Ward’s Marine Electric, The Wards Way Podcast and South Florida’s Blue Economy | The Blue Economy

Can a 75-year-old marine electrical company help shape the future of the blue economy?

In this episode of The Blue Economy, Katherine O’Fallon, Executive Director of the Marine Research Hub of South Florida, is joined by Kristina Hebert, President/CEO of Ward’s Marine Electric and host of The Wards Way Podcast, for a practical conversation about marine infrastructure, family business, working waterfronts, policy, advocacy, and the real people behind South Florida’s marine industry.

Founded in 1950, Ward’s Marine Electric has grown alongside Fort Lauderdale’s marine sector for 75 years. From early generator work, shore power, dockside service, and corrosion surveys to multiple locations, industry leadership, and a podcast platform created to preserve the voices of the people behind the industry, Ward’s is part of the working foundation that keeps boating, yachting, and marine service moving.

Kristina shares how her grandfather started the company, how her father joined the business in 1972, and how the fourth generation is now becoming part of the Ward’s story. She also speaks about leading as a woman in marine, the importance of serving the industry, and why relationships built through boards, associations, policy work, and community involvement matter.

Together, Katherine and Kristina discuss The Wards Way Podcast, its recognition by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the role of boat shows, global industry conferences, misinformation, crew visas, policy education, working waterfronts, research, regulation, and why the blue economy has to connect big ideas with practical solutions.

Guest:
Kristina Hebert
President/CEO, Ward’s Marine Electric
Host, The Wards Way Podcast
https://www.wardsmarine.com
https://www.wardsmarine.com/podcast

Host:
Katherine O’Fallon
Executive Director, Marine Research Hub of South Florida
https://marineresearchhub.org

The Blue Economy is powered by the Marine Research Hub of South Florida, advancing ocean innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

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