Baxter’s Tonya Jared named a national honoree by the Boating Industry Women Making Waves program for her contributions to the marine industry.
Jared said the program recognizes women who show a dedication to boating and increase the presence of women in the industry.
“I was very taken aback, because I’ve worked really hard, I’ve enjoyed a lot of it, but you don’t really think anybody else is noticing,” Jared said. “So, it was a, a really a humbling moment. It made me feel really good about the work I’ve put in.”
Jared said she has spent 21 years with the company after originally starting as a temporary employee for a two-week reception job in 2005. Jared said she manages five different facilities across Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
“I’ve been a, a small town girl and loving it for my whole life, and so to get recognized on a national stage was, was really pretty huge for me,” Jared said. “You know, I’ve been a, a small town girl and loving it for my whole life, and so to get recognized on a national stage was, was really pretty huge for me.”
Jared said she utilizes technology such as phone calls and digital meetings to manage her various locations without having to be physically on site or away from home constantly. Jared said she encourages young people to lean into their work and not set limits on themselves based on their location.
“The best advice that, that I’ve ever gotten and that I would always want to pass along is the female voice is different or can be different,” Jared said. “That doesn’t mean that it’s wrong or it’s bad and a lot of times it means that it’s been overlooked. Lean, lean in with your ideas. Say the thing that feels uncomfortable or isn’t what’s always been done because especially, you know, in manufacturing, in the marine industry, women are really just now getting to, to break in and, and be at the top and so our ideas can look different.”
Jared said she has been in her latest leadership role for less than six months and is focused on growing her team and expanding the company’s presence across the United States. Jared said she wants her employees to have the opportunity to grow into the roles they want and love their jobs.
“To, to be braver,” Jared said. “You know, I would always tell her to be brave, speak up more, let your ideas be heard. Failing is okay. Failure actually means you’re doing something, so don’t, don’t not do anything for fear of failure. You know, sometimes you have to fail three or four times before you find the right answer.”
Jared said the marine industry is a significant part of the economy in Tennessee and Kentucky, involving legislation and infrastructure funding that supports local bodies of water. Jared said she hopes people become more aware and appreciative of the work that goes on behind the scenes to maintain those areas.
“My biggest goal is just to keep growing my people,” Jared said. “I want everyone on my team to be the best that they can be, to grow into be who, who they want to be. I want them to have the job that they love just like I do.”
