My journey from an intern to a leader at Volvo Penta has taught me that every experience , big or small , shapes your growth . I want others to see that dedication and adaptability can open doors to incredible opportunities . What boat did you learn to boat on ? Our family had an Air Nautique and a Tahoe Pontoon , and we loved every moment spent on both . Whether we were wakeboarding behind the Nautique or cruising on the pontoon , boating was always at the heart of our family time . Like true boaters , the boats may change , but the love for being on the water never fades ! Who was your hero as a child ? My father . His hard work , perseverance , and ability to find joy in every moment have always inspired me to be the best version of myself . My mom and I jokingly called him our " cruise director " because he always guided us through life with a sense of adventure and humor . His love for boating and bringing people together has shaped who I am today , and I am so grateful for his presence in my life .
JAMES SULLIVAN DIRECTOR OF INVENTORY MANAGEMENT , MARINEMAX
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Since childhood , with first boating experiences of fishing and summer-time fun on lakes in Michigan , and family continuing that after moving to Florida , boating has always been very special to me . Later in life , I set out to work for a company where I could mesh the personal passion with the skills I ’ d learned through other industries after college , which led me to MarineMax . What was your first job ? My first job was as a Dock Attendant at a Wave Runner Rental & Parasail business in Madeira Beach , Florida , where I eventually became a First Mate and then a Captain of their Parasail boat . It was a great alternative to other choices for work while in high school and college . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I can only hope to inspire others in this exciting industry filled with many talented and passionate individuals by treating others as I ’ d want to be treated and by lending a hand anywhere that I can . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? Professionally , I set just two impactful , but challenging goals for the year and set a realistic timeframe for each to be achieved . Having just two goals helps maintain focus and attainability . Also , making note of the “ Why ?” maintains the motivation . What boat did you learn to boat on ? A Baja 188 Islander . Where is your favorite place to go boating ? Far offshore deep drop fishing in the Gulf or blue water fishing in the Keys . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? The product we all work with is fun and exciting , but the people in the industry are what makes it special . There are so many paths one could take and there is something for everyone in the marine industry with all the businesses that work together to keep families boating together and attracting new families and friends to experience it .
PHOENIX TOOMATH FOUNDER , KNOT BORING MEDIA
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Moving to Canada ’ s West Coast in 2020 , I was captivated by the innovation and amazing businesses in BC ’ s marine sector . My commercial photography business got its first exposure to boating when Tactical Custom Boats ( a local builder ) took a chance on us and hired me to film their new model . That project — applying our drone services in a new way — had me hooked . What was your first job ? In my early teens , I launched a drone photography business with support from a provincial summer entrepreneurship program and my parents . I loved the mix of creativity and problem-solving that came with running a business and knew then that I wanted to spend my career building companies and tackling unique challenges . That experience set me on the path I ’ m on today . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? Starting Knot Boring Media and building it into what it is today . What started as an idea quickly found market fit , providing high-end media services that are truly unique and tailored to marine storytelling . Filming on the water comes with unique challenges — coming into each new project with a wealth of applied experience filming other marine stories sets our clients up for success . We ’ ve worked with some of the top companies in the PNW , and that list is growing every day . It ’ s easy to get caught up in forecasting and metrics and feeling like there ’ s always more to do , but when I look back at what we ’ ve accomplished in the last year , I am incredibly proud and excited for what ’ s ahead . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? My business mentor , Shannon , played a huge role in helping me navigate the challenges of scaling a company . Early clients who believed in our vision gave us the momentum to push forward , and the Boating BC Association has been instrumental in connecting us with industry leaders and hearing directly how we can support their marketing objectives . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? Breaking into a well-established industry as a young entrepreneur was daunting . Many marine businesses have decades of history and close relationships with their industry peers , and earning trust in a tight-knit space can take time . I overcame this by listening , learning , and taking a ‘ value first ’ approach to delivering high-quality work . By specializing exclusively in marine media and demonstrating a deep understanding of our clients ’ needs , we built the credibility needed to foster long-term partnerships . What boat did you learn to boat on ? A 10-foot aluminum dinghy . I have fond memories of visiting the cottage on a small lake in Muskoka , and this little boat was perfect for learning and discovering the freedom of life on the water . Where is your favorite place to go boating ? Howe Sound , British Columbia . This fjord nestled just north of Vancouver is home to incredible marine life and stunning landscapes , with islands , cliffs , and mountains creating the perfect backdrop . The short distance from the city makes it one of my go-to spots for photo , video , and drone shoots .
ANDREW TROYANO GENERAL MANAGER , VITAL FORCE YACHTING
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Growing up , my family always had boats , and I genuinely enjoyed spending time on them . This early exposure to boating significantly influenced my interests , leading me to pursue entry-level
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