The marine industry has long been characterised by the experience and stewardship of senior leaders, many of whom have spent decades shaping its direction. Yet in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift: younger professionals are beginning to step into influential roles, bringing with them new energy, ideas, and perspectives. One such individual is Bailey Smith, a Product Manager at Dometic, who represents this emerging generation of leaders within the recreational marine sector.
Bailey’s path into boating is not a conventional one. Just over four years ago, he entered the industry without the lifetime background that many of his peers and colleagues share. Prior to this, he built his professional foundation in hospitality and management, sectors that demand discipline, people skills, and the ability to perform under pressure. These early roles, though outside of marine, helped develop a mindset and set of interpersonal skills that have proved invaluable in his current position.
Bailey Smith, Product Manager – Dometic
Since joining Dometic, Bailey has quickly established himself as someone deeply engaged with the products and services he represents. His ability to communicate technical detail with clarity and enthusiasm has seen him become a regular face and voice in product stories, advice features, and video explanations. Whether speaking to trade audiences or end consumers, Bailey’s confidence and knowledge position him as a credible ambassador for the brand and the wider industry.
What is particularly notable about Bailey’s journey is how quickly he has progressed. Within just a few years, he has moved from being a newcomer to a recognised emerging leader. His willingness to embrace challenges, coupled with a genuine passion for the marine lifestyle and the products that support it, reflects the qualities many industry leaders agree are vital for long-term success.
For an industry historically led by older management, the presence of individuals like Bailey signals a positive evolution. Younger professionals bring fresh perspectives on product innovation, customer engagement, and sustainability, all areas increasingly critical to the future of boating. At the same time, their enthusiasm has the potential to inspire the next wave of talent considering careers in marine.
In this conversation, Bailey shares his journey into the sector, what he values most about workingthe marine industry , and the advice he would offer to young people looking to follow a similar path. His insights provide a reminder that the strength of the industry lies not only in its heritage but also in the willingness to support and nurture the leaders of tomorrow.
Bailey Smith, in conversation during the Sanctuary Cove Boat show.
Marine Business News sat with Bailey; this is what he had to say:
Q: Bailey, can you tell us a little about your career before joining the marine industry?
A: It’s been a bit of everything! I started my career in hospitality. Starting my first job at 13, working in a local family-owned Indian restaurant. After leaving school, I progressed through a number of different roles at the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club and then into management positions at an ALH pub. I was always wondering what would come after hospitality for me, and one day I got a call from a customer who had become a close friend. He ran a Tyrepower store and was looking for someone to support with the management of the store.
Q: What first attracted you to the marine sector just over four years ago?
A: I have been mad about boats my whole life, I remember dreaming of becoming a boatbuilder as a kid, things are a little different now ha! After a few years at Tyrepower, the store owner decided it was time to sell the business and this got me looking to pursue my career in the Marine industry. Not long into my search, an internal sales role came up at BLA Which became the start of my time in the industry.
Q: You’ve already progressed to Product Manager at Dometic. What do you think helped you take on that responsibility so quickly?
A: Saying yes to things and approaching challenges head on! Over my journey there have been a number of opportunities to either learn or progress that have risen. There are new challenges every single day, and you quite often don’t start with the answer or solution. I’ve found that quite often, taking the first step towards the challenge is the most critical. Once you gain momentum, things start to work out.
Q: What is it about this industry that you love so much?
A: Every day is different, and there are so many people in this industry that share the same passion that I do for the space. This helps to drive outcomes, with so many individuals invested in the matter. One day I might be buried in spreadsheets, and the next I’m on a 100ft yacht in Taiwan.
Q: Are there particular products or projects you’ve worked on that stand out as highlights?
A: I’ve had the privilege to work on a number of key projects in my time in the industry, whether it be new product launches or business optimisation projects, putting my hand up to help has given me plenty of learning experiences!
One I’m particularly excited about right now is the Dometic DG3 gyrostabiliser launch. We’ve taken a number of learnings from our product portfolio, whether it be steering or air conditioning and applied these to the DG3 product.
Q: As one of the younger professionals in a traditionally older-led sector, do you feel your perspective brings something different to the table?
A: I see the value in a balance. There are a lot of people that have been in this industry 30+ years, and their knowledge and experience is invaluable. This, coupled with a new youthful approach is a game changer.
It is amazing what you can absorb and learn from spending time with those that have been doing this forever.
Q: How do you see the role of younger people in shaping the industry’s future?
A: I think it’s a natural evolution, as technologies grow, the new generation will be the ones to become experts in this and keep the industry driving. In many ways, the marine industry does tend to be more conservative about technology. Given what’s at stake on the water, I don’t think this is a terrible thing. This is one of the things that make me proud to work at Dometic, we are pushing forward with an “Outdoor Tech” identity. Whilst we continue to evolve and develop our products to be more technologically advanced, the demands of the marine environment are not lost of us.
Q: What leadership qualities do you think are most important in the marine industry right now?
A: Adaptability is high on my list. There are so many factors and variables to consider in this industry at the moment. These can be extremely unpredictable, and quite honestly bigger than us.
In addition, I think a customer focus is increasingly important. We can develop the best tech in the industry, although it would be a loss without truly understanding the customer needs and wants. We are a customer-based business, whether that be an OEM, boat owner, rescue boat skipper.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to younger people considering a career in the
A: Go for it! Whilst that might sound a little cliché, being curious and putting yourself out there pays dividends. You never know what opportunities or learning experiences there are right around the corner.
For more information about Dometic – visit their website HERE
