Liz Harris grew up spending summers at her family’s property on Leroy Island in Sodus Bay.

“My parents brought me straight from the hospital to Oak Park Marina- without even stopping at home- and I was on their sailboat at just 54 hours old.”

So after attending Finger Lakes Community College for business and marketing, she started down a path that lead her back to where it all started.

After spending a few years down south working and learning about the boating industry, Liz eventually made her way back to the area and founded Harris & Helm, a marine marketing and communications company.

“So many of our local marine businesses were doing incredible work but needed more support in positioning themselves and sharing their stories.”

Liz says she has been helping clients like Fleet Boat Club craft their marketing campaigns to reach the right customers both here in Wayne County and across the area.

“Harris & Helm has grown into the global marine manufacturing market, but the local boating community that inspired the company always remains at the heart of what we do.”

While her client list has grown, she says the operation is still being run largely from her laptop on her family’s dock.

'I’ve realized that many young people growing up on the water may not realize that their interests can become real careers within the larger marine industry or our local community.'

She encourages anyone considering their own business based on their interests should dive in.

'My advice would be to not wait until you feel completely ready-become involved in the community, stay curious, and look for opportunities to contribute to something you genuinely care about.'

Learn more about Liz and her business at harrisandhelm.com