me to California to help build a new company , Curated , from the ground up . That experience taught me so much about startups , business development , and innovation . It gave me a whole new perspective on how to apply technology and entrepreneurship to the marine world , and I carry those lessons with me every day . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope to inspire others by showing that there ’ s no set path to success in the marine industry — hard work , adaptability , and passion can take you anywhere . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I make sure to stay adaptable , knowing that the marine industry is constantly evolving . Success for me is not just about hitting numbers but also about making a lasting impact . What boat did you learn to boat on ? I learned on a nine-foot Achilles Tender . I would follow my dad up and down the intercoastal for hours . Who was your hero as a child ? My childhood hero was my dad , a captain whose passion for boating shaped my own journey in the marine industry . His influence inspired me to follow in his footsteps , always striving to uphold the same dedication and passion he instilled in me . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? The marine industry offers an incredible blend of adventure , innovation and opportunity . It ’ s one of the few industries where passion truly drives success , and the experiences you gain — whether on the water or in business — are unparalleled . It ’ s an industry built on relationships , problemsolving , and an appreciation for the ocean , making it a rewarding career for anyone who loves boating and wants to make an impact .
STEVE FREUKES WATERCRAFT INSURANCE SPECIALIST , MARSH MCLENNAN AGENCY
What first drew you to the marine industry ? As a kid , I spent every summer at the Lake of the Ozarks for my family reunion . The sound of high-performance boats echoing off the shoreline from a mile away was like music to my ears . I would run to the shore and watch as they weaved through the main channel , each one adorned with the coolest paint jobs and decals . My cousin and I often talked about how we would own a lake place , share a yacht , and have matching PWCs . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? My career growth over the past four years . After graduating from Missouri State University , I was uncertain about how well I would fit into a career that had little correlation with my finance major . However , I soon realized I was mistaken ; money and numbers play a crucial role in the success of most businesses . In my four years of employment , I am set to be promoted to the lead of the yacht and watercraft department effective June 1 . I am extremely excited about what the future holds and how I can make an impact in the watercraft industry . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My first influence was George Tucker . During a summer away from college at the Lake of the Ozarks , I worked a personal finance internship for George . He gave me the opportunity to parttime captain his Sea Ray . This experience allowed me to get behind the wheel , feel the joy of operating , and learn to maintain and care for a vessel of this stature . My second influence has been my predecessor , Dave Webb . Dave has worked in the watercraft insurance industry for over 40 years and has taught me all I know about insuring watercraft , as well as the risks of not being adequately insured . I look to follow in his footsteps while also making my own lasting footprint .
How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope to inspire the younger generation to get out and enjoy the water . In an age where social media and other distractions dominate our free time , there ’ s nothing quite like the experience of spending time on the water and taking in nautical miles . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? Setting goals involves envisioning my future self , planning the steps to get there , and honing my skills to achieve those goals . While these strategies help me set myself up for success , I typically aim to set realistic goals with the hope of exceeding them . What boat did you learn to boat on ? I learned to operate my dad ' s first boat — a 17-foot 1986 Larson . It was a pale pink color and constantly required extra attention . My dad would spend all afternoon working on it , and I would see the stress melt away as we were underway on a sunset boat ride . As I got older , I finally had the chance to take the wheel and help where I could . Who was your hero as a child ? My dad , who instilled in me the belief that anything can be self-taught . However , he emphasized the importance of doing thorough research and consulting with professionals whenever possible . If you ’ re going to do something , make sure to do it correctly the first time to save yourself the pain of having to do it again .
KELLY GOLDFARB CO-OWNER , BLUEWATER SPORTFISHING BOATS
What first drew you to the marine industry ? My husband and I share passion for the ocean . Early in our relationship , we went on a bareboat charter together to the British Virgin Islands and it was one of the most exciting and memorable trips of my life . Nearly a decade later , we have chartered in countries all around the world and it is by far my favorite way to travel . Every trip on a boat is an adventure , and the industry is full of passionate interesting people ! What accomplishment are you most proud of ? Becoming a business owner . It has been a challenging , but extremely gratifying experience . I am so proud of the team and the awesome boats we build at Bluewater . We have certainly had our fair share of hardships , but knowing at the end of the day that we are providing a lifetime of memories for our owners really brings me so much joy . I am so grateful to be at the helm of such a respected company . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? There are plenty of people who have decades more experience in the industry than I do , and some can be dismissive as a result . I just try to learn everything I can from the veterans of the marine world and show appreciation to those who are willing to share . With boats becoming more technologically advanced and the influence of social media , there is more opportunity than ever for younger people to exchange mutually beneficial information with the older generations . What boat did you learn to boat on ? We had a paddle boat growing up that my cousins and I would catch catfish from , sometimes with rods and sometimes with a piece of bread and our hands ! My uncle also had a Jon boat that we would take out bass fishing on a big lake near my home in New Jersey . I have many fond memories of being on the water as a child .
16 march / april 2025 www . boatingindustry . com