Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award

Recipients of the NMMA Freedman Award are individuals who, in the course of their careers, have made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity, and personal motivation.  The following are the categories for consideration:
• Marine aftermarket or OEM manufacturer
• Marine representative
• Member of a marine-focused media
• Boat dealer
• Marine distributor
• Marine trade association staff person

NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominations to the 2025 awards program will open Summer 2024.

To nominate a worthy industry leader:

  • Nominators must belong to a member company and be in good standing with NMMA.
  • Submit the official nomination form.
  • Submit supporting material to enhance the nomination. Supporting material includes, but not limited to; an enhanced career timeline and accomplishments, articles about the nominee and letters of support. Supporting materials should be received digitally through the provided file share link by the entry deadline.

Nominators will be notified of award status in January 2025.

AWARDS PRESENTATION

The 2025 Alan J. Freedman Award will be presented during the Miami Industry Breakfast at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Tickets are required for entry.

QUESTIONS

Contact: Rachel Harmon
Email: [email protected]

AWARD RECIPIENTS

View past recipients of this prestigious award.

2022: Greg Lentine, NorCross Marine Products

Greg Lentine

Greg Lentine, President of NorCross Marine Products, has been tied to the marine industry his entire life. His family owned a boat dealership; he spent his early summers on the Jersey Shore waterskiing, fishing and crabbing; and worked at the family business while attending college, ultimately managing the service department at the dealership after graduating, where he gained a knack for business administration and marine innovation.

In 1999, Greg founded NorCross Marine Products. He launched the company’s first product in 2000 during Boating Week, the first-ever Wireless Depth Sounder. And in 2003, he pioneered another marine innovation, the portable fish finder, which is now an industry standard among inland and backwater fishermen.

Greg is one of the youngest tenured NMMA Board members and has been involved in numerous committees advocating for the industry, particularly small businesses. He has been a member of NMMA’s Marine Accessories & Components Division for more than 20 years and has served as Chairman; he has also served on NMMA’s Executive Committee and Membership Committee. 

Near and dear to Greg’s heart is the Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Fishing Tournament, which was founded more than twelve years ago in memory of his close friend. Proceeds of the tournament go to Project Lift – a non-profit that serves more than 500 teens and young adults annually, providing mental health and substance abuse treatment through the unique platform of vocational training.

Greg attended the University of Central Florida, earning a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Marketing. He lives his passion everyday fly fishing the lakes and rivers of Utah, ice fishing, inshore and offshore fishing in Florida and the Caribbean.