Meet The Pro: Skyler Checots, Service Manager
By Arkansas Next on Friday, October 10, 2025
Hometown: Bismarck
Age: 26
Higher Education: Marine program at National Park College; certifications in Tige, Indmar, Garmin and BRP; Pursuing: Master Yamaha technician, inline engines, V-engines, drivetrain and electrical systems
Job Title: Service Manager
Employer: Trader Bill’s Outdoor Sports Inc.
For Skyler Checots, working on boats was never just a job; it was a calling. That early passion led him to the Marine Program at National Park College, where he started building the technical foundation for his future. Since then, he’s earned multiple certifications from Yamaha, Garmin, BRP, Tige and Indmar, putting him only two courses away from becoming a Master Yamaha Technician.
“I was always helping my grandpa fix things,” Skyler said. “I wanted to take a different step and work on boats instead of cars.”
Now in a leadership role, Skyler oversees a busy marine service shop. His days involve managing technician schedules, warranty claims, customer service and ensuring repairs run smoothly. It’s demanding work, but he thrives on the challenge. He says that the heat, long hours and busted knuckles are always worth it when he sees a happy customer drive off with their boat ready for the water.
His path to success wasn’t built on a four-year degree, but on grit, hands-on learning and a strong work ethic.
“I was big into football [in high school] and I believe that’s what drives me so hard,” Skyler said. “Discipline, integrity and courage. You have to use those not only in everyday life but in my career.”
This inner drive has finally paid off. By age 26, Skyler had worked his way into management, bought two homes with his wife and is building a future for their children.
MORE ABOUT THE JOB
Education Needed:
Bachelor's degree
You'll Be Great At This Job Too If...
- Enjoy fishing or lake days
- Spend time working on car engines
- Love to take things apart to see how they work
- Excel in project-based grades rather than testing
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Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
High school diploma or GED | $66,800
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers
High school diploma or GED | $83,700
Do You Have What it Takes?
Check off the experience you already have...
► Problem Sensitivity (thinking about problems to solve before they happen)
► Intuition (better sense of your surroundings and how your decisions impact others)
► Mathematics/Science (enjoy these classes the most)
► Particular (detail-oriented and precise in skills)
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$167,660 Annual
Median wages in Arkansas (top 50%)
$40,290 Annual
Sources: careeronestop.org for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects in Arkansas
WHERE TO LEARN
- Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
- Arkansas State University-Beebe
WHERE TO WORK
- Arkansas State University-Beebe
Sources: careeronestop.org
