Northpoint Portfolio Manager Lisa Yates was recently named to the prestigious 2026 “Women Making Waves” roster, joining a distinguished group of leading female achievers selected by the editors and spotlighted in Boating Industry magazine.
Lisa has worked in the marine industry for 25 years, beginning in floorplan finance where she supported large-ticket product lines including manufactured housing, RV, and marine, with marine quickly becoming the largest portion of her portfolio.
When asked to describe the most important professional lesson she’s learned over the past two decades, she points to “the value of truly understanding a dealer’s business—not just their balance sheet, but how they operate, what OEM partnerships make sense for them, and how they navigate changing market conditions. Success in marine finance is built on sound risk management, but it’s sustained by trusted relationships”
In regard to her most memorable achievement to date, Lisa is all about the customer and positively impacting those whom she serves.
“Managing dealer portfolios through both growth cycles and periods of significant market disruption stands out as my defining achievement,” she said. “Helping dealers remain financially stable while simultaneously protecting the company’s risk position isn’t always an easy balance to strike—but when it results in long-term partnerships and shared success, the reward is immeasurable. That’s the work I’m most proud of.”
How does Lisa hope to inspire other women who are carving out marine industry careers?
“I hope to show that there are opportunities for women to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact in this industry,” she said. “Confidence and continuous learning matter—but so does building genuine professional relationships over time. I also encourage women to take advantage of trade shows and dealer visits early in their careers. Those experiences are where knowledge and connections come together, and they’re often the moments that shape your trajectory.”
When Lisa’s not on the job or visiting dealers in the field, you may find her taking full advantage of the Florida Gulf Coast to soak up the sun and enjoy the boating lifestyle.
All of us at Northpoint congratulate Lisa on this outstanding recognition!
