Wet Sounds Celebrates Two Winners in Boating Industry’s 2026 Top 40 Under 40

Wet Sounds is proud to announce that two of our own have been recognized in the 2026 Top 40 Under 40 by Boating Industry Magazine.

This prestigious annual recognition highlights the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the marine industry—and we couldn’t be more excited to see Jake Julies and Jonathan Shadle honored among this year’s standouts.

Jake Julies

OEM Sales Manager, Wet Sounds

For Jake Julies, the marine industry isn’t just a career—it’s personal.

Growing up on Douglas Lake in East Tennessee, Jake’s earliest memories were built around time on the water. From sunrise fishing trips to long afternoons tubing with family, boating shaped his upbringing and ultimately his career path.

That deep-rooted connection fuels how he approaches his role today. For Jake, success isn’t just about sales—it’s about helping families create the same unforgettable moments he experienced growing up.

His journey wasn’t without challenges. Early in his career, earning trust in a relationship-driven industry required patience, consistency, and humility. By focusing on long-term relationships and showing up every day with integrity, Jake built a foundation that continues to drive his success.

While his professional achievements are impressive, Jake is quick to point to what matters most—his family. As a husband and father of five (with another on the way), he credits his family as his greatest accomplishment and motivation.

Jake’s advice to the next generation is simple but powerful:
“When you genuinely care about people and serve them well, success follows.”

Jonathan Shadle

Audio Engineer / Acoustic Technician, Wet Sounds

Jonathan Shadle’s path into the marine industry was anything but traditional.

With a background as a professional musician and audio engineer, Jonathan trained at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, including The Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music. His journey into marine audio began unexpectedly—but quickly became the perfect intersection of passion and innovation.

At Wet Sounds, Jonathan applies his expertise in digital signal processing to one of the most challenging acoustic environments imaginable—a boat. Wind, water, engine noise, and power limitations create a constantly shifting puzzle, one that he approaches with curiosity and precision.

For Jonathan, that challenge is what makes the work exciting. Each improvement in sound quality is a step closer to delivering an immersive musical experience on the water.

He draws inspiration from both his professional mentors and his musical roots, and continues to create music, record, and explore new instruments outside of work.

Jonathan describes the marine audio space as the “wild west” of audio—full of opportunity, innovation, and untapped potential. It’s that spirit of exploration that drives both his work and his advice to others considering the industry.

Shaping the Future of Marine Audio

At Wet Sounds, innovation starts with people. Jake and Jonathan represent two very different paths—but share the same passion for pushing the marine industry forward.

From building relationships that drive growth to engineering sound that performs in the harshest environments, their contributions reflect what Wet Sounds stands for:

Performance. Innovation. Experience.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing the continued impact they will make—not just at Wet Sounds, but across the entire marine industry.

To read the full March 2026 issue of Boating Industry Magazine, visit Read March Issue