Keep up the good work, ladies!
Apex Marine Marketing Manager
Kristen developed media relations and marketing skills while working for Outdoor News Publications and the Wisconsin Fishing Expo as a floor manager. She also had the honor of representing Team USA in an international Match Fishing Championship in Hungary.
Naturally, the skills behind the lens, solid preparation and a strong team are of the utmost importance, but Kristen thinks another crucial element of a successful photoshoot is fun. The content gathered at these shoots provides the building blocks to a successful marketing plan. This philosophy has aided her success as Apex Marine Inc.
Suzuki Marine USA Sales and Promotions Coordinator
April joined Suzuki Marine in 2014 and recently moved with the company from California to its new headquarters in Tampa, Fla. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, April often visited boat builders at their facilities to learn about their operations. She also attended annual boat builder dealer meetings as Suzuki’s representative.
April understands that personal relationships are the lifeblood of the boating business. For this reason, she is eager to once again meet and work with her business partners face-to-face in order to continue growing the boating industry.
Smoker Craft Marketing Coordinator
As a second-generation employee following in her grandfather’s footsteps, Tiffany started out as a sales coordinator and then transitioned over to the marketing department at Smoker Craft Inc., where she is now in charge of digital marketing and event planning.
Having a great passion for boating, mingled with a vast knowledge in both sales and marketing, Tiffany has successfully led multiple dealer incentive trips around the world and takes the lead in Smoker Craft Inc.’s annual dealer meeting. In addition, she has also been project manager for the effective online dealer sales portal, its lead generation system, as well as nurturing marketing campaigns. Her continued hard work has helped grow the boating industry and pontoon segment.
Dometic Marine Vice President of Marketing
Over her many years in the industry, Laurie has helped bring many important innovations to the boating market. The company recently launched Xtreme Power Assist (XPA) Steering, an Innovation Award-winning steering system designed to bring sports-car-like steering to pontoon boats.
Laurie believes in giving back to the boating industry, so she serves on the Board of Directors for the National Marine Dealers Association (NMDA) and acts as Chairperson for International Boatbuilding Exposition (IBEX) planning.
Carolina Boat Works General Manager
In two years, she grew sales to become the number one dealer in South Carolina. In 2013, she earned the prestigious “Distinguished Dealer Award” from Avalon/Tahoe Pontoons. Then in 2015 she aided her business in becoming the number one dealer in the country for Tahoe Pontoons.
Lauren’s knowledge and skills were recognized by the Baird family who bought her dealership and hired her to be the general manager for two of their stores as well as assistant general manager of their third location. Lauren’s knowledge and passion for Avalon/Tahoe Pontoons makes her an excellent advocate for pontooning and the boating industry in general.
Barletta Pontoon Boats Content Creation Manager
COVID-19 has changed the boating landscape with more novice boaters than ever entering the lifestyle, and her boating experience lends sage advice and actionable direction to all aspects of boating. Additionally, Ashley works directly with Barletta’s dealer body on lead management, cultivation, and best practices in event marketing and execution.
Ashley is also responsible for developing Barletta’s Customer Concierge program, utilizing a manufacturer representative to serve as a low-pressure, initial outreach to any person interested in Barletta Pontoon Boat ownership to assist with answering questions while they shop.
Yamaha Marine Product Specialist
Lucy uses her experiences as a technician and instructor to inspire other women to pursue marine technician careers as well. Always ready to roll up her sleeves and lend a hand, she is a true embodiment of leading by example. Her enthusiasm and dedication are contagious, and her efforts support virtually every spoke of the Yamaha Marine organization. Her passion and outstanding work ethic have been great assets to the boating industry.
Godfrey Marine Strategic Sourcing Manager
Primarily, she loves being able to help families make memories on the water. Lori has an evident passion for boating and has greatly enjoyed being a lifelong boater. Lori purchased her first boat after graduating from Purdue and she has passed her love for boating on to her children.
“When I was recruited by Godfrey, it just felt right,” shared Lori. “I love the adventure, relaxation and how it brings us all together. Working in this industry, I’ve learned that you have to be willing to make sacrifices and continue to challenge yourself—and I think being a little fearless helps.”
President of Brunswick Corporation’s Boat Group Division
Over the past 18 months, Aine led major technology and branding initiatives in the pontoon category, making boating more intuitive while reaching the next generation of boaters. She’s worked on the Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) for single-engine pontoons, a recent advancement that is taking the pontoon industry by storm. She also assisted in Lowe Boats’ introduction of its all-new SS Pontoon Series last fall, showcasing its new design language and branding. Additionally, Aine has played a critical role in ensuring volume and demand goals remain on pace despite unprecedented supply chain challenges.