What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? I like bass fishing, spending quality time with my family at the beach, and enjoying all that the Florida outdoors has to offer. Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry? The marine industry has the unique ability to allow anybody to come in no matter their stage of life or ability and learn a new skill. There is so much opportunity in the industry whether you are interested in engineering, sales, manufacturing or leadership. It also has the added bonus of being a very fun industry to be a part of.
CODY REICHLE
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, MALIBU BOATS & AXIS WAKE RESEARCH( MBI)
What first drew you to the marine industry? Growing up around boats, the water was always a big part of my life, so the passion came naturally. What truly drew me into the industry, though, was the opportunity to share that passion with others. Whether helping someone purchase their first boat or providing private wakeboard and surf lessons, there’ s something special about seeing families and friends create lasting memories on the water. Being part of an industry that delivers experiences( not just products) made it clear this was where I belonged.
What was your first job? My first job outside of the marine industry was working as a lifeguard at 14 years old. It taught me to be responsible early on, along with the importance of awareness, communication and leadership. Skills that have carried over into my professional career. What accomplishments are you most proud of? First and foremost, becoming a husband and father to three boys is my greatest accomplishment and motivation every day. Professionally, I’ m proud to have become a Regional Sales Manager at a young age in an industry I’ m deeply passionate about. Another ongoing accomplishment is working alongside our dealer network to evaluate markets, overcome industry challenges, grow market share and continually improve customer experience and satisfaction while building strong, lasting relationships. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? There have been many mentors throughout my career, which makes it difficult to single out just one. Some of the most influential have been long-time dealer principals I’ ve had the opportunity to work closely with. Learning from their experience, perspective and approach to business has helped shape how I operate today.
One person I do want to recognize is Joey Eischen, who played a significant role early in my sales career. He helped me understand the sales side of the industry and was a strong supporter and mentor during an important stage of my professional growth. 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 establishing credibility at a young age in a relationship-driven industry with many highly experienced professionals. I overcame this by focusing on preparation, consistency and listening more than speaking. Taking the time to understand dealer needs, market conditions and customer expectations allowed me to build trust over time. The recent market fluctuations and industry challenges have also reinforced the importance of adaptability, data-driven decision making and maintaining strong partnerships to navigate uncertainty successfully. How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry? I hope to inspire others by showing that passion, work ethic and relationship-building can create meaningful opportunities in this industry. The marine industry rewards people who are willing to learn, stay adaptable and support others’ success. If I can encourage younger professionals to embrace challenges, stay engaged and invest in long-term relationships, then I feel I’ m contributing positively to the future of the industry. How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success? I focus on setting both short-term measurable goals and long-term growth objectives. Success starts with preparation, understanding market trends, supporting dealer partners and maintaining clear communication. I also believe in continual self-evaluation and surrounding myself with people who challenge me to improve. Staying organized, maintaining accountability and keeping a long-term perspective helps ensure consistent progress both professionally and personally. What boat did you learn to boat on? Baja 232 Islander. Where is your favorite place to go boating? Lake Travis in Austin, Texas. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Outside of boating, I enjoy golfing, hunting and fishing, dirt bike riding with my kids, and spending as much time outdoors as possible with my family. Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry? The marine industry is fast-paced, high-energy and incredibly rewarding. It allows you to work around products and experiences people genuinely enjoy while collaborating with coworkers and partners who share the same passion. It’ s an industry built on relationships, innovation and lifestyle, which makes it a unique and fulfilling career path.
www. boatingindustry. com march 2026
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