// PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
I have no issue introducing myself to anyone and I ’ m approachable . I attended IBEX with my partner , Scott . His agenda was different from mine , so we split up . I began by stopping to introduce myself to the key manufacturers ’ salespeople – all men . I couldn ’ t get them to speak to me . If they did , I was blown off quickly . They were frequently engaged in conversations among themselves , and I couldn ’ t get them to break away .
I texted Scott to say I was struggling . He had been to the same manufacturers and had immediate attention . We quickly deduced it was because they probably saw me as a female buyer and didn ’ t think I had anything of value to talk about , or that I wasn ’ t a serious buyer . Scott took me back to each of those same manufacturers , engaging in conversation first . He then turned the conversation over to me and made introductions and most were thrilled to hear what I had to offer .
It was a good learning experience . Now , before I attend these same events , I make contact on LinkedIn and look for a specific person to engage with at the booths .
Most important , you must always find a way through . There is always an answer ; you might get frustrated ; you might even have your feelings hurt . Someone is out there who does want to welcome you . Today , I am welcomed by many colleagues , mentors and friends I ’ ve made in the industry .
Besides workforce development , Nikki is actively engaged in important industry initiatives including advocacy , shown with mentor Jim Coburn at the American Boating Congress .
BI : Who are your mentors ? NS : When I first started attending national industry events , I always ran into Jim Coburn of Coburn & Associates . Jim has served in a variety of capacities throughout the industry and knows everyone . He understood my goal was to meet industry leaders and gain support for GLBBS . He took me under his wing and made many introductions . If Jim didn ’ t know who I wanted to meet , he ’ d find someone who did .
Kim Sweers is one of my biggest encouragers . She frequently talks about growth and improving your personal and professional life . Kim is an advocate for education and particularly women , and a great role model .
I ’ ve been fortunate to have access to Tom Slikkers , CEO of Tiara Yachts . Everyone needs someone who gives it to you straight and I love that about Tom . He graciously agreed to join the GLBBS board which provides opportunities for me to pick his brain about challenges . He is steadfast in my corner , giving me the “ attagirl ” I need and the “… maybe you should think about that a little differently .” His candor is refreshing .
BI : Let ’ s shift to workforce development , the hot topic on everyone ’ s agenda . NS : The industry ’ s missing the mark engaging education / training institutions . Our # 1 issue is the workforce – lack of employees , especially skilled employees . Why aren ’ t educators at the table to help solve these issues ? I showed up uninvited to shows and conferences and blasted my way through , not always so gracefully . We need to welcome and bring the schools forward and make a sincere effort to work together to solve workforce issues .
BI : What ’ s the biggest challenge for the industry regarding workforce initiatives ? NS : We are facing a huge “ MARINE INDUSTRY CONUNDRUM .” Consider data gleaned from industry speakers , such as the 3.2 million jobs available nationally – more than there are people to fill them - a shortage of workers for the rest of our lives . More people are spending money than producing , and wages are growing higher than inflation . In addition , consider the repair cycle time comparisons : the RV Industry at 26 days vs . marine Industry at 70 + days .
It ’ s very challenging to recruit students and stand out from other industries . Marine industry entry level wages do not competitively reflect the value of an educated / trained employee . Dealers have not re-invested capital into all the right assets … most dealers would say people are their # 1 asset and they have an employee shortage . Employees need a plan and support for their career .
In addition , employees can go to work for employers , but can they keep them ? Are they maintaining an environment that treats their employees well ? Schools like GLBBS can graduate students but it ’ s not uncommon to hear from alumni the horrors of working for some employers .
We are up against fierce competition with other industries , very BIG industries who are strategically working together to move the needle on growing the workforce . It is imperative that the marine industry do the same .
BI : What ’ s your call to action ? NS : This is my favorite question and I have the answer : AWARENESS .
Schools are battling daily to enroll students in programs to support the marine industry . Many students who attend GLBBS tell me , “ If my friends had known this was an option , I ’ m sure they would have come here too .” They decided to work on cars because they knew of that option .
BI : What ’ s your vision to build awareness ? NS : I ’ m done waiting for the industry to get together and develop a plan to address
32 march 2024 www . boatingindustry . com