WILLIAM RICHARDSON
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, QUARTERBACK MARINAS
What first drew you to the marine industry? I love being on boats, so it just felt like a great fit. What was your first job? PC Repair Tech. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? Mike Shuler was a major influence and key mentor in my career. Finally, someone who realized this whole industry was antiquated and that there was a better way to do things. What boat did you learn to boat on? I started out with my grandfather kayaking. Learning how to read the water is crucial and there’ s no better way to learn than in a kayak. Where is your favorite place to go boating? Anywhere south of Johns Island. North Edisto River, Bohicket Creek, Steam Boat Creek, South Edisto River, etc. Who was your hero as a child? Mr. T from the A-Team.
NIKKI RICHTER WISE
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, SYNTEC INDUSTRIES
What first drew you to the
marine industry? I grew up spending my summers at the lake ― tubing, surfing and enjoying picnics on the boat at the sandbar. I was destined to love it from the start, but I was especially inspired watching my mother, Lynne Richter, navigate the marine textile industry for over 35 years with professionalism, creativity and style. I have fond memories of coming home from school and sitting in her office, listening in on her phone calls, fascinated by the conversations and thinking she had the coolest job. Not many people get the privilege of saying they’ re truly passionate about what they do, but I can wholeheartedly say that I am!
What was your first job? I started out as a busser at Boone’ s Long Lake Inn in Traverse City, Michigan ― a bit of a rite of passage among our group of family and friends. My breakthrough role in the marine industry came as Marketing Associate for the OEM Channel at Attwood Marine, which now operates as part of Navico Group. What accomplishments are you most proud of? One highlight for me is graduating from Michigan State University with honors with a BA in Marketing( Go Green!) The meaningful relationships and strong sense of community I’ ve built in this industry are incredibly rewarding, even having met some of my closest friends through this business. I’ ve been going through a really challenging season in life recently, and the support and generosity of my colleagues has meant more than I can express.
On top of that, receiving this recognition is a huge milestone for me. I’ ve been manifesting something like this since I started in marine, and it feels incredibly validating of the work I’ ve been putting into the field. I’ m forever grateful to everyone who has uplifted and championed me along the way. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? I’ ve worked alongside some amazing people at Attwood and Syntec and have many to thank, but my mother, Lynne Richter, has been the most influential figure in my professional journey. When she began planning her retirement, Syntec approached me about stepping into her role, and I had the absolute pleasure of shadowing her for nearly two years before she gracefully transitioned out. That time was invaluable and unlike any other onboarding experience. She laid the foundation for my success and deserves so much of the credit for where I am today. As a young professional, what are the biggest challenges you’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them? It’ s a true up-and-down business, influenced by seasonality, market conditions and economic shifts that can create uncertainty. During slower or more challenging periods, maintaining perspective is critical. My boss, D. J. Cross, often emphasizes the importance of keeping a PMA – positive mental attitude – and that mindset has stuck with me!
I try to focus on what I can control – strengthening relationships, improving processes, being proactive and continuing to learn. By staying flexible and grounded, especially during the inevitable dips, I’ ve been able to grow through the cycles rather than be discouraged by them. How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry? I want more young women to see that there is a space for them in the marine world and feel encouraged to pursue opportunities here! Early in my career, I didn’ t always find many women in leadership roles to look to as examples. I’ m proud to be part of that shift and am committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming industry for the next generation!
www. boatingindustry. com march 2026
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