ASHLEY MALONE PRODUCT DATA MANAGER , SŌLACE BOATS
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I have always enjoyed manufacturing , and living so close to the ocean , it seemed like a natural fit . Boats , water , and building things — it all came together organically . What was your first job ? I got my start working in a motorcycle shop . It gave me valuable hands-on experience and taught me a lot about problem-solving and working with mechanical systems . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? One of my first managers in the marine industry , Martin Gatica , took me on my first " big " boat ride , and became a mentor early in my career . I ’ ve also had the opportunity to work with some incredible names in multiple industries , each of whom has influenced my journey in different ways . Being part of SŌLACE since day one and working under Sarah and Stephen Dougherty has been an incredible experience — they ’ ve built something truly special , and it ’ s been amazing to grow alongside it . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? When I first got into the industry , I had a solid background in manufacturing , but boats were a whole different world . The learning curve was steep , and with so many moving parts in boat building , it was easy to feel overwhelmed . I had to dive in headfirst — asking questions , learning from those around me , and figuring things out as I went . Over time , I built the confidence and knowledge to navigate the industry , and that hands-on experience has been invaluable . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I want to show people that no matter where you start , you can achieve great things in this industry . I started in the paint department , and seven years later , I ’ m in the engineering division . Hard work , adaptability , and perseverance can take you further than you ever imagined — but never lose your sense of humor along the way . A good laugh can get you through just about anything . No matter what challenges come your way , just keep on proppin ’ on ! Where is your favorite place to go boating ? I loved boating on the St . Croix River in Wisconsin where I grew up and the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida where I live now . Both spots offer amazing views , and I ’ ve created so many great memories from the time spent there . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? It ’ s such a rewarding field . There ’ s something special about watching a design come to life — from the drawing board to the water — and being part of that process . The marine industry is hands-on , always pushing the envelope , and gives you a real sense of pride in what you accomplish .
STEVEN MANDARINO SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER , MARINEMAX
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I ’ ve always had a passion for boats and the water . I grew up spending summers at our family ’ s Wisconsin cottage , working on the docks and running boats . What was your first job ? I worked on the fuel docks at Gordy ’ s Lakefront Marine in Fontana , Wisconsin , starting in 2003 . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Thom Dammrich , former NMMA president , has been a great mentor and influential role model for me .
Thom ’ s forward vision , genuine care for others and knowledge of the industry has always stuck with me . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? The two biggest challenges I ’ ve faced in the industry were the economic downturn in 2008 and more recently Covid-19 . While each circumstance had wildly different impacts on the boating industry , both showed me that you must keep your head down , work hard and be nimble to the inevitable change . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I ’ ve been reading Make Big Happen by Mark Moses . Mark ’ s philosophy is rather simple : What do I want ? ( Vision ) and What do I have to do to get it ? ( Action ). What boat did you learn to boat on ? A 1984 Supra Sunsport . Who was your hero as a child ? My father , although I probably didn ’ t realize it at the time . My father pushed my brother and me hard . He was always there to support us and to pick us back up when we needed it . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? I enjoy snow skiing in the winter months and a round of golf when I ’ m not on the boat . Why should young professionals choose a career in this industry ? The opportunities are vast in the boating industry . This industry has amazing products , endless innovation and has afforded me the ability to travel the world . Most importantly , the people are what keeps me energized and coming back every day .
BARRETT MANNING SALES REPRESENTATIVE , WILLIAM F . MILLER AND ASSOCIATES
What first drew you to the marine industry ? It was an opportunity to align what I loved to do with what I did for a living . I have always loved boats and being on the water as well as working on boats in my spare time . Every one of my hobbies involves boating , and working for William F . Miller and Associates has given me the chance to immerse myself in an industry I have always been fascinated by . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? I spent five years in the fly-fishing industry as a guide and casting instructor , during which I had the privilege of teaching over 1,500 people how to fly fish . I worked with groups like Veterans Fly Council , Project Healing Waters and many others . My students came from all walks of life , with stories ranging from veterans coping with PTSD , people starting on their path to recovery from addiction , to retirees seeking a fulfilling new hobby . Though it ' s been six years since I last taught a class , I still receive photos and texts from former students whose lives have been positively transformed by the sport that means so much to me . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Hill Lenderman and Joe Miller have been the most significant influences on my career . From the moment I started at William F Miller , they have been unwavering pillars of support both professionally and personally . Hill and Joe took the time
22 march / april 2025 www . boatingindustry . com