October 2016

The 6th annual Movers & Shakers Awards recognizes the top leaders in the boating industry, innovators that are willing to challenge the status quo. They are the people who make the moves that shake up and better their companies and the entire industry. From consolidating leading brands to introducing new technology to boating to educating the industry, these 10 individuals ...

Nancy Smith Co-Owner/Vice President, Colorado Boat Center Education: Associate’s degree in Marketing Years in the marine industry: 18 What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? Almost all businesses have peaks and valleys, but working and living in a rural area of Colorado, I have come to realize that owning a boat dealership ...

Julie Balzano Export Development Director, National Marine Manufacturers Association Education: Bachelor’s Degree – Marketing – Rutgers University. A few short years after graduating, I joined the U.S. Peace Corps, which is where I became bilingual and bicultural. Years in the marine industry: 15 Companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies: Export ...

Nicole Vasilaros Vice President, Federal and Legal Affairs, National Marine Manufacturers Association Education: Juris Doctor, University of Florida and Georgetown University Law Center (visiting student); Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), Emory University Years in the marine industry: 5 What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? The marine industry is complex. Most people are stunned ...

Lisa Almeida Director of Sales and Marketing, Freedom Boat Club Education: B.A. from Flagler College Years in the marine industry: 7 If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? My most memorable achievement was opening a Freedom Boat Club franchise in California. It had long been a dream for the president ...

Women Making Waves is Boating Industry’s effort to recognize the numerous women in the boating industry who have made large contributions to its success, propelled its growth and led their organizations into the future. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year award, which is as appropriate a time as any to give these ...

Jaclyn Baumgarten CEO/Co-Founder, Boatsetter Education: Stanford Graduate School of Business, M.B.A. 2005; Wellesley College, B.A. 2000, Dual major in Political Science and Spanish. Years in the marine industry: 5 What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? The marine industry has a powerful network and by tapping into that network and gaining the ...

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: Director of Member Services, Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA); Executive Director, NMDA (current job) What are some of the biggest ...

Margaret Bonds Podlich President, BoatU.S. Education: B.A. in History/Political Science from Tulane University, New Orleans Years in the marine industry: 22 What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? If you think about everyone in the U.S. going to work today, what percentage of them are working to give other people happiness?  That’s what ...

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 meeting all the people that bought boats from us. ...