Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/731772
46 | Boating Industry | October 2016 www.BoatingIndustry.com WOMEN making WAVES Why or why not? Throughout my 36-year career in this industry, I have been extremely fortunate to be associated with many very smart business leaders who were willing to mentor, share and encourage me on the career front. Terry Snow of World Pub- lications (later bought by Bonnier), Rob Shirley, founder of MasterCraft Boats and Paul Kuck of Regal Marine were major early mentors and infl u- encers in my industry career. They, and countless others along the way, inspired me, provided op- portunities and believed in me. I'll always be grate- ful for the support and friendship of colleagues that made it easy to navigate a career. While the industry itself may seem very large to an outsider or newcomer, it is really a pretty tight, interconnected community. We're so for- tunate to have many great folks within our ranks. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? I'm most proud of two achievements and they are equally important to me. Founding Marine Marketers of America gave voice for the fi rst time to marketers working and making a living in our industry. Our voice as a group had never been heard or recognized. Through the launch of the Neptune Awards and other initiatives, I believe the contributions of this organization have and continue to make a positive impact on both the marine marketing community and the boating industry at large. Secondly, I'm very glad to have been able to raise awareness of vital new markets and the im- portance they play in our industry's present and future growth. I fi rst began this discussion in the 90s and think I was the fi rst to address the need for the industry to recognize and value women in the sales and boat purchasing process. I had the opportunity to produce training videos and materials that were used to educate thousands over the course of sev- eral years about the critical role women play in infl uencing not only the brand of boat or related gear of choice, but whether the family invests time in boating at all. I continue to wave and promote the banner of inclusion and through my role with the RBLC New Markets Task Force, hope to con- tinually educate and motivate others to invite and welcome the fast-growing cadre of affl uent African Americans, Hispanics and Asians to boating. What are some of your favorite non-boating hob- bies? I'm a motorcycle enthusiast who loves to travel and explore new destinations. I'm an avid reader. I love to write. I also really enjoy singing contemporary Christian music and sing with my church's praise team. MARCIA KULL VICE PRESIDENT – MARINE SALES, VOLVO PENTA OF THE AMERICAS, LLC Education: B.A. in Education – University of Iowa; JD – University of Iowa College of Law. Years in the marine industry: Over 25 Companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies: Genmar Hold- ings – Assistant General Counsel, Vice President of Operations and Senior Vice Presi- dent of Operations 1996-2004. Volvo Penta of the Americas – Vice President and General Counsel, Vice President – Dealer and Consumer Relations, Vice President – Diesel Sales Operations and Vice President of Marine Sales (2005- present) What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? That suc- cess in the marine industry is directly related to the scope and quality of your relationships. Being actively involved with NMMA, ABYC and the U.S. Coast Guard has both expanded my net- work and introduced me to my closest friends. Many of us have been in the marine industry for years, but working for different companies along the way. Old Genmar colleagues are now my Volvo Penta customers. How do you hope to inspire other women in the ma- rine industry? Hopefully, in two different ways: 1) By my longevity. Despite the cyclical nature of the business, the marine industry can offer a "lifetime" career of great opportunities and ex- periences; 2) That great opportunities exist for women within even the largest corporations within the marine industry. You don't have to be in a small family-run business to have a seat at the table of power. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Become a subject matter expert. Information is powerful, and you can earn credibility quickly by having a working knowledge of a relevant area with a willingness to share your expertise. What is your favorite place to go boating? Our summer cabin in Northern Minnesota or fl ats fi shing near Pine Island, Florida. JOAN MAXWELL PRESIDENT, REGULATOR MARINE, INC. Education: B.A. in History, University of North Carolina Years in the marine industry: Almost 30 years What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the ma- rine industry? This industry is full of great people – some in large organizations and some in small. I've learned that most of these people are will- ing to help solve a problem or give advice. Kris Carroll, president of Grady White Boats is one of my best friends. She has given me management advice and through the years we've developed a very strong friendship. Was it diffi cult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? At times it was diffi cult – es- pecially being not only a woman but also wife of the person people perceived as "the owner." I had to learn to toughen up my skin and just do my job. Today I am so pleased to see the num- ber of women in our industry – especially in the dealer networks. The role of women in society is changing and so today it isn't such a rare thing to see a woman in leadership in most industries. What would you be doing if you weren't working in the boating industry? Probably leading some other type of organization. It is fun for me to look at businesses and see ways that they could improve. There are many good businesses in this country that could be great if they focused on small things – looked at their products, facilities and staff through the eyes of their customers. What is your favorite place to go boating? We are surrounded by water here in Eastern N.C. I love to boat on Roanoke Sound and in the Atlantic out of Oregon Inlet. My favorite place to fi sh is down in Costa Rica where the water is calm and the sailfi sh are just waiting to be caught and released. LORI MELBOSTAD PRESIDENT, PREMIER MARINE, INC. Education: B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Systems Management