Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/834717
July 2017 | Boating Industry | 21 [ 40 Under 40 ] www.BoatingIndustry.com MIKE ALLEVA Vice president of global accounts & client branding, Lighthouse Media Solutions What first drew you to the industry? I loved the fact that the majority of the industry is small businesses and rather than large corporations that would just see clients as a number. Here, I can build relationships that are meaningful. Who was your hero as a child? My parents. My mother and father taught me to have a passion for anything I do in life, and as long as you work hard and believe in what you're doing, you will be successful. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? John Witte is the guy who offered me an intern- ship when I was in college, and I am very grateful he gave me the opportunity. In addition, I have to say Nick Owens and Bob McCann also were influences. Both taught me so much about the importance of understanding the needs of deal- ers and OEMs. Lastly, Matt Lodder of Lodder's Marine and Martin Boyer of Austin Boats & Mo- tors, both are current clients and friends of mine. They believed in the concept of me being their "virtual marketing department" and trusted my vision to help their dealerships. ELLEN HOPKINS BRADLEY Vice president, marketing communications & PR, National Marine Manufacturers Association What first drew you to the industry? When I interviewed for a job at NMMA I imme- diately noticed how welcoming, smart and pas- sionate the staff were as they described working at NMMA. The positive energy and excitement I felt among the NMMA team were key reasons I was drawn to the industry. What boat did you learn to boat on? I had been a passenger on boats from cruisers to pontoons to sailboats but was never at the helm. That changed during the summer of 2005 when I officially learned to boat aboard a 28-foot bow- rider that an NMMA member provided to the NMMA Chicago office to use for PR. I learned everything from how to dock to how to anchor. It gave me confidence on the water and is a rea- son I'm an advocate for boater education as we look to keep new boaters in the market. Who was your hero as a child? Growing up my hero was my dad and is to this day. He is a retired high school English teacher who lives in St. Louis with my mom, a retired high school principal. He has an unwavering positive outlook and humble confidence about him, teaching me that the kind of day I have is ultimately up to me. GORDON BRITTLE Regional director Northern territory, SmokerCraft Inc. What first drew you to the industry? Love of boating. What was your first job? Ever, a gofer at a printing company; in the ma- rine industry, on-water demonstrator. What accomplishment are you most proud of? Being selected to sit on the multiple boards/ groups that want to help improve our industry. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Travelling, snowmobiling. What is your favorite place to go boating? Georgian Bay. What boat did you learn to boat on? 12 Lund with a 15 Evinrude, 23 Chris Craft LTD Scorpion. Who was your hero as a child? My parents, they worked extremely long, hard hours so my sister and I would not go without. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? My first boss in the marine industry, Ted Dal- limore. Ted taught me and let me educate my- self on everything I know at the dealership level, [and] he was a smart business and family man. My second was my late boss Peter Spiegel, he taught me everything I know on the wholesale side of the industry as well as was the family man and father that every man strives to be. ERIC BUCKNER Regional sales director, West Marine Pro What was your first job? S t o c k i n g t h e shelves of my local West Ma- rine Store in Bel- levue, Wash. What is your favorite place to go boating? The San Juan Islands of Wash- ington and the Gulf Islands of British Colombia. What boat did you learn to boat on? 28-foot Bayliner Contessa and a 3288 Bayliner. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? While there are many influences on my career, both inside and outside the industry, there are a few that stand out: I've found the best mentors to be the ones that not only help benefit your career, but also your life. I'm lucky to have someone like that