This month , Boating Industry spotlights Movers & Shakers so with this extensive coverage , I opted for a different tact for my “ Profiles in Leadership ” column . Over the past 1.5 years , I ’ ve interviewed 17 incredible , forwardthinking industry champions whose grit , relentless spirit , drive and passion have positively impacted their organizations . Each of the 10 men and seven women profiled vary in

By Wanda age , years in the industry and job responsibili-

Kenton Smith ties / experience .

I ’ ve assimilated a sampling of my favorite outtakes from these marine industry leaders . Enjoy !

Power mantras

“ Never give up . Lead from the front . Be willing to learn . Be humble and treat people just as you would like to be treated .” – Dr . Guy Harvey , Founder , Guy Harvey Inc . & Chairman Emeritus , the Guy Harvey Foundation

“ To whom much is given , much is expected . Best leaders are the best servers . We ’ ve all been given so much ; it ’ s our responsibility to give back and help the next generation find their place in this awesome business .” – Glenn Hughes , President ,

American Sportfishing Association “ Honesty builds trust . Respect , because that builds trust . Faith in your people , because that builds trust . Trust builds success .” – Susan Bonivich , Senior Dealer

Business Manager , Volvo Penta

Susan Bonivich

Guy Harvey

“… it captures how I feel about collaborating , creating positive synergies and working with other stakeholders throughout the industry to collectively accomplish important boating safety goals : Together , we accomplish more than anyone alone .” – Jim Emmons , Executive Director , Water Sports Foundation

“ In the context of people thinking they are the only one who can do their job , I always respond : “ Cemeteries are full of irreplaceable people .” – David Parker , President , Parker Business Planning “ It ’ s go day !” I always find something positive to look forward to in the future , and that attitude has always helped me face obstacles over the years .” – Randall Lyons , Executive Director , Massachusetts

Randall Lyons

Marine Trade Association “ Persevere by finding the way over , under , or around the roadblock .” – Natalie Briggs Carlson , Former Executive Director , MRAA Foundation

Top leadership traits

“ Be a positive leader , communicate and teach ! People never come to work to do a bad job , but as an industry , we often don ’ t provide the proper training , support and resources to do a good job . It ’ s important that we take the time to understand the processes we subject them to that prevent our employees from doing a great job . Now , more than ever , we need to focus on workforce development . Having employees to make products is key , but their training must keep pace with the industry ’ s technological development and advancement .” – Dave Marlow , Sr . Director , Product Integrity / Government

“ If the most successful companies are going to be adaptable , agile operations , then the most critical leadership traits will be the ability to inspire change right throughout every layer of

a team and bring everyone along on the journey .” – Alisdair Martin , Former VP Business Development , NMMA

Alisdair Martin

“ We must be willing to change and adapt . Customer expectations have changed dramatically in the past decade due to technology and we need to move faster to keep up . We have to take a hard look at how we do things and be open to moving ahead in a different manner .” – Kristen Frohnhoefer , President , Sea Tow Services International

Strategies for success

“ After a few years launching my career at Chaparral , I realized I wanted a seat at the table . I began to take on more and more responsibilities and never backed down from a challenge . You must be patient and realize you must prove your worth to your company and be willing to grow in stages and become valuable with every learning opportunity . Always surround yourself with others that complement your mission and work ethic . Work hard , work smart and work well with others . You lead by example when you don ’ t ask more of others than you are willing to give yourself .” – Ann Baldree , Sr VP , Chaparral & Robalo Boats

“ An executive in the boating industry is not unlike many other executives in the world . One must deal with the “ today ” company and plan for the “ tomorrow ” company at the same time .” – Peter Granata , President , Granata Design

“ Many companies view marketing and customer service as different areas , but we treat it as one department . We believe a happy customer can sell way more boats than any ad we might purchase . Customer satisfaction starts the day they start shopping our brand ; our goal is to keep that relationship a positive one for many years .” – Victor Gonzalez , Director of Marketing , Sportsman Boats

Hiring , recruitment and retention

“ For those with an interest in launching a career , start by finding a company that you really want to work at ; the role / position is less important . Build your competency , as this will become incredibly important if you want growth opportunities down the road and want to be respected . Don ’ t be in a hurry ; it ’ s easy to get caught up in wanting to do more or to have a bigger title . If you

Ann Baldree

Paul Kuck

take your time , stay humble and do it right , you will be rewarded and given opportunities .

“ For those in the industry with leadership

28 october 2023 www . boatingindustry . com