Boating Industry

October 2016

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40 | Boating Industry | October 2016 www.BoatingIndustry.com WOMEN making WAVES RALLEE CHUPICH DIRECTOR OF SERVICE AND RESTAURANT OPERATIONS, GORDY'S LAKEFRONT MARINE AND GORDY'S BOAT HOUSE Education: Master's of Education, University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, Wisconsin certifi cation to teach grades 6-12 Spanish & Geography, Assis- tant to the Dean of Education; B.A. Degrees in Geography and Spanish, University of California, Santa Barbara Years in the marine industry: My entire life. I love it. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? Treat oth- ers as you would want your children coached, mentored and treated. Be willing to do anything you would ask anyone else to do and always lead by example. The secret to creating lasting relationships is by caring genuinely for others. "Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that im- pact lasts in your absence." – Sheryl Sandberg Was it diffi cult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? My career in the marine indus- try has grown and changed as a refl ection of our family business. I have had a great life and career because of my dad. He has always been a great coach, teacher, friend and No. 1 fan. He believed I could do anything that I put my mind to and his unwavering support gave me the opportu- nity. In a male-dominated industry, of course I was one of only a few women at 20 group meet- ings, but the line in the bathroom was always short. I have always been treated with support and respect and am committed to the advance- ment of women in the marine industry. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? Earning the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award was an amazing honor, but it takes a team to accomplish great things. I am so proud that others believe that I have made a difference in the industry. How do you hope to inspire other women in the ma- rine industry? I hope to inspire other women to follow their passion in such a way that makes others around them better. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Always be grate- ful, ask how you can help others and say "Thank you." Love what you do every day or don't do it. Be solution oriented and have an insatiable drive for excellence in all you do. "One of the most courageous things you can do is identify your- self, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go." - Sheila Murray Bethel. What are some of your favorite non-boating hob- bies? Adventure travel, paddleboarding, surfi ng, snow skiing, shell collecting with my kids, and fun cooking with friends. PAULEE COUGHLIN DAY EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MARINEMAX, INC. Education: B.A. – Vanderbilt Univer- sity, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa; M.B.A. – Vanderbilt Univer- sity, magna cum laude, Beta Gamma Sigma; J.D. – In- diana University School of Law, magna cum laude Years in the marine industry: 14 What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? I have learned that it is so important to stay focused on why we are in the business, which is to deliver the lifestyle of boating to families ... there is no better family recreation than boating. Was it diffi cult to navigate a career in this indus- try? Why or why not? It was not diffi cult for me because of the wonderful leadership team at MarineMax led by Bill McGill who values each and every team member and encourages each of us to realize our full potential in work and life. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? It has always been my goal to create opportunities for women in the industry and to provide support and encouragement to women taking leadership roles throughout the industry. I hope to inspire others by setting an example of professionalism and balance. What advice do you have for women starting their ca- reers in the marine industry? Find your passion for what you love in the marine industry and stay fo- cused on that passion because it will lead to success. What would you be doing if you weren't working in the boating industry? It is hard to imagine any- thing else! I just love what I do. What are some of your favorite non-boating hob- bies? Spending time with my family, exercising and watching my kids play tennis and soccer, dance and enjoy life! What is your favorite place to go boating? Clear- water Beach. NANCY CUERONI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL MARINE DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION Education: B.A. in American Studies, Communications, University of Notre Dame Years in the marine industry: 27 Companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies: Direc- tor of Member Services, Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA); Executive Direc- tor, NMDA (current job) What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? I think what I have seen, and continue to see, is how honest and straightforward almost everyone I have worked with in the marine industry has been. This is an industry that people seem to WANT to be a part of; one of the things we joke about at our offi ce is the people never really leave the industry they just change the logo on their shirt. I truly believe there is an element of truth in that. The second thought I have on this is that there isn't anything a woman can't do in this industry. We have so many incredible women leaders – and that is not true in all industries. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why?

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