// Chuck PROFILES Cashman and team IN are LEADERSHIP
actively engaged in Habitat for Humanity, having gifted nine homes in the Tampa Bay area.
Tariffs today are tough on foreign product and create a challenge, but there are answers – some we know and some we still need to unlock. My mindset is, there will always be challenges. The sooner we can understand and accept the challenge the sooner we can overcome them.
BI: What do you believe are the biggest challenges for the recreational marine industry in both the short and longterm? CC: Short term, the rising cost of entry is a real issue. The entry point to boating is much higher today than five years ago. Long term, I’ m hopeful that the world will find balance between boating and environmental concerns. The boaters I know care a great deal about the environment and invest heavily to enjoy it. We need sensible solutions so everyone can enjoy the environment.
BI: Talking about enjoyment, as you reflect on your own career, what have you enjoyed most so far? CC: Undoubtedly, the people. The clients that I’ ve grown to know through the years are truly some of the finest people in the world. They invest their time and money to spend irreplaceable time on the water with their loved ones. They truly understand the“ why” to life. The people category also includes our team. Our team does everything they can daily to provide a world-class experience on the water for our clients.
Long term, I ' m hopeful that the world will find balance between boating and environmental concerns.
Chuck Cashman Sr. VP Global Yacht Sales, MarineMax
BI: Besides your work for MarineMax, are you involved in any other marine industry initiatives? CC: I’ m on the board of directors of the IYBA which owns the Miami Yacht Show, and on the board of directors of the Marine Industry Association of South Florida( MIASF), which owns FLIBs. I also serve on the customer advisory board of Informa, the largest boat show promoter in the world. I joined these organizations to give back to industry and to help create better customer experiences.
BI: There’ s been a lot of conversation over the past few years about ways to improve and enhance Customer RX. As a leader in the retail space, what do you believe the overall marine retail community must do to achieve that critical goal? CC: The retail experience in boating lags many luxury experiences in the world. It’ s an extremely complicated ecosystem with manufacturers’ warranty, component warranties, dealership responsibilities and customer expectations. We need to smooth out the rough spots and provide an experience to keep clients in the game.
BI: As a retail leader with multiple stores and scores of professionals working in multiple capacities, what advice do you offer young professionals contemplating a marine industry career? CC: I love this question because it’ s been asked so many times by people trying to join our team.
First, take it seriously. There is less structure and a more engaging environment than a lot of careers, but it takes hard work and
30 november / december 2025 www. boatingindustry. com