Boating Industry October 2023 | Page 26

MOVER & SHAKERS BOLD MOVES

CAROLINE MANTEL

also become known as an " expert " in a few areas involving boats and has been asked to present or speak on topics related to boating safety .

Through Mantel ’ s efforts , the state of Florida adopted the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act ( UCOTVA ), which was enacted July 1 , 2023 . This act requires insurance companies and boat owners to report damaged vessels to the state so that the title can be branded as " hull damaged ." Branded titles is something that is very common with cars , but boats have been limited , so this is an incredible step towards transparency and safer boating .

The action was led by Mantel and supported by BoatUS , NMMA , the Uniform Law Commission , NASBLA , the USCG and other industry partners . Previous states that adopted UCOTVA with support from Mantel include Hawaii and Georgia . Mantel has also been working closely with other states including Texas , Tennessee , Maryland , Alaska , Alabama , Colorado and Mississippi , who have all expressed interest in adopting this law .

“ My success is defined by the number of people that we help avoid buying a damaged boat . Every time a customer says that they had no idea a boat was damaged and how we saved them so much money , it continues to prove our success and the importance of the business . We are continually creating opportunities for greater transparency and safer boating ,” Mantel says .

Through her work with NASBLAs VIRT Committee , Mantel worked hand in hand with the USCGs Office of Boating Safety to produce an 11 page policy on HIN formats and requirements . The policy statement is awaiting final approval for release by September 2023 . This policy document encompasses all HIN-related policy into one document and provides greater clarity for states and

manufacturers on all HIN-related topics .

On top of promoting boating safety , Mantel says she hopes to inspire women , specifically , in the industry . “ The industry itself is very maledominated , but there are huge opportunities for women to be successful because of that . I hope they don ’ t look at this and say they won ’ t be successful because it ’ s male-dominated , but anyone that is forward-thinking and who doesn ’ t get discouraged easily can succeed ,” she says .

DAVE SYKES President , ProSpec Electronics

When Dave Sykes helped found ProSpec Electronics 37 years ago , few companies specialized in marine-specific audio equipment . Today , the company is a market leader in this highly competitive segment .

For the past 10 years , Sykes fostered a business relationship with RiverPark , the leading supplier of consumer electronics to the RV and commercial automotive industries . Seeking a way to retire and leave ProSpec in prime standing , he navigated the acquisition of ProSpec Electronics by RiverPark . This move ensures that the company he built , its dedicated employees and countless OEM and end-user customers will not only

DAVE SYKES survive in the current business climate but thrive .

Sykes realized early on in his career that a marine grade stereo would be a vastly improved audio solution versus a car stereo . His goal was to improve the boating experience through waterproof sound systems . With the launch of Seaworthy marine audio back in 1986 to partnering with Harman International in 2001 , developing new technologies and remaining devoted to constant innovation led to many industry firsts for ProSpec . Examples include the use of a mylar cover over the chassis to protect critical circuit board components , wired remotes at the transom , and the introduction of the black box concept to the marine industry .

“ We ’ ve been very innovative over the years and develop products that are relevant to the marine industry ,” Sykes says . “ Being a boater , you understand the rigors of water , humidity and salt . It has been a benefit in terms of us developing products that meet the needs of the industry .”

Sykes ’ approach to business is a hefty dose of customer service , whether it ’ s in person or via digital platform . He has always advised keeping the line of information flowing so the customer can make the best decision based on the facts . This flow of information results in superior support and customer management .

In order to be a good leader , Sykes says you need discipline and focus . “ Focus on your customer and focus on your team . Always have a concern and interest in your team . We have a number of people who have been with ProSpec for 15-20 years , so our focus has been to build a team and have people that stay with the company . There are benefits to that since they get to know the customers and the products , which is a lot easier than training new people ,” he says .

One of the ways Sykes continues to modernize and change the recreational boating industry is by producing better merchandise . Making thinner radios so they don ’ t protrude as much , providing the ability for radios to be flush mounted and developing larger displays for radios are just some of the ways ProSpec accomplishes this .

“ We look at products from other manufacturers and competitors and evaluate our merchandise versus theirs from both a price point and feature and cosmetic standpoint ,” Sykes says . “ We ’ re developing products that continue to improve the experience in the marine market .”

26 october 2023 www . boatingindustry . com