams , had a profound impact on my childhood and provided a framework for achieving personal and professional goals . My favorite Derek Jeter quote is , “ There may be people who have more talent than you , but there ’ s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do .” Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? The marine industry has fewer regulations than other transportation industries , which allows for new designs to hit the market at an incredibly fast pace . This environment creates ample opportunities to expand your expertise and develop skills that yield high quality vessels . If you want variety and excitement in your job , a career in the marine industry may float your boat .
MICHAEL SPEZIAL
Sales Manager , Harborside Marina
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Different than most , as many in the industry get into it from experience , cleaning their grandfather ’ s boat , or having a boat growing up . I started with a passion for Sales , Relationship building specialty . Originally implemented into the Medical Device industry ,
I made the switch over to Marine , and never looked back . Seeing the happiness and life changing experience people have buying a boat with their family , making memories , was what drew me in instantly . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My father , Scott Spezial was my greatest mentor . Taught me about work ethic , going the extra mile , outworking competition , and putting your passion into your work . My father-in-law , John Benchimol is my biggest influence in the Marine industry , going back 25 years now , his experience and the way he handles his clients in a professional and caring way , cannot be valued enough . Taught me everything I know and continues to teach me everything / new things about the marine industry . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I like to use the famous S . M . A . R . T method , Specific , Measurable , Achievable , Relevant , and Time-Bound . You can ’ t get to the top of your goals without starting somewhere and working yourself up . Small goals / objective leading up to bigger goals . One step at a time . Who was your hero as a child ? My Father , Scott Spezial . Those who had the privilege to know him , know of his hard work and dedication to his work , and his family . Cannot be measured . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? At least from the sales side of things . I remember my father telling me when I was young , “ In sales , you either sell necessities , or dreams .” My family owned a large industrial Sprinkler company in N . J ., which was a necessity , water . Boats are what people dream about , you don ’ t need a boat , you just want one . Seeing clients achieve those dreams via hard work , and the amazing memories they make with their families , is what drives me .
BRANDON SPICER
Product Engineering Manager , Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Being a true lifelong boater , I knew at a very young age that I wanted to make sure my favorite hobby was something I could do every day . I spent a great amount of my childhood on the water and loved working on our boats with my father . As a teenager racing the IJSBA circuit , I set a goal to be an engineer at Yamaha . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? Advancing quickly led to many challenges from the veterans . Starting at a smaller company as an outsider forced me to quickly prove my knowledge of product and development . To become successful and get acceptance I made sure to take the time to listen , incorporate the work from the veterans into my work , and show success of my ideas through rigorous validation before implementation . Who was your hero as a child ? My father has been the biggest inspiration throughout my entire life . I grew up watching him work in CAD programs and loved helping him on our boat . At the age of 15 he drove me to my first college class , which was an introductory CAD class that he taught . His excitement towards the water , and dedication to the classes he taught was infectious enough that it guided me to where I am today . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? There is no doubt that this industry is the most fun industry in the world . Every person in every position in the marine industry is building fun for families all over the world . Every product built is a craft built to bring smiles all over the world . A career in marine means the ability to create positive experiences and memories for others . A career in marine for a boater means the ability to have fun while doing something you love .
ERIC STEELE
Owner , New Wire Marine
What was your first job ? Outside of parents / family , my very first job was a checker at the local Winn-Dixie grocery store . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My wife provided a lot of encouragement early on , but I was largely self-taught . This business was my first foray into the industry . My mentors have been the dozens of family members , co-workers , vendors , customers , and other business owners who have helped me learn along the way — most probably don ’ t even realize it . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? Initially , I struggled with a sheer lack of boating experience , constantly facing issues and encountering things I didn ’ t even know existed . To overcome this , I had to swallow my pride and simply ask questions . People in this industry generally love to share their knowledge — don ’ t pretend to
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