met . He had friends in every state and was just a fantastic person . His funeral in 2017 was so busy that they ran out of seats , and people stood around the edges to pay their respects . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? The marine industry has a lot of potential for making a difference . Many of the businesses along the West Coast of Michigan have been around for a long time and desperately need to be modernized . There are a lot of opportunities to help these businesses that have loyal customers expand and reach new heights by infusing tradition with modernization . For us at Hall ’ s , this involved using the internet to reach new customers , and cleaning up our old dusty parts room to appeal to new young boaters .
AMANDA HORAN CO-FOUNDER AND CEO , LINE + CLEAT
What first drew you to the marine industry ? The deep personal connection I developed with boating began when I met my now husband , who grew up on the water and cherished every moment spent there . His passion quickly became mine , and we built unforgettable memories — first as a couple and later as parents , sharing the magic of the water with our children . Boating became more than just an activity ; it was a way to bond , escape , and create experiences that would last a lifetime . That powerful sense of connection and joy inspired me to start a business in the boating industry , driven by a desire to help others experience the same meaningful moments . What was your first job ? My first job in the industry was as a self-taught entrepreneur , driven by my personal connection to life on the water and the desire to enhance the boating experience for families like mine . I saw a gap in the market where safety and style weren ’ t being equally prioritized , especially when it came to life jackets . As a parent , I understood the struggle of finding gear that wasn ’ t just a requirement but something that truly complemented the boating lifestyle . That passion led me to create a brand that gives a voice to the leisure boater , bridging the gap between safety and style in a way that had been long overlooked . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Nicole Verspyck , the founder and CEO of Junedays , has been an incredible mentor . With her extensive career in the fashion industry , she has been a valuable resource as I ’ ve navigated the intricacies of developing products within the boating space . On a personal level , my father-in-law and mother-in-law have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey . Their deeprooted knowledge of boating , along with their passion for creating lasting family memories on the water , has been both inspiring and educational . They ’ ve supported me at every turn , getting me out on the water as often as possible and helping me truly understand what makes boating such a special experience . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope to inspire others in the boating industry by encouraging a more holistic view of boating — one that goes beyond sport and technical expertise to also embrace education and leisure . Boating is more than just an activity ; it ’ s an opportunity to build foundational skills , confidence , and a lifelong appreciation for the water , especially when introduced at a young age .
With Line + Cleat , my goal is to make boating more approachable for families by providing thoughtfully designed , safety-focused products that serve as a child ’ s first step into the boating world . By giving parents peace of mind and children the confidence to explore , I hope to spark greater interest in boating , foster a sense of community , and ultimately contribute to the industry ’ s continued growth .
How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I make it a priority to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way — as long as it feels right and aligns with my mission . I am always eager to learn , network and push myself outside of my comfort zone because I ’ ve found that those moments of discomfort often lead to the greatest growth . Most importantly , I never give up . If something doesn ’ t work out , I see it as a redirection rather than a failure . I truly believe that setbacks are just stepping stones to something better , and by staying persistent and adaptable , I continue to move forward toward my ultimate goals . Where is your favorite place to go boating ? We spend most of our time boating in beautiful Naples , Florida . That is my favorite place to watch my children get so excited when a dolphin passes by ! Who was your hero as a child ? Growing up , my heroes were my parents , truly . I watched both of them work incredibly hard at everything they did , never giving up no matter the challenges they faced . They instilled in me the grit and dedication that drive me today . Their resilience , work ethic , and belief in me continue to inspire everything I do . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? The marine industry is an exciting and dynamic space filled with opportunities for growth , innovation , and career development — especially for women looking to make an impact . Whether you ' re interested in technology , sport , engineering , or product development , there is so much to learn from industry experts while also bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table .
ANDREW HORNBEAK HEAD OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE , DOCKMASTER SOFTWARE
What first drew you to the marine industry ? A passion for boating and being on or near the water whenever I can . What was your first job ? Finance coordinator at CRC Marinas . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? I saved for five years to buy my dream boat and proceeded to go sailing in the Caribbean for 18 months on a career break . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Greg Sinks , the longtime GM at CRC Marinas , taught me lots about the marina industry . Mac McCarty ( yacht broker and friend ) helped me sell my boat and gave me a part time job selling boats as a licensed CA yacht salesman . My role in software regularly relies on business and customer support skills I learned from both of them . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I make many goals with different time frames in a list format with some stretch goals that are borderline impossible to drive me to work hard after-hours in hopes of reaching them through ingenuity and perseverance . What boat did you learn to boat on ? A Hobie 16 , Striper 18 , and Dufour 412 . Where is your favorite place to go boating ? Dana Point , California and Catalina Island , California . Who was your hero as a child ? My father . He always wanted to go boating but was sometimes limited by an injury , so it was a special occasion for us to get out on the water .
20 march / april 2025 www . boatingindustry . com