SUSAN SHIDLER
DEPARTMENT MANAGER – ADVERTISING & MARKETING, SUZUKI MARINE USA
What first drew you to the marine industry? What first drew me to the marine industry was the opportunity to combine my love for boating and fishing with a professional career. Early on, I was inspired by the energy, passion and sense of community in the industry, and I saw it as a place where I could grow professionally while being part of something people truly love and enjoy. The combination of adventure, innovation and the chance to make an impact made the marine industry an exciting and natural fit for me.
What was your first job? My first job was as an account executive with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I spent nearly eight years with the organization, gaining valuable experience and building strong relationships before transitioning into my current role with Suzuki Marine USA. What accomplishments are you most proud of? I’ m most proud of completing four years as a Division I softball player at the University of South Florida. Competing at the D1 level required discipline, resilience and strong work ethic – skills that became the foundation of my professional career. That experience prepared me to transition quickly into the workforce, and I began my role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers less than a month after finishing my collegiate athletic career. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? I’ ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by strong leaders throughout my career, both at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and now at Suzuki Marine USA. One mentor who made a lasting impact on me is Marc Budine, my former leader at the Buccaneers. He truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader. He took the time to understand his team, consistently supported our development, and genuinely cared about our growth – both within the organization and beyond it. His leadership style has influenced not only my professional path but also how I strive to lead and support others. As a young professional, what are the biggest challenges you’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them? As a young professional in the marine industry, one of the biggest challenges I’ ve faced is establishing credibility and building trust in a field where experience is highly valued. I overcame this by focusing on hard work, learning from mentors and consistently showing results through action. I also made it a priority to build strong relationships with colleagues, dealers and partners, which helped me gain respect, expand my network and create opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry? I hope to inspire others by showing that the marine industry is filled with opportunity, innovation and room for growth. It’ s an industry where hard work truly makes an impact and where you can build a rewarding career while being part of something genuinely fun. How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success? I set goals that align not only with my personal growth, but with the continued progress of our marketing department and the company. I focus on identifying where we can improve, innovate and create greater impact. Success, to me, isn’ t individual – it’ s collective. The more our team and organization grow and achieve together, the more meaningful the accomplishment becomes. What boat did you learn to boat on? I grew up boating on a small offshore boat in New Jersey, so fishing was mostly seasonal. Today, I’ m married to Clay Shidler, owner of Hang’ em High Sport Fishing, and thanks to him, there’ s never a shortage of Freeman Boats or Young Boats( Suzuki powered, of course) for fishing adventures! Where is your favorite place to go boating? My favorite place to boat is right here at home in Crystal River, where I love being able to fish anytime. We’ ve also been fortunate to travel to Quepos Costa Rica for fishing, which was an incredible experience! Who was your hero as a child? My heroes growing up were my parents. They consistently went above and beyond for our family and instilled in me the values and characteristics that shaped who I am today, guiding me both personally and professionally to where I am now. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Outside of boating, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends ― sharing meals, laughing together and creating lasting memories. Those moments are my favorite ways to relax and recharge. Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry? The marine industry offers incredible growth and opportunities across the country. Whatever your skillset or passion, there’ s a place for you to thrive, make an impact and build a rewarding career in a dynamic and exciting field.
TINSLEY SHORT
SALES CONSULTANT, SINGLETON MARINE LAKE OCONEE- ONEWATER MARINE
What first drew you to the marine industry? I was first drawn to the marine industry through a summer job during college. What began as a way to earn extra money quickly turned into something much more meaningful. Working hands-on
34 march 2026 www. boatingindustry. com