to mentor me , helping me understand the intricacies of this industry and the importance of building strong relationships . Their hands-on mentorship made all the difference in helping me grow from a newcomer into a valuable team member . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I try to make a positive and uplifting impact on everyone I work with . I believe that the legacy we leave behind is shaped by our integrity and work ethic - qualities that reflect our commitment to others and the tasks at hand . I focus on setting a strong example of both , ensuring that my actions align with my words and that I demonstrate dedication , reliability , and respect for those around me . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I maintain one core goal : at the conclusion of every project or challenge , regardless of the outcome , I want to look back with confidence , knowing that I gave my absolute best to serve both my customers and the partners I represent . My commitment is to always act with integrity and dedication in everything I do . Where is your favorite place to go boating ? Lake Martin in Alabama is where I enjoy most of my time on the water with my family , but the backwaters of the Mississippi Delta and flooded woods of Arkansas will always hold a special place in my heart .
DAVA MILLER CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER , CREST MARINE
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I always dreamed of working in the automotive industry , but after graduation I realized how competitive that industry was . I started looking at similar industries and came across a job opening at Crest ! What accomplishment are you most proud of ? I ' m most proud of establishing myself as a leader at a young age . Stepping into leadership early , I proved my abilities while mentoring and developing my team . Seeing them grow is incredibly rewarding . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? One of my biggest challenges was not growing up as a boater — which meant I had to quickly learn the lingo , technical aspects , and product knowledge to establish any type of credibility . So I immersed myself in the industry — asking questions , studying products , and learning from seasoned professionals . Additionally , being a young woman in a male-dominated field required me to build confidence and strong relationships . Networking and mentorship have been invaluable , helping me navigate those challenges and grow . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope to inspire newcomers who may feel unsure about their place in the marine industry by showing them that you don ’ t have to grow up around boats to be here . This industry is incredibly welcoming , with people eager to help you learn and grow . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I set attainable goals , as seeing progress keeps me productive . Rather than focusing on large , overarching goals , I break tasks down into manageable steps . To stay on track , I write my daily goals / to-do list in a notebook — it ’ s the only way to stay organized and focused with so many moving pieces . Who was your hero as a child ? My mom , without a doubt . As a single mother for most of my childhood , she worked tirelessly to ensure I never went without and always felt loved . While working full-time as a nurse , she continued her education , all while giving me everything I needed and more . She was my hero then and always will be . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? I love to read , so if I ’ m not at work , I ’ m likely lost in a book . I also love to travel , but I equally enjoy relaxing at home with my husband and dogs , watching a good show .
Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? I could go on forever about this , but first and foremost — the marine industry is genuinely fun . It may sound cliché , but it ’ s true . While there are tough days , we ’ re all working toward the same goal : helping people enjoy their time on the water . Beyond that , the industry ’ s culture is incredible .
JAKE MURPHY LEAD SOFTWARE DEVELOPER , WAVVE BOATING INC
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Whenever I could get on a boat , I always appreciated the peace and sunshine . I saw that Wavve needed an Android app for navigating , and I thought writing the app would be a lot of fun . What was your first job ? I made a website for a local business when I was around 13 , and worked at Best Buy through high school . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Our founder , Adam , mentors and guides in matters both personal and professional . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope that others in the industry will take on challenges outside their current understanding or skillset , so they learn and grow by taking them on . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? Adam , our founder , and I plan what we want to accomplish several months in advance . This allows me to focus on fewer things at one time , since I always know what should be done and by when . What boat did you learn to boat on ? My dad ’ s small fishing boat . Where is your favorite place to go boating ? The Thousand Islands on the Saint Lawrence River offers a lot of fun to explore . Who was your hero as a child ? My dad . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? Reading , tuning computer hardware , and building models . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? If you really enjoy being on the water , you can help shape the experiences of other boaters and make recreational boating more enjoyable for them .
BEN PITSCH GENERAL MANAGER , AMERICAN MARINE
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I ’ ve always been an avid outdoorsman , and growing up , I spent a lot of time at my grandparents ’ cabin on the lake . Those experiences instilled a deep love for boating and being on the water . I originally pursued
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