a career in Mechanical Design and worked in that field for 10 years , but when an opportunity arose at a new marine dealership in my area , I knew it was the perfect chance to turn my passion into a career . I jumped at the opportunity , and I haven ’ t looked back since ! What accomplishment are you most proud of ? The accomplishment I am most proud of is working my way up through the marine industry . I started as a parts and service manager , then moved into sales , followed by finance and insurance , and now I ’ m the GM . Each step of the journey has been a learning experience , and I take a lot of pride in the hard work , dedication , and leadership that got me to where I am today . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? One of the key mentors in my career is Steve , a salesman I worked with who has been in the industry for many years . He taught me a lot about the art of selling , not just taking orders , but truly getting to know your customers and ensuring they are taken care of . He always emphasized that if you build trust and provide exceptional service , customers will keep coming back to you without question . His advice has stuck with me throughout my career and has played a big role in my approach to sales and customer relationships . 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 ’ ve faced is proving myself to those who have been in the industry for a long time . Experience is highly valued in this business , and early on , I had to demonstrate that , while I may have been younger , I had the knowledge , skills , and dedication to succeed . I tackled this by listening , learning from experienced professionals , and then applying that knowledge to make informed decisions . Over time , by consistently delivering results and building strong relationship , I ’ ve earned the trust and respect of both my team and customers . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope to inspire others by keeping the focus on fun . At the end of the day , we ’ re selling a lifestyle centered around enjoyment on the water . Creating a fun , inviting team atmosphere not only makes work more rewarding but also keeps customers coming back . When people see that we love what we do , that energy is contagious — it builds stronger relationships , better experiences , and long-term success in the industry . Where is your favorite place to go boating ? My favorite place to go boating is Lake Wissota with my wife and my kids . It ’ s a great spot with beautiful scenery , plenty of space to explore , and the perfect place to relax and create lasting memories together on the water . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? A career in the marine industry is all about selling fun and creating memories for people . Customers don ’ t come in because they have to — they come because they want to enjoy life on the water . Being part of an industry that helps families and friends make unforgettable memories is incredibly rewarding . Plus , it ’ s a dynamic and exciting field where you get to work with people who share a passion for boating and the outdoors .
JON POULSON BUSINESS MANAGER , ATWOOD LAKE BOATS
What first drew you to the marine industry ? The water has always been a calling — the freedom , the excitement , and the pure fun of boating . It ’ s more than just a career ; it ’ s a way of life . There ’ s something incredible about being out on the open water , feeling the rhythm of the waves , and knowing you ’ re part of something so much bigger . The marine industry isn ’ t just about boats ; it ’ s about adventure , connection , and a deep appreciation for the water and everything it offers .
What was your first job ? My first job was as a sales specialist . I had the opportunity to learn from seasoned sales professionals , many of whom are still close friends today . I was new to sales , but I always felt I had a knack for it . Little did I know , it would shape my entire career . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? My proudest accomplishment is my marriage to my wife , and our three beautiful children . Family is everything to me . Beyond that , being voted into the 40 Under 40 , becoming the youngest commodore at our local yacht club , and being promoted to business manager . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Michael and Holly Valot , along with Brian and Chris Valot , have been key mentors in my career — they believed in me and took a chance on me , which I ’ ll always be grateful for . My good work buddy , Eric Koren , has also been a constant source of guidance and support along the way . I ’ ve always paid close attention to Bill Fenech , the founder of Barletta Pontoons , as he led with both class and persistence , setting an example I admire . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope to inspire others in the marine industry by leading by example . Success comes from showing up , putting in the work , and not being afraid of long hours or weekends . It ’ s all worth it in the end . Most importantly , I want others to enjoy the journey — because in this industry , no two days are ever the same , and that ’ s what makes it so exciting . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I like to set daily , weekly and monthly goals so I ’ m always working toward something attainable . These small wins keep me motivated and help drive the people around me as well . By focusing on consistent progress , I stay on track and build momentum toward bigger successes . What boat did you learn to boat on ? I learned to boat at a young age on the river , but my favorite boating experience was spending a summer living on a 1985 Yukon Delta houseboat . That experience taught me so many of the ins and outs of boating , from the basics to the little details you can only learn by truly immersing yourself in life on the water .
CHRISTOPHER PRESTON PLANT MANAGER – MARINE , ILMOR MARINE
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Growing up , I cherished boating with my father , which not only fueled my passion for the water but also sparked my desire to pursue a career in the boating industry . The blend of adventure , precision , and teamwork was something I wanted to turn into a profession . When the opportunity arose to join Ilmor , a fast-paced , top-tier company in this field , I knew it was a chance I couldn ' t pass up . What was your first job ? Ilmor V10 engine builder / traveling service technician . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? My success in creating a hardworking , quality-driven , and customer-centric team environment across multiple divisions of the company . By fostering open communication , aligning team goals with company objectives , and ensuring a shared commitment to excellence , this approach has not only improved internal operations but also strengthened relationships with our customers , ultimately contributing to sustained success .
24 march / april 2025 www . boatingindustry . com