MINNEAPOLIS, November 27 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today the addition of four new employees: Membership Engagement Coordinator Kaelyn Olson, Senior Accountant Josh Nelson, Senior Director of Marketing Bob Stanke and Senior Marketing Specialist Gunnar Davies.
“Bringing Kaelyn, Josh, Bob and Gunnar to the MRAA team has strengthened our team in so many different ways and in all functions of our business, from member engagement to business development to financial management,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “Adding four new employees will also make us more effective in delivering on our important mission of helping our members grow and prosper.”
All four team members will be in attendance at MRAA’s Dealer Week Conference & Expo in Orlando, Dec. 8-11, where they will have the opportunity to engage with members and participate in bringing the MRAA mission to life.
Kaelyn Olson — Membership Engagement Coordinator
Olson will lead the management and execution of deliverables for MRAA’s Partner Memberships and Dealer Week exhibitors while collaborating with the sales and marketing teams to ensure quality customer service. She has a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health and professional experience in customer service, management and sales. In her free time, she loves spending time with family, cooking and going out on the town with friends.
“I am thrilled to be working with such a devoted and enthusiastic group of people,” says Olson. “I am confident that my unique background will bring a fresh perspective, enabling me to contribute to the team’s mission and help elevate the experiences and outcomes for our partners.”
Josh Nelson — Senior Accountant
Nelson will record daily transactions, prepare financial statements and help all MRAA business units best manage their financial reports to achieve their goals. He has a Bachelor’s of Accountancy and over 10 years of experience in the public and private accounting sectors. Nelson enjoys running, traveling and spending time with friends.
“When I came in for my interview at MRAA, I noticed all the books, some I had read and many others recommended by podcasts I listen to … this is when I knew I would fit in,” says Nelson. “This is a fun group that is also very passionate about our work. I am happy to have the opportunity to help with that.”
Bob Stanke — Senior Director of Marketing
Stanke will lead the MRAA’s marketing department, providing strategic direction and management of the Association’s brand messaging, processes and marketing of products, services and educational programs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Information Systems. He has over 25 years of experience in marketing and marketing technology, with proficiency in consumer goods, health and fitness, sports and entertainment and financial services. Outside of work, Stanke enjoys hanging out with his wife and four kids and can be found on golf courses in Minnesota or western Wisconsin.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at the MRAA,” says Stanke. “I look forward to contributing my skills and collaborating with the exceptional professionals at the MRAA to advance our mission of fueling dealer success in the marine industry.”
Gunnar Davies — Senior Marketing Specialist
Davies will monitor and analyze leads across all marketing channels, ensuring alignment of marketing content strategies and managing social media platforms to drive engagement and results. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and several years of experience in the boat manufacturing industry. Outside the office, Davies, a self-described podcast fanatic, is a four-season outdoorsman who enjoys working out, reading and playing and coaching hockey.
“I am thrilled to join such a talented and dedicated team at MRAA, where there is significant growth and opportunity to drive marine dealership success,” says Davies. “I am eager to contribute to MRAA’s mission of supporting a thriving boating industry for marine retailers.”
Meet the entire MRAA staff.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
