Tag Archives: Wanda Kenton Smith

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, ...

By Wanda Kenton Smith When you talk to American Sportfishing Association president Glenn Hughes about his illustrious 34-year boating industry career and ask what he’s enjoyed most, it’s all about the boating life and all the great people he’s met along the way. The boating gene is in his DNA. He recalls endless, carefree summer days throughout childhood spent with ...

By Wanda Kenton Smith Some might say it was fate that brought service expert Valerie Ziebron to carve out a career in the boating business nearly 20 years ago. Valerie had just finished teaching an automotive workshop as a service and parts trainer for her client Chrysler when a boating industry outsider stopped by and said he and his crew ...

By Wanda Kenton Smith David Parker’s love for boating began in childhood while enjoying family recreational outings. He fondly recalls cruising up the St. Johns River from Sanford, Fla. aboard his dad’s trusty twin engine, wooden Chris-Craft cruiser, and dropping anchor for weekend camping adventures. He also remembers fun family excursions along the Kissimmee Boat-A-Cade, and annual boat treks via ...