NMMA Awards Gallery
2007 Hall of Fame Inductees - Richard Bertram, Bertram Yachts; and Paul Kuck, Regal Marine
This prestigious award celebrates those whose deeds are synonymous with the pursuit of quality, innovation, and perfection within the marine industry. NMMA is truly honored to add Richard Bertram and Paul Kuck to the list of inductees that include such pioneers as Chris Smith, Charles Chapman, Elmer Kiekhaefer and Ralph Evinrude. The Hall of Fame Award continues to salute excellence by acknowledging contemporaries such as Ham Hamburger, Leon Slikkers and Pack St. Clair. And now, Richard Bertram and Paul Kuck.
History continues to verify that innovative individuals who pursue perfection are often the ones who rise to the zenith of their chosen profession. NMMA would like to recognize Richard's and Paul’s substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. Richard Bertram was a man of passion, a passion that extended into every aspect of his life, including his family, friends, career and even competitors. His constant drive, dynamic personality and fervent dedication to boating is unparalleled; his innovations as a pioneer in the industry have distinguished him since the founding of Bertram Yachts. Revered as a legend in the sport fishing industry, Mr. Bertram’s legacy lives on in the company he founded nearly 50 years ago.
Bertram formed Bertram Yacht Company as a distinct entity from the existing yacht brokerage and in 1962 opened a 25-acre plant on the Tamiami Canal in Miami. Bertram introduced a series of breakthrough designs in 1962 for a new breed of sportfishing vessels that combined cruising facilities and capabilities with traditional sportfishing equipment and a seaworthy hull. These vessels set the industry standard in yacht design for years to come.
With a nest egg of a $60,000 and $20,000 each from two business associates, former steel marketer and entrepreneur Paul Kuck (known as “PK”) founded Regal Marine in Orlando, Florida, in 1969. Today, Regal is one of the world’s largest privately-held boat manufacturers. Regal boats are sold by more than 150 dealers and distributors in 40 countries and the company posts $160 million in sales annually. The company has sold more than 50,00 boats and received numerous customer service awards.
PK’s life was about much more than boating. He and his wife, Carol, were passionate in many arenas of Christian ministry, such as Bill Glass Prison Outreach, Prison Fellowship International, the Orange Country Jail ministry, Frontline Outreach, and CareNet. He also served faithfully at his church, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Yet the ministry nearest to his heart was Nathaniel’s Hope, dedicated to helping special needs children and their families, inspired by his grandson, Nathaniel.
To learn more about the achievements of the 2007 Hall of Fame Inductees, please click on the individual links below:
