Today we’d like to introduce you to Tripp Messenger.
Hi Tripp, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was living and working as a dockmaster in Newport, Rhode Island, when I was introduced to a local entrepreneur – now Dockwa CEO Mike Melillo – who was creating a company aimed at helping marinas filling open dock space and helping boaters connect with marinas. Over a span of several months, I brought to light some of the ongoing pain-points and antiquated processes that many marinas experience in managing their inventory and reservations. Once the company launched, I was brought on board officially, leaving my dockmaster days behind and instead getting to work with marina and yacht club management and staff across the country to help make their day-to-day operations smoother, more efficient, and a better experience for boaters.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Nothing is ever smooth in the marine industry! That said, we’ve made tremendous strides due to the team we’ve put together over the years, the boaters who love being able to use an app/website to make bookings, and the marina early adopters who helped spread the word.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Senior Marina Success Manager at Dockwa, which is essentially exactly as it sounds: my job is to make sure marinas are getting the most value out of the software as well as improving their overall business. I’m most proud of my successful accounts – nothing makes me happier in my work than seeing a marina improve their overall business – both in revenue and in operational improvements. I think what sets me apart is my passion to change this industry. I’ve been on a boat since before I could walk, operated travel lifts and fork trucks hauling boats before the age of 20 and became a dockmaster for one of the busiest transient marinas in the northeast. I’ve seen where this industry was 15+ years ago and seen how far it’s come and I take great pride in knowing our software has made a tremendous impact on the industry so far. At the same time, we’re just scratching the surface.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
It all depends on what you’re interested in. One thing that won’t matter, regardless of your interest, is your work ethic: Work hard no matter what the level of work is. Nothing should be beneath you. Work hard enough for it to be noticed – when you think your hard work isn’t being noticed, you aren’t working hard enough. Once your work is noticed, the right people will see your potential – listen to them and pay attention. Once you’ve found growth, remain humble and show respect to everyone. Everyone you meet in life will know more about something than you do. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him.”
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.dockwa.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dockwa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dockwa/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/getdockwa
- Other: Thewanderlustgroup.com
Image Credits
Dockwa
