Tag Archives: Wanda Kenton Smith

By Wanda Kenton Smith In considering candidates for the Boating Industry Profiles in Leadership spotlight for the marine environment issue, the big catch was as crystal clear as the ocean he loves. While his name is synonymous with stunning marine art that graces everything from home goods to prints, posters, calendars, books and limited-edition canvas giclee from original art – ...

By Wanda Kenton Smith As Boating Industry celebrates the distinguished Women Making Waves in this edition, our Profiles in Leadership shines the spotlight on Susan Bonivich, Volvo Penta’s Senior Dealer Business Manager responsible for business relations with the Cobalt 20 Group, OneWater/SMG and the U.S. western territories.   Susan grew up around creeks and streams in Waynesboro, Va. and at a ...

Northpoint Commercial Finance recently announced it has retained established marketing expert Wanda Kenton Smith of Kenton Smith Marketing as its official marine division marketing consultant.  Kenton Smith brings 40 years of proven marine experience and award-winning performance across multiple industry sectors to assist Northpoint in undertaking a variety of initiatives including marketing strategy, branding, external communications and outreach, media/advertising, events ...

By Wanda Kenton Smith While some industries took a beating during COVID, many in the outdoor power and marine space were clobbered by unprecedented product demand. While sales and profits spiked, retailers grappled with the challenge of inventory limitations, associated supply chain and manufacturing production slowdowns.    As we venture into 2023, the cycle has shifted, inventory is building and ...

On the heels of its recent “Women Making Waves” special magazine edition featuring the announcement of 30 top women achievers in the recreational boating industry, Boating Industry Magazine — in conjunction with its parent company, EPG Brand Acceleration — has recently collected and compiled original survey results from women working throughout all segments of the marine industry. For the past ...

By Wanda Kenton Smith As we celebrate Boating Industry’s Women Making Waves, I can’t help but reflect on my 40-plus-year industry career and the mentors who believed in me and made it all possible. Terry Snow of World Publications gambled on a driven young journalist and launched my career into the marine stratosphere when he hired me to edit World ...

By Wanda Kenton Smith As we celebrate and honor the many “Women Making Waves” this issue, it’s fitting to profile one of the most celebrated female executives to make a name for herself in the marine industry. Ann Baldree is the highly respected senior vice president of Chaparral and Robalo Boats. Hers is a story of true Southern grit, hard ...

By Wanda Kenton Smith During a summer college stint 25 years ago, Randall Lyons unwittingly launched his marine industry career as a head cleaner at the Nantucket Boat Basin, one of the most famous marinas in the world. He returned to work the next two seasons and was promoted to “head cleaner supervisor,” where he was actively engaged in managing ...

By Wanda Kenton Smith In 2001, Kim Sweers was at the top of her game as vice president of a data company that built large global networks. When the dot.com bubble burst, however, she shifted gears and launched a new career heading operations at FB Marine Group in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which was owned by her boyfriend, Randy Sweers. Having ...

As part of its continued growth, momentum and long-term direction, Regal & Nautique of Orlando (RNO) has named Wanda Kenton Smith its chief marketing officer with responsibility to direct and manage its internal marketing department and all associated marketing activities. Kenton Smith, an award-winning marketer who brings more than 35 years of senior level, global marine experience to the organization, ...