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July 2017 | Boating Industry | 31 [ 40 Under 40 ] www.BoatingIndustry.com new boat rigger, installing electronics, pre-deliv- ery inspections, outboard installations and sea trials at Stump Pass Marina. What accomplishment are you most proud of? I'm most proud of taking the risk to leave a pretty good service manager job at a large dealership to open my first business, Neptune Boat Rentals. It ended up being the best decision I ever made, as the business took off, I had the opportunity to purchase the marina that the rental business was operating at, and later opened a restaurant and Tiki Bar on the same property. Who was your hero as a child? My father and grandfather were always men that I looked up to. I followed a similar path as my father. After serving in the Air Force, he started his career as a technician in the com- puter industry and worked his way to upper management in technical training schools. My grandfather was in the Navy during World War II, and I believe I got a lot of my technical abilities from him. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? Rick Sommers was the guy that hired me right out of school, taking a chance on an available entry-level technician position. He taught me many things in the industry, eventually mov- ing me to management, and teaching me how to run a profitable service department during a tough economy for the industry. Also, my busi- ness partners at the marina, Tom Riddle and Joe Reichard, really taught me many things about running a much larger business and made pur- chasing the marina possible. ANDY RENNE Manager, Seven Seas Yacht Sales What first drew you to the industry? I grew up in it. My parents started Seven Seas Yacht Sales the year I was born. What was your first job? I started working the boat shows at 14, in high school and college I also worked at a few bi- cycle shops doing sales and service. What would you be doing if you weren't working in the boating industry? I'd be working in finance or high-end real estate. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Traveling. What is your favorite place to go boating? Bimini, Bahamas. What boat did you learn to boat on? 13-foot Boston Whaler. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? Of course, my parents, as they have been in the marine industry for 30 years, and I also try to learn something from everyone I meet, so the people I surround myself with are also my mentors. ALLEN REVAK COO, Classic City Marinas President, Eclipse Marine Group What would you be doing if you weren't working in the boating industry? If I was not working in the boating industry I would most likely be working in the software industry. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids at