ROLAND AFZELIUS
PRODUCT MANAGER, DIGITAL SPORTSMAN / FOUNDER, OYSTER BAY WATER SPORTS
What first drew you to the marine industry? My passion for the marine industry started when I was five years old, when my dad taught me how to waterski behind our 1972 Boston Whaler- a boat my family still has to this day. I eagerly awaited my 10th birthday to get my boating license the way most kids look forward to turning 16 and getting their driver’ s license. As soon as the boat went in the water that summer, I was out on it whenever I could, taking it for rides. What was your first job? The first job I had in the marine industry was running Oyster Bay Water Sports. I started it as a freshman in college in 2020 after being sent home because of Covid. I took out our first client on August 1st, 2020. Since then, the business has grown to six boats, eight Captains, over 10 instructors and we have brought out thousands of clients.
What accomplishments are you most proud of? I am proud that I get to wake up every day and work on something that I am truly passionate about. At Digital Sportsman, I have the opportunity to help build technology that supports charter captains, guides and boat rental businesses in running more efficient and successful operations. At the same time, building Oyster Bay Water Sports into a leading water sports business on Long Island has been equally rewarding. I have a passion for creating great products and experiences with even better teams. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? Firstly, my parents’ unwavering support encouraged me to take the non-traditional path of entrepreneurship. Also, mentors in the industry like Joey Flotteron and Kirby Lesimann have been unwavering in their support and advice while working in the marine industry. In addition, clients who I won’ t name have been instrumental in their support for me in business and as friends. As a young professional, what are the biggest challenges you’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them? Managing and leading teams as a young founder has been both the most challenging and rewarding aspect of my career. At Oyster Bay Water Sports, seeing team members grow into leaders and return year after year is just as rewarding as the business growth itself. Learning to make difficult decisions while maintaining empathy has been one of the most important leadership lessons so far. That experience has also shaped how I approach my role at Digital Sportsman, especially in understanding the real challenges operators face day to day and using those insights to inform better product decisions. How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry? I hope I can inspire others to build and work on projects that they are passionate about. Whether on the water or behind the scenes building tools that support the industry, or in my case both, if you care deeply about what you’ re building, the long hours and hard days feel meaningful rather than burdensome.
How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success? Historically, I have segmented my goals between personal, health and business, ensuring to make yearly goals and check in the progress monthly. In addition, surrounding myself with like-minded driven friends and mentors has helped to keep me accountable and grounded. What boat did you learn to boat on? 1972 Boston Whaler Outrage. Where is your favorite place to go boating? Oyster Bay, NY. Who was your hero as a child? My childhood hero is my dad. He built his own business that he continues to run today. He has been the example and has provided me with advice and mentorship( even when I didn’ t want to listen) in business. I owe much of what has been built to his steady guidance. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Surfing, skiing, snowboarding, travel and chess. Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry? The marine industry is a unique industry in the fact that there is truly so much passion behind it. It is hard to find someone in the industry who doesn’ t love what they do. That passion is contagious and creates opportunities to build a fulfilling career while working in environments most people only experience on vacation.
CARRIE BAKER
DIRECTOR OF INVENTORY, ONEWATER MARINE
What first drew you to the marine industry? At the age of 16, I was in high school and was offered a part time receptionist job. Little did I know it would turn into my career! What was your first job? I started at MarineMax as a part-time receptionist 23 years ago.
What accomplishments are you most proud of? I have two accomplishments I am most proud of. First and most of all, being a loving mom and girlfriend. I went from one to four children and my life changed for the better! Secondly, my career. I started as a part time receptionist in 2003. In 2013, I was hired at Singleton Marine as the inventory coordinator. From there, I have worked my way up to director of inventory at an amazing organization and built a wonderful team to support our locations.
8 march 2026 www. boatingindustry. com