with boats and being out on the water sparked a genuine passion, and building lasting relationships with customers made the experience even more rewarding. Over time, I realized it wasn’ t just a seasonal job, it was an industry I truly wanted to grow in and be a part of long term. What was your first job? I was a deckhand at Reynolds Lake Oconee. I spent the summer pumping gas, docking boats and learning everything I could about marina operations. Starting out with that hands-on experience on the water gave me more confidence each day. That job was really where it all started for me knowing I wanted to work in the marine industry as a career. What accomplishments are you most proud of? I’ m most proud of how far I’ ve come in the industry so far. Starting at the dockhand level and moving up through different types of roles has only helped me learn a wider range of aspects of the business and made me a better salesman. Nothing is more rewarding than putting in the time, staying committed and growing in a job that I love each day. Looking back on my journey from that first summer job to now reminds me that hard work and persistence truly pay off. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? I’ ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my career; Brandon Lee, Eddie Beverly and Dave Deep. Their advice, support and belief in me made challenges easier to navigate and opportunities clearer to see. Beyond practical skills, they also showed me the value of hard work, integrity and building strong relationships. I’ m grateful for their influence and hope to pay it forward to others starting their own journey in the marine industry. 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 I faced was earning credibility with experienced buyers. Boats are major purchases, and customers want to feel confident they’ re working with someone knowledgeable. By committing to learning every detail about the boats I sell, spending time on the water and focusing on building long-term relationships rather than seeing someone as just a sale really helped me overcome this challenge. How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry? By showing that the marine industry isn’ t just a job. It’ s a career you can truly build with hard work, dedication and passion in an industry that allows you to enjoy what you do, be around the water and help create memorable experiences for others. Growing professionally while achieving your goals and having fun doing something you genuinely love isn’ t mutually exclusive in this industry, and that’ s what I hope to impart on others. How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success? Personally, I set a monthly sales goal for myself to have a clear target to work toward. The truth is that some months I hit it, and others I fall a little short, but having that specific goal helps me stay focused and motivated. I’ m always tracking progress, so I can adjust my approach, stay disciplined and continue growing both professionally and personally. As far as setting myself up for success, I like to combine personal accountability with team support. I’ m fortunate to work at Singleton Marine, where we lean on each other’ s experience and guidance to navigate different situations and keep improving. What boat did you learn to boat on? Growing up in South Georgia, I spent my summers skiing and wakeboarding on the Flint River behind a Ski Centurion.
Where is your favorite place to go boating? Lake Oconee. For most it’ s a getaway, but I’ m lucky enough to call it home and a place we love deeply. It’ s where I first fell in love with the water and the boating lifestyle, and where my wife, Rebecca, and I were married. Now, we spend precious time there with our daughter, Delaney, who already has an undeniable love for boats and the water. Lake Oconee is where we’ ve made lasting memories and continue to grow together as a family. Who was your hero as a child? My heroes were and are strong male figures in my life ― my late father, Edward, my stepdad, Wally, and my Uncle Joe. These men helped shape me into who I am today. They taught me that hard work and never giving up are the key to reaching your goals. Through every challenge and setback, they supported me so I could keep moving forward. Their guidance and encouragement continue to influence the way I live and work each day. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? When I’ m not on the water, my favorite moments are spent with my wife and daughter, whether it’ s having a movie night in or taking Delaney to go get her favorite doughnut as a morning treat. Golfing in the area is also something that I enjoy that keeps me relaxed and competitive. Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry? It offers a real chance to build genuine relationships and a long-lasting career while working in a fun and dynamic environment. Few careers combine professional development with the joy of being on the water every day. It’ s a lifestyle as much as a career, and for those who truly love the water, I say go for it!
CHAD TRIMM
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, REGAL BOATS
What first drew you to the
marine industry? As a Florida native, I grew up surrounded by water. From an early age, I developed a real passion for boating, fishing and the outdoors. I always knew I wanted a career connected to those passions. After graduating college, I began pursuing sales opportunities. That search led me back to my hometown of Orlando, Florida where Regal Boats was hiring for a sales coordinator. It felt like a great opportunity to combine one of my passions with my profession. The rest is history! What was your first job? My very first job was as a grocery bagger at Publix. It was an early lesson in customer service and work ethic, and it’ s likely where I first developed my passion for connecting with people and building relationships. My first role in
www. boatingindustry. com march 2026
35