Brianna Liestman

I read a lot of Millennial think pieces. It often feels like a form of masochism because so many people get my generation so wrong. However, one article I found felt more on the nose. My favorite quote from the article will forever be this. I can only hope people who write generational trend pieces can really let it sink in: "All ...

A recent Pew Research Center study found that American adults employed on a part- or full-time basis say social media plays some role in the lives of many American workers. The study highlighted trends for how employees are using social media at their job – professionally or personally. What I found most interesting about the study was the percentage of ...

It’s the day after the Boating Industry Top 100 applications are due! The editorial staff has already begun combing through applications and getting ready to select the 100 best boat dealers in North America of 2016. If you haven’t completed an application yet, you may feel like this: But don’t worry. If you’re still working on an application and want ...

If you’re a small business owner, you probably know that taking a vacation would be good for you and for your business – and yet you probably haven’t done it yet. A recent survey released by Marriott Rewards Premier Business Credit Card found that two-thirds of small business owners think taking a personal vacation benefits their business, including improved focus, ...

If you’ve been following the work of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the Take Me Fishing/Vamos A Pescar campaign, or any of the articles we have written about reaching new markets, you know there is significant potential for the industry to grow boating through engaging Hispanic consumers. And now, a new study from the Pew Research Center suggests ...

As the summer boating season officially begins, we need to do everything we can to make sure customers are having the most safe and enjoyable time on the water possible. They can’t do this if they have to spend their season in the service department. It is imperative that boat businesses do everything they can to educate customers on what ...

Ever since the Department of Labor announced its final rule on overtime pay, I have been reading articles for different groups to gauge reactions. One from National Public Radio particularly caught my eye. The article from NPR covering the impact of the final rule is part of a series called “Hangin’ On,” covering the economic pressures of American life. In the ...

Making your employees feel valued is key for anyone looking to hire and retain good people. And thankfully, it doesn’t take much to do so. What sometimes gets lost in the conversation about employee satisfaction is that it’s about creating relationships. It’s being human and empathizing with others. And in any relationship, the little things are what tend to have ...

Entrepreneur posted an excellent article this week, “Why Digital Marketing is Traditional Marketing.” The articles asserts that what we have always considered "traditional marketing" is no longer traditional. Digital marketing is not a niche medium but a basic marketing practice, and employment trends and marketing strategies have shifted in a way to show that companies are making changes to reflect the ...

I had the privilege of visiting seven dealers in the state of Wisconsin last week: Nestegg Marine, Shipyard Marine, Gage Marine, Gordy’s Lakefront Marine, Reed’s Marine, Don’s Marine and SkipperBud’s of Madison. I am thankful each dealer took the time to let me tour their facilities during an incredibly busy time while getting boats ready for the short season of ...