How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? When I set a goal , I try to begin with the “ Why ?” I focus on why I am setting the goal in the first place and then work to decide what I am going to do and how I will do it . I find it easier to break big goals into smaller actionable steps and ensure that each is measurable and achievable . It helps to be specific — remember that “ a problem well-defined is a problem half-solved .”
BRETT SHANE OWNER , SOUTHPAW YACHT SALES / VP AND CO-FOUNDER , OVERLOOK MARINE GROUP
What first drew you to the marine industry ? From a young age I caught the saltwater bug . I worked at every job I could surrounding the water . I was addicted and would watch and learn from sunup until sundown . I could sit on a dock and watch people docking boats for hours , or jump into the boat yard and bottom paint a boat or tune up an engine . What was your first job ? I worked at a Ben & Jerry ’ s Ice Cream shop when I was 12 . That lasted four days . The very next day , I started what I consider my first job , washing boats . I took a bucket of soap , and a brush from the family boat , and washed a neighbor ’ s boat . I did a good job , and the word started to spread . Before I knew it , I was washing one dock , then two docks worth of boats . I had built a
business from nothing to save up money for a charter boat , which I purchased six years later at the age of 18 , brand new at the New England Boat Show . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My grandfather got me on the water at a young age and taught me mechanical repairs and electrical theory . My business partner , Magnus Lejdstrom , has been involved in investment banking , running companies with years of business experience , and has been a key partner in two companies we run . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? When I started in boat sales the constant comment was , “ You ’ re so young .” To overcome that obstacle , I had to be an encyclopedia of information . I had to be a resource that blew away my competition . I made sure I knew everything from memorizing a purchase agreement or listing agreement , to the inside out of build sheet options , lead times on ordered boats . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I spend a lot of my time training at our company , teaching our staff on prepping boats for showing , surveys , negotiation , closing process , logistics , crew management , delivering boats , and customer service . I love spending one-on-one time with our team getting them excited about what we do , day in and day out . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I make sure that my family is my number one priority . I have been married for 17 years and have four kids , a dog , and two goats . It all starts with them and ends with them . My goals in life and in my career are connected to them one way or another .
Our
people are the heart of Brunswick and what powers our innovation and growth . Our united team is transforming experiences on the water and beyond .
Nancy Dean — Freedom Boat Club
Carl Greiner — Mercury Marine
Congratulations to our exceptional group of driven individuals named as a 40 Under 40 award recipient by Boating Industry .
Your leadership inspires us all .
Jeff Reifsnyder — Brunswick Corporation
Josh Rosella — Freedom Boat Club
Purseerat Singh — Business Acceleration
Kate Winer — Navico Group
www . boatingindustry . com march / april 2025
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