Marketing Manager Dana Koman has been named to the 2020 Boating Industry list of the top 40 marine industry professionals under the age of 40. The annual program recognizes young leaders in the marine industry who stand out from their industry peers. Read the Boating Industry editorial here.
For Dana's complete interview, keep reading.
What first drew you to the marine industry?
Growing up in the Utah desert, I had only been on a boat a handful of times. It wasn’t until I moved to Martha’s Vineyard to work at a yacht club when I began working in the marine industry. While working at the Edgartown Yacht Club, I was quickly immersed in a niche segment of the marine industry – sailing. I eventually began dating the Sailing Program Director, who is now my husband. As the club’s Junior Sailing Program Administrator, I helped coordinate its annual Junior Regatta and participated in many other sailing events. Over time, I accumulated a lot of hours on the water and I grew to love everything sailing and boating because of my time at the EYC.
What was your first job?
My first job ever was working at Taco Time (ironically named, no?) when I was 16. Taco Time is a fast food chain in the west.
My first job in the marine industry was the Edgartown Yacht Club.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud of several accomplishments, but one that truly stands out to me is my decision to completely upend my life when I was 24. I decided to leave my job in government, sell my house and move across the country to a place I had never been because, during that time, I was comfortable and complacent. I chose to take a huge risk that I was not sure would pay off. The choice to leave Utah for adventure was the single best decision of my life. It taught me that there cannot be reward without risk. It taught me to take chances and follow paths that may not have a clear destination. It also taught me to go with the flow. Everything works out one way or another. That choice literally launched my career in the marine industry and changed my life for the better.
Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career?
Bill Roman at the Edgartown Yacht Club helped indoctrinate me into the world of sailing and boating. Salomon Wancier and Amy Anderson from Wild Coffee Marketing, who introduced me to the exciting world of marine marketing, are important mentors in my career. I look up to Victor Gonzalez from Sportsman Boats. I take a lot of inspiration from him, his work ethic and how he’s helped shape the Sportsman brand. I continue to learn a lot from Mike Kushner, VP of Sales & Marketing at TACO. He has a wealth of industry knowledge and experience that is invaluable to me. Another mentor is my colleague Captain Mark Henderson. He is a fantastic leader and friend, and very knowledgeable.
As a young professional, what are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them?
As a woman working in a male-dominated industry, I believe there is a stereotype that men are the captains and women are bikini-clad bow candy. This is a metaphor for the industry in a lot of respects because there are far fewer women in leadership and decision-making roles. As a woman succeeding in a male-dominated industry, it can be a challenge to have my voice heard. But I overcome this by continuing to work hard, to assert myself and to use data to help drive my strategic decisions. I appreciate that my employer TACO empowers me and my other female colleagues to make decisions and have an important voice at the table.
What boat did you learn to boat on?
I learned to sail on a Rhodes 19 and a Beneteau 50, as well as the basics of power boating on a RIB and a Carolina Skiff.
Where is your favorite place to go boating?
Living in South Florida, I definitely enjoy the warm waters of Biscayne Bay. However, my favorite place to sail so far is the British Virgin Islands. What an adventure!
Who was your hero as a child?
I have always looked up to women in leadership and athletics. My first childhood hero was track and field Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee. I also consider both of my parents personal heroes. My mom went back to school to obtain her Master’s degree after being a stay-at-home mother to five children. She went on to have a successful career in speech recognition technology development. My dad followed his passion for teaching and, up until the day he retired, was the most dedicated teacher I’ve ever known. I’m very proud of my parents.
What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies?
In my free time, I am likely found doing one of four things – running, playing guitar, walking my dogs or writing. My husband and I also try to travel as much as possible. Additionally, I have done a lot of work and advocacy for breast cancer awareness and cancer research foundations. I am a breast cancer survivor and have lost loved ones to the disease. I’ve devoted a lot of time and energy to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and helping other young women diagnosed with cancer.
Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry?
I love working in the marine industry because it’s still growing and evolving. The marine industry is an exciting career path that is challenging in all the right ways. It is a place for creative thinkers to question the status quo and to push the limits of innovation. Not only that, but I work with some of the most interesting and fun people in the industry who make my job that much more enjoyable. I’m surrounded by peers with a wealth of industry knowledge and I feel like I learn something new every day. There really is never a dull moment when you love what you do, and I love working in the marine industry.
