Boating Industry

July 2017

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July 2017 | Boating Industry | 35 [ 40 Under 40 ] www.BoatingIndustry.com something sales related where I could be inter- acting with people. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Hunting, watching and following sports, spend- ing time with family and friends. What is your favorite place to go boating? Lake Sakakawea, N.D. What boat did you learn to boat on? Bayliner Capri. Who was your hero as child? Garth Brooks. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? My parents have been key mentors and influ- encers in my life. I am very fortunate to have been raised by such hard working, positive and driven people. I also have been surrounded my many industry colleagues through 20 Groups and industry involvement that have been key to my success. NICOLE VASILAROS Vice president, federal and legal affairs, National Marine Manufacturers Association What first drew you to the industry? As a native Floridian, I grew up on the water and boating was a typical pastime. In 2011, I was working on Capitol Hill and my boss lost her reelection bid. As fate would have it, NMMA was looking to hire a new lobby- ist and the opportunity seemed like a good chance to use my political skills while ad- vocating for an industry that hit particularly close to home. What accomplishment are you most proud of? At 16 years old I came to Washington, D.C. for a political leadership conference. I was so enthralled with this city and political world, I committed to one day getting an education and living in this great city. I am proud to have fol- lowed my dream, persisted in my education and career endeavors and be living and working in DC all these years later. What boat did you learn to boat on? 36-foot Grady White. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? My mom and aunt were instrumental in push- ing me to be an independent, career-oriented woman — to always speak up and never be fearful to take control. My father inspired me to enter the legal field and engrained in me the value of equal justice under the law. These influ- ences served as the backbone to my ambition and career direction. KYLE WILKERSON President/COO, MariCorp U.S. What was your first job? Sales associate at MariCorp U.S. What would you be doing if you weren't working in the boating industry? I would be looking for a job in the boating industry! What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? I enjoy golf, aviation and attending Kansas City and University of Missouri sporting events. What is your favorite place to go boating? Table Rock Lake, which is in Southwest Mis- souri. This lake has the cleanest and smoothest waters in Missouri. Table Rock Lake is a great place for family fun and various water sports. Who was your hero as a child? Like most young boys, my childhood hero was my father Keith. He was always supportive of my brother and me, and he instilled a strong work ethic in both of us. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? The team we have built at MariCorp US con- stantly motivates me to become a better leader. Our team members possess extensive back- grounds in this industry and various others. This cultivates an environment of constant personal improvement and development. LAUREN WOODARD-SPLATT General manager/vice president, Woodard Marine What accomplishment are you most proud of? Personally, I have had so many amazing events in my life. The one accomplishment that stands out the most is racing a hand-built hydroplane one summer in an APBA racing circuit. Going home with a trophy was the highlight of that racing season. Professionally, I am most proud of build- ing an amazing team to work with every day. Having a great team makes the days better and having mutual respect within the work environ- ment is incredible. What boat did you learn to boat on? When I was six or seven years old, my parents gave me a 1982 16-foot Peterborough closed bow boat with a small remote Mercury 2-stroke. I was allowed to go wherever I wanted, as long as I could see the dealership while on the water (about a mile radius). Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? My parents and my husband. I am lucky enough to work with them every day.

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