Priority One Financial Services, a full-service finance company for marine, RV and trailer dealers, celebrates 25 years of employment with Rina Aponte, Senior Operations Manager. Aponte started at Priority One in 1998, when the company had just 13 employees. Today, it employs over 70 team members, Aponte overseeing more than 40 in her division.

“Over the years, I’ve learned how to sell the ‘why’ and trained my team to do the same,” said Aponte. “Now, we have a system of leaders and mentors that extend that training to newer employees.”

Under Aponte, the operations division has won several awards, most notably for its specialty in serving credit-challenged customers, and for equipping customers with extended service contracts to fit their needs. A veteran of the Navy and the recreational industry, she leads the team to communicate clearly and effectively with dealers and their customers.

“My leadership evolves every year that I’m with Priority One. I try to be intentional, take a break and care for my team,” said Aponte. “That’s just as important as the work itself. People stay around for people – anyone at Priority One will tell you that’s part of what makes us special.”

In 2021, Aponte was named to Boating Industry’s list of “Women Making Waves,” awarding women who make significant contributions to the marine industry.

“Priority One’s quality relationships with dealers, standards of professionalism and level of service are unequivocally part of Rina Aponte’s unique mark on the company and industry,” said Heather Mariscal, President, Priority One.

Priority One values loyalty, positivity, confidence and professionalism. More than 50% of its staff have been employed for over five years, and nearly 30% for over ten years.

“We commit to our employees' well-being, and it translates to true partnership and quality service for our dealers,” said Mariscal.