What accomplishments are you most proud of? I’ m most proud of how I’ ve helped to modernize how our marine brands connect with their customers and dealer networks. Over the past several years, I’ ve worked on building stronger digital platforms, launching new product campaigns and creating marketing strategies that support both dealers and end users. The marine industry has incredible products and expertise, and helping bring those stories to life in new ways has been incredibly fulfilling. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? I’ ve been fortunate to have several great mentors throughout my career. Ashley Bruggeman played a huge role in getting me interested in marketing early on and has always been one of my biggest supporters. She encouraged me to think creatively, take on new challenges and push myself professionally. I’ ve also learned a tremendous amount from Don Hurley, who helped me understand the technical side of the business and the value of building strong, lasting partnerships with dealers, installers and customers. As a young professional, what are the biggest challenges you’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges has been helping evolve marketing and communication strategies in an industry that historically relied heavily on traditional channels. Those channels are still incredibly important, but today’ s customers also expect strong digital experiences and easy access to information online. My focus has been on building strategies that support our dealers while also strengthening our brands’ digital presence and reach. How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry? I hope to show that the marine industry offers incredible opportunities for innovation and leadership. It’ s an industry where you can make a real impact while working on products that people genuinely love. How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success? I focus on aligning my goals with the bigger picture of where our brands and our industry are going. I believe strongly in continuous learning and surrounding myself with people who challenge me to grow. Success in this industry really comes from collaboration – working closely with dealers, engineers, installers and customers to build better solutions together. What boat did you learn to boat on? I learned to boat on a 21ft Bayliner that my family had while I was growing up. We spent a lot of time on the water tubing and wakeboarding, and those summers created some of my favorite memories. My grandparents also had a small Lund fishing boat, which is where I learned to fish. Between the two boats, I was lucky to experience both sides of boating early on. Where is your favorite place to go boating? Some of my favorite boating memories come from Ottertail Lake and Long Lake in Minnesota. The lakes in that area have such a strong boating culture, and there’ s something special about spending a summer day out on the water there. Who was your hero as a child? Growing up, I admired people who were curious, hardworking and willing to try new things. That mindset of staying curious and always learning is something that continues to influence how I approach both my career and leadership. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? I enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors. Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry? The marine industry is an incredible place to build a career because it combines innovation, craftsmanship and lifestyle. Whether someone is interested in engineering, marketing, technology or manufacturing, there are opportunities to make a real impact. It’ s also an industry built on relationships and passion for life on the water, which makes it a rewarding and exciting field to be part of.
DUSTIN HUNT
DIRECTOR, DEALER SALES AND SUPPORT, ROLLICK
What first drew you to the marine industry? The recreational industry in general is such a fun space to be part of. Boats and other recreational products are passionate purchases; people buy them because they genuinely love the lifestyle. That enthusiasm creates a great atmosphere across the entire industry, from dealers and OEMs to customers out enjoying the water.
What was your first job? My first job was working as a lifeguard at my local public pool. What accomplishments are you most proud of? I’ m most proud of the relationships I’ ve built over the years with dealers and OEMs across the industry. Through those connections, I’ ve developed not only strong professional partnerships but also lifelong friendships. Being able to help dealers and manufacturers grow their business with our products – and hearing how it has positively impacted their operations – is incredibly rewarding and reinforces that the work we do truly adds value. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? My dad has always been my biggest supporter through both the good and the challenging times in my life. Professionally, I’ ve also been fortunate to have several managers at Rollick who genuinely cared about my development and helped position me for success. I wouldn’ t be where I am today without the guidance and support of those leaders 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? The uncertainty during the COVID pandemic and the years following was a major challenge for the entire recreational industry. Like many businesses, we had to navigate rapidly changing conditions and shifting market dynamics. Staying adaptable, maintaining strong communication with partners and focusing on long-term relationships helped us work through that period and continue building momentum. How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry? I hope to inspire younger professionals to be forward-thinking and consider careers in the recreational industry. With the rapid changes happening in technology and AI, we need fresh ideas
20 march 2026 www. boatingindustry. com