Her Story
About Denise
Denise Kleiner is an accomplished entrepreneur, business leader, and 100-Ton Master Captain and Subcaptain with more than 40 years of boating experience, beginning in 1986. After spending much of her career in office-based professional roles, she made a deliberate transition toward a career that aligned with her passion for the outdoors, ecology, and sustainable tourism. She earned a Certificate in Ecology and Sustainable Tourism from Humboldt State University and obtained her captain’s license in 2018, enabling her to pursue a full-time career in marine tourism, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. Today, she serves as President of Florida Boat Tours and General Manager of Jiggs Landing Preserve in Bradenton, Florida.
Since taking over the concession contract at a Manatee County preserve in January 2019, Kleiner has transformed the operation into a community-oriented destination that combines recreation, tourism, conservation, and entertainment. Under her leadership, the preserve offers eco-boat tours, cabin rentals, live music events, and food and beverage services, while providing visitors with opportunities to learn about local wildlife, history, and environmental stewardship. Her professional expertise includes business development, sustainable tourism, ecology, property management, wildlife education, historical interpretation, and community engagement. She also draws on extensive experience in financial services, business consulting, fundraising, strategic development, and nonprofit leadership.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Kleiner is passionate about conservation, birding, and environmental research. An avid birder, she volunteers with Cornell on bird research projects and is committed to promoting greater awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. She has also been involved in historical preservation, environmental initiatives, conservation projects, and community partnerships throughout her career. Guided by authenticity, compassion, environmental stewardship, and a genuine desire to help others, Kleiner continues to use her experience and knowledge to support sustainable businesses, educate visitors, and create meaningful connections between communities and the natural world.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Denise
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having the determination to create a career that aligned with the life I wanted to live. After many years working in an office under fluorescent lighting, I knew that when I eventually transitioned into the next chapter of my career, I wanted to spend my days outdoors. That vision motivated me to pursue new opportunities, achieve my captain’s license, and successfully transition into a fulfilling full-time career in the outdoors.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to remain adaptable, continue learning, and never be afraid to pursue a new direction when an opportunity presents itself. My career has taught me that growth often comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone, developing new skills independently, and having the confidence to embrace change. Staying open to new possibilities has allowed me to build a career that is both personally fulfilling and aligned with my passion for the outdoors, ecology, and sustainable tourism.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be willing to learn, develop a diverse range of skills, and remain open to new opportunities. My own career has taught me that it is never too late to reinvent yourself, explore a new direction, and build expertise through hands-on experience and self-education. I encourage young women entering the industry to have confidence in their abilities, stay curious, and embrace opportunities that allow them to grow both personally and professionally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is helping small businesses strengthen their business planning, marketing, social media presence, and photography so they can grow sustainably and authentically. I’m especially interested in sharing my experience and knowledge to help others succeed rather than starting another business myself. I also see tremendous potential in sustainable tourism, ecology, and authentic personal branding, where businesses can connect with their communities while promoting environmental awareness and responsible growth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, compassion, environmental stewardship, helping others, and genuine advocacy. I believe influence should come from sincerely supporting people, communities, and meaningful causes rather than seeking personal gain. I strive to approach everything I do with integrity, respect, and a commitment to making a positive difference. Family is also incredibly important to me, and I take great pride in supporting and encouraging the next generation, including my grandson as he pursues his own path in the marine industry.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.