Ashland
News
Northwood Tech Roots Run Deep at Lone Wolf Marine and Recreational
August 05, 2025
When William Whiting graduated from Northwood Technical College in 2010 with a technical diploma from the Marine Repair Technician program, he likely didn’t imagine that nearly a decade later he’d be running his own shop back in his hometown where he now employs a fellow Northwood Tech alum and mentors current students joining the industry.
Whiting, the owner of Lone Wolf Marine and Recreational located in Mason, Wisconsin, opened the business in 2017 after several years working in Minnesota and South Dakota, where he repaired two- and four-stroke engines and operated cranes.
“I’ve always wanted to start a marine and powersports shop,” Whiting said. “Northwood Tech gave me the opportunity to step past my comfort level and work in an industry in which I had no experience. I made excellent connections and gained knowledge I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Today, Lone Wolf Marine and Recreational is a full-service shop providing marine engine repair, small engine work, and recreational powersports service with plans to expand with storefront sales in the future. It’s also a strong example of how technical college education can fuel local business success and community investment.
Training the next generation
Whiting currently employs Kellan Hanson, a Northwood Tech Marine Repair Technician student who began working at Lone Wolf Marine and Recreational while still attending Ashland High School.
“Before I started the marine repair program, I worked at Lone Wolf Marine and Recreational for about a year,” Hanson said. “I enjoyed working on motors, especially marine engines.”
Now a current student in the program, Hanson, attends classes during the academic year and works full-time during the summer Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “I work mostly on marine motors, while sometimes working on other small engines like ATVs,” he said when asked about his role.
In terms of his skills, Hanson values both the hands-on experience he’s gained on the job and in the classroom setting at Northwood Tech. About both he said, “Even though most of my experience is from working at Lone Wolf Marine and Recreational, the hands-on experience at Northwood Tech has been beneficial because I get the chance to take my time and ask questions.”
Northwood Tech alum Caitlin Redinger (left) and William Whiting, Owner of Lone Wolf Marine and Recreational (right), greet customers with expert knowledge and friendly service.
An employee at Lone Wolf Marine and Recreational works on a boat motor inside the service shop, ensuring watercraft are ready for peak performance out on the water.
When asked what it’s like working for someone who once sat in the same classroom, Hanson was quick to respond: “It’s great. It’s nice to be able to have that connection.”
Daily operations beyond the shop
Caitlin Redinger, a recent Business Management program graduate, supports many aspects of the shop’s day-to-day operations—from customer service and scheduling to bookkeeping and marketing.
“There are a couple of skills I learned in my associate degree that have been really helpful,” she said. “Financial Accounting I, as hard as it was, prepared me well for the bookkeeping I do now.”
Redinger’s background in customer service helped her transition into the shop setting. “It’s different than working in a restaurant or coffee shop,” she said. “I don’t rely on tips, and the pace is more relaxed, so I get to build better relationships with customers.”
She also implemented Commander, a digital system for inventory and workflow. “It’s satisfying to see things run more smoothly and know information is less likely to get lost,” she said.
Redinger oversees marketing for the business, including social media, though other responsibilities often take priority. “It’s fun to see how people respond to our posts, but there’s only so much time in the day,” she said.
“It’s neat to have a shared Northwood Tech connection with my coworkers,” she added. “As the business grows, I’m excited to see how my role evolves and what we can do for the community.”
Staying connected
Whiting chooses to hire Northwood Tech students and graduates because he trusts the college to prepare skilled, reliable employees who are ready to contribute on day one.
“I know from experience that Northwood Tech does a good job,” he said. “Students come in with hands-on training and a solid understanding of motors.”
He praised the Marine Repair Technician instructors for their personalized approach. “They take time to work one-on-one with students, address questions, and stay connected years after graduation.”
Whiting also serves on the Powersports Advisory Committee at the college and participates in community outreach, including the ATV safety display at the Civic Center.
“Northwood Tech is essential,” he said. “Not just for marine repair; every trade is needed. We need people willing to step up and help others.”
His advice to future students: “This is an industry that can take you anywhere. Qualified marine techs are in demand, and this field isn’t going away.”
For Whiting, Hanson, and Redinger, Lone Wolf Marine and Recreational isn’t just a place of work, it’s a reflection of how technical education can drive careers, community, and long-term success.
To learn more about the Marine Repair Technician program at Northwood Tech, visit the program’s webpage NorthwoodTech.edu/Marine-Repair.
