MIKE ALLEN SALES MANAGER , BOATYARD
What first drew you to the marine industry ? As an avid boater and angler , I ’ ve spent a lot of time on the water and developed a deep appreciation for the boating industry . Beyond personal enjoyment , I was excited for the opportunity to contribute to solutions that make life easier for marine businesses and their customers . The combination of my firsthand experience on the water and my drive to improve the boating experience for others made this industry a natural fit for me . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? I ' m most proud of becoming a dad — it ’ s been the most rewarding and life-changing experience . Fatherhood has given me a new perspective on responsibility , patience and purpose . Professionally , I ’ m incredibly proud of my journey with Boatyard and the growth I ’ ve been a part of . Helping to develop and expand a platform that improves the marine industry has been a fulfilling challenge . Seeing the impact it has on businesses and boat owners keeps me motivated every day . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My dad and my grandfather have been the biggest influences in my career . My dad instilled in me a strong work ethic and the mindset to always keep pushing forward , no matter the challenge . He led by example , showing me the importance of integrity and perseverance in both work and life . My grandfather , Buddy , also played a huge role — his wisdom , experience , and the way he approached problem-solving left a lasting impact on me . 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 ’ ve faced in this industry is change management — introducing software into a field that ’ s deeply rooted in traditional processes . Change can be difficult for many business owners , so I ’ ve focused on education , relationship-building , and providing value . By showing how technology enhances efficiency without replacing expertise , I ’ ve helped drive adoption and bridge the gap between tradition and innovation . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I set goals by focusing on continuous growth — both personally and professionally . I break down larger objectives into smaller , actionable steps and stay disciplined in tracking progress . Surrounding myself with mentors , learning from experience , and staying adaptable help me stay on course . Success comes from consistency , a strong work ethic , and always being open to new opportunities for improvement .
RODRIGO ALVAREZ YACHT BROKER , GABLES YACHTS
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I grew up on the water and have always tried to be as close to the ocean as possible . When I graduated college , one of the first job opportunities that became available was with a boating start up and I jumped at the opportunity . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? I organized a deal for one of my biggest clients , which involved trading in his yacht and purchasing a larger one . The process took several months and came with many challenges , but successfully closing the deal after all that hard work was incredibly rewarding . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My business partner , Jorge Cabre , has always been one of my greatest influences . He constantly pushes me to achieve more , and I could not be here without him . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope that young people in the industry understand that there are no handouts in this business . There ’ s no shortcut to success , take advantage of every opportunity , work hard , and be honest . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? When it comes to selling boats , time management and organization are crucial . If you cannot prioritize your clients and your incoming leads you will constantly have revenue falling through the cracks . What boat did you learn to boat on ? A 1996 Mako 232 CC . Who was your hero as a child ? It ' s always been my dad . I have never seen anyone work harder than him , even to this day .
RACHEL BIGGE REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO MANAGER , MARINEMAX
What first drew you to the marine industry ? The marine industry wasn ’ t initially part of my plan ; however , my dad has always been in the industry , and we were always by the water when I was growing up . I was fortunate enough to have a great opportunity come my way to combine my love for water with a career . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? Having the privilege of building a team and sharing successes with them . While being on top of the leaderboard was incredibly rewarding , the true thrill comes from celebrating milestones with those people by your side . Every now and then , you find yourself on a team where everything just clicks — everyone is in perfect sync , thriving in their roles . I ' ve had the opportunity to help create high-performing teams like that , and when I look back , those moments stand out the most . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? Embracing new opportunities pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and acquire new skills . I didn ’ t enter as an expert , but I am fortunate to be surrounded by a talented team who has supported my growth . It took courage to seize these opportunities . I learned to trust in my own values , speak with confidence , remain humble and ask questions . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? Just because you didn ’ t start out in the industry or grow up around the water doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t dive in — there ’ s always room to jump in and learn . Whether you ’ re new to the field or just transitioning , the marine industry is full of opportunities for growth , and with the right mindset , anyone can find their place . It ’ s never too late to make a splash and discover where your passion for the water can take you ! How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I ’ m a people person who thrives on the energy of a group . Instead of focusing solely on my own goals or successes , I seek out a purpose and a team I truly connect with . I believe there ’ s no greater tool for personal success than relationships built within strong , collaborative teams .
www . boatingindustry . com march / april 2025
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