What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? Surfing , scuba , biking , and website design . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? Careers in this industry have passionate community of like-minded people to back them up .
Who was your hero as a child ? My mother was my hero . She raised me as a single parent , and her resilience , determination , and work ethic shaped who I am today . She taught me the value of hard work , perseverance , and never backing down from a challenge . Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and career .
BRYAN KAHL DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE , REGAL BOATS
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Growing up on the Florida coast , I was always surrounded by boating and the water . Whether it was fishing , cruising , or just being out on the water with friends and family , I developed a deep appreciation for boating early on . That passion only grew stronger when I had the opportunity to turn it into a career . Right out of high school , I started working in boat manufacturing , where I got hands-on experience . I was fascinated by the craftsmanship , the innovation , and the ability to create products that bring people joy . What was your first job ? My first job was in the marine industry , working in lamination . It was a hands-on job where I applied fiberglass and resin to hulls , ensuring structural integrity and highquality finishes . It was tough work , but it taught me valuable lessons about precision , craftsmanship , and the importance of building a quality product . That experience laid the foundation for everything I ’ ve done since , giving me an inside perspective on the level of detail and dedication that goes into every boat . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? One of my proudest accomplishments has been helping Regal Boats achieve the highest customer satisfaction score in company history in 2024 , winning CSI awards in four categories . I ’ m also proud of launching Regal ’ s AI-powered Help Center for our dealer network . 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 faced was earning credibility and trust in leadership roles at a young age . The marine industry values experience , and stepping into decision-making roles early in my career meant I had to prove myself through action . I focused on understanding every aspect of the business , production , dealer relations , customer service , and product support , so I could make informed decisions that benefited both the company and our customers . Over time , my commitment to results , strong relationships , and a customerfirst mindset helped me overcome those initial hurdles . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I want to show that success in this industry isn ’ t about where you start ; it ’ s about how hard you work , how willing you are to learn , and how much you care about making a difference . Whether you begin on the production floor , in customer support , or in a leadership role , there are endless opportunities to grow . I hope to inspire others by demonstrating that if you take ownership of challenges , embrace innovation , and prioritize customer experience , you can make a real impact .
I also believe in mentoring the next generation . I want to help others develop their skills , build confidence , and find the same passion for the industry that I have . Where is your favorite place to go boating ? The Florida Keys is my favorite place to go boating . The clear water , the incredible fishing , and the relaxed atmosphere make it an unbeatable destination .
JAMES MADELUNG SERVICE MANAGER , HARBORSIDE MARINA & YACHT SALES
What was your first job ? As a teenager , I started my own detailing business in my hometown and the surrounding towns . I worked hard to gather a customer base and provide quality service that had them coming back . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My father has always had a strong influence on me , personally and professionally . I get my work ethic and drive for success from him . I also view John Benchimol , my boss and the owner of Harborside Marina , as a mentor . He empowers me to take on new challenges and achieve my goals in a competitive , but fun work environment . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? I was able to work myself up to management at the age of 21 and in doing so , one thing I ’ ve found is that being young and in a leadership position , although rewarding , can have its challenges . Especially in situations where you are trying to bring on high-level change and improvement in an industry where there are a lot of older employees with vast amounts of experience and particular ways of doing things . The key I ’ ve found in these situations is to have strong communication and explain why changes may be happening . Each day I try to prove to everyone why they can trust my leadership . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I feel my career in the marine industry is an example that hard work can be enjoyable if you are passionate about what you do . I hope others can look at the work I ’ m doing and see the benefits of following a career they are passionate about . I hope they can look to me and see that if you care about what you do and put in the work , you can find success . I ’ m proud of where I am now , and I have high aspirations for the future . Where is your favorite place to go boating ? While I enjoy the adventure of boating in new locations , my favorite place to boat will always be right in my hometown of Branford , Connecticut , in the Thimble Islands . The Thimble Islands provide an incredibly unique boating experience , as it ’ s an archipelago consisting of small islands , rocky cliffs , and tidal flats . It ’ s given me some of my favorite memories , from spending time with family , doing big tie ups with friends , and enjoying different watersports . Ultimately , it ’ s where I grew up and learned how to boat . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? Outside of boating , I still love to be outdoors . I like traveling , skiing , hiking , and spending time with my dogs . I also love sports , specifically the USC Trojans . Fight On . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? I feel like the marine industry offers a wealth of opportunity . There are career paths for all different individuals , with different talents and skill sets . Depending on what you ’ re looking for , the marine industry can provide a unique opportunity to do something team-based , in a fast-moving environment . From being outdoors as deck hands and yard workers , to corporate offices and upper management , there is truly an avenue for everyone .
www . boatingindustry . com march / april 2025
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