WHO WE ARE: DEANNA TREJO

Get To Know Your Local Sales Expert

How long have you been involved in sailing?

I’ve been sailing out of Chicago since I was four years old when my dad decided to buy a Capri 22 Catalina. As the family grew, so did the boat, and we upgraded to an Alberg 35. We did Junior Fleet and graduated to Wednesday night beer can racing.

What boats/classes do you sail?

For the last 15 years I’ve been sailing the Rhodes 19 with active Fleet 12. I’ve also been sailing on a Dufour 36 P for the last two years, also competing in two Chicago Mac Races on that boat. My main position is jib trim, and I also make a mean breakfast burrito for the long distance races. I’m working on making a sailor out of my husband – we chartered a boat in Lake Superior for a lovely honeymoon.

What got you into the marine industry?

It was a lucky break that I ended up working in the marine industry. I was looking for a new job in 2013, and a friend told me about a temporary, part time position at North Sails they saw advertised in Scuttlebutt Magazine. I applied for assistant Office Manager, was hired, and survived my first Chicago Mac at North Sails the summer of 2013. In the end offered the position full time permanently as Office Manager.

What's your favorite aspect of working in the industry?

Being in the industry since summer of 2013, one of my favorite aspects is learning how many other people make a living based on their love of sailing and the variety of ways in which they carve out a profession – from dealers in faraway cities and towns, to local positions at different yacht yards, to sailing instructors and yacht club managers. It’s a bigger world than I had imagined. Another aspect I enjoy at North Sails is helping customers at events we host, such as the Chicago NOOD, Strictly Sails boat show, and North U. Seminars. Learning more about sailing is always a fun activity for everyone involved, and it’s a great way to get out of the office and meet our customers in person, which is valuable.

What's your favorite aspects about sailing?

My favorite thing about sailing is that it’s the easiest way be outdoors and get away from the city in a place like Chicago. It’s a whole different perspective on life once you get off shore. Second to that, I love making the boat go fast.

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