Boating Industry March/April 2025 | Page 17

Where is your favorite place to go boating ? I ’ ve been sailing to many beautiful places but the one that I keep returning to is the British Virgin Islands . There is really nothing like it ; the crystal blue waters , the sea life , the people , and sailing community is second to none . Every trip there we find a new favorite place . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? When I am not at the factory or out on a boat , I enjoy spending time riding my horse . I have noticed there is a lot of overlap with people who own boats and horses , and since both are very popular in Florida , it has been an easy way to make friends with a shared interest . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? We are in the business of fun ! Boats are a great way to bond with family and friends and make memories that last a lifetime . The marine industry is such a welcoming community and attracts people who are extremely passionate about what they do . It ’ s energizing and I am so proud to be a part of it .
CASEY GRIFFITH TECHNICAL SALES REP , GEMECO MARINE ACC / AIRMAR CORPORATION
What first drew you to the marine industry ? From a young age , I spent a lot of time outdoors , fishing my small local river in Georgia from a Jon boat . Being relatively close to the Georgia Coast , we often spent summers riding center consoles and jet skis to the beaches of Ossabaw and St . Catherines Islands . As I got older , I developed a passion for bass boats and tournament bass fishing , which ultimately led me to the marine industry . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? Marrying my wife , welcoming my first son and , soon , our second baby boy . I ’ m also incredibly proud of my service in the U . S . Air Force and Georgia Air National Guard . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Zack Floyd , my mentor from day one , has taught me nearly everything I know about marine electronics . Brandon Wollard has only been my sales supervisor for a short time , and his deep knowledge and experience in the boating industry have already taught me a lot about sales and the industry . Tournament Bass Fishing fueled my passion for boating and ultimately led me to pursue a career 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 has been keeping up with the constant advancements in marine electronics and ensuring I stay well-trained on the various products I sell and troubleshoot . Additionally , I had no college degree or engineering background , yet I ’ ve worked hard to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in my field . I ’ ve overcome these challenges by being proactive in learning , surrounding myself with great mentors , and maintaining a strong work ethic — all while ensuring I ’ m the best husband and father I can be . What boat did you learn to boat on ? I truly learned to boat on my own while navigating different waters in a bass boat , scouting for fish ahead of an upcoming tournament .
www . boatingindustry . com march / april 2025
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