Boating Industry

October 2016

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48 | Boating Industry | October 2016 www.BoatingIndustry.com WOMEN making WAVES Years in the marine industry: 34 What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the ma- rine industry? The marine industry is a large extended family. As a tight- knit industry most of us have learned to compete with ethics and at the end of the day sit down and talk about industry obstacles and goals. Was it diffi cult to navigate a career in this indus- try? Why or why not? I have found the industry to be very accepting of individuals willing to work hard. Honesty and hard work are necessary credentials in our industry. Working in a family business it was necessary to be willing to do the extra work without expecting recognition. As in any industry, learning the ropes was important and being respectful to those that have paved the way for bigger and better things. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? The appointment the NMMA BMD Board in 2015 was very important to me. My father, Bob Menne, served on the BMD Board as well as the main NMMA Board for many years and was very passionate about my participation. Grow- ing our industry has been equally as important to our family as growing our business. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? As in any manu- facturing arena, women's roles are constantly changing and opportunities will be there. Show your strengths and always be willing to partici- pate on committees, boards, and discussions. What would you be doing if you weren't working in the boating industry? I have an entrepreneurial sprit, I am sure I would be starting a new business. What are some of your favorite non-boating hob- bies? Photography and Landscaping/Gardening. DEBBIE PARKS MARKETING DIRECTOR AND BUYER, PARKS MARINA Education: Associate's Degree in Marketing and Broadcast Journalism Years in the marine industry: 17 Positions held at Parks Marina: I started off in F & I. I had no experience in this, but I am a people person and was willing to learn. I LOVED meet- ing all the people that bought boats from us. It is a fun industry; I used to hug people when they came in my offi ce because I was so excited for their new purchase! I eventually transitioned into marketing because it is so natural for me. Among many things, I created the Parks Marina newslet- ter which has a publication close to 10,000 now. When we started the Barefoot [Bar] in 2002, I helped manage the staff and more. To get the business running, I bussed tables, waitressed and changed garbages, a "whatever it takes" attitude. As our business grew, I started the Barefoot and Parks Marina clothing and souvenir store. This has opened up the door for my position as a buyer and designer. It has been fun to see that part of the business grow. I still manage all aspects of the Barefoot and Parks Marina clothing store as well as marina marketing and events. My plate is full! What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? It is very seasonal, especially in the Midwest. You cannot lose your focus during season or it could deter- mine the profi tability of your entire year. It can also be very diffi cult to staff a seasonal business. We are lucky to have very dedicated employees – a team I am so proud to be part of. It takes a lot of team work to accomplish what we do! If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? Defi nitely receiving the Best Marketing award from Boating Industry Magazine during the Top 100 gala. It is nice to be recognized, especially among a group of that caliber. It was awesome! Later we would receive top honors for Best Events and Best Digital Strategy. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? It's defi nitely a man's world, but it's so much fun. Find your niche and run with it. It made me work even harder to earn their respect, and I think I have. What would you be doing if you weren't working in the boating industry? I told my husband that I would run Jimmy Buffett's marketing depart- ment, that guy is killing it! What are some of your favorite non-boating hob- bies? Mostly spending quality time with my fi ve- year-old son, he loves to fi sh. If I can put a worm on a hook and take a fi sh off a hook, I can do pretty much anything right? AMANDA RODRIGUEZ LEVANDOWSKI CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, SALES, CHARLOTTE SKI BOATS Education: Business Administration from McColl Business School at Queens University Years in the marine industry: 6 What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? I have learned to embrace the journey. Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference in some- one's life. We are able to share our passion of boating with families/individuals and teach them how to work together doing a fun outdoor activ- ity. We are helping our customers create lifetime memories. Being a leader of Charlotte Ski Boats has given me the platform to change our com- munity, one ski boat at a time. Was it diffi cult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? Yes and no. At the time, I was an owner in a mortgage company in Charlotte, while working on my college degree. My dream was to become an attorney. However, my soon- to-be husband and I were blessed with the oppor- tunity to open Charlotte Ski Boats and my plans PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF OKOBOJI MAGAZINE

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