The National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to recognize and honor individuals who have made or continue to make substantial contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It is NMMA’s most prestigious recognition.
HALL OF FAME NOMINATION CRITERIA
To be eligible for the NMMA Hall of Fame Award a candidate must:
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Have made a substantial and lasting impact on the industry or their particular segment
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Are known in the industry and are beyond personal or professional reproach
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A past (deceased/retired) or current member and supporter of NMMA
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Actively involved in the marine industry for a minimum of ten years
NOMINATION PROCESS
Nominations for the 2024 program will open in Spring 2024. Active members in good standing with the NMMA are eligible to nominate a worthy leader. An official nomination form must be submitted, along with supporting documents (letters of support, articles around the candidate's work in the industry, etc) that will enhance the nomination portfolio by the given deadline.
REVIEW PROCESS
All nomination portfolios will be reveiwed by the NMMA Hall of Fame Committee after the nomination deadline. The NMMA Board of Directors will make a final vote to determine the award recipient(s). Nominators will be notified of award status August 2024.
AWARD PRESENTATION
Award recipients will be presented at IBEX during the Industry Breakfast in Tampa, FL.
QUESTIONS
Contact: Rachel Harmon
Email: [email protected]
AWARD RECIPIENTS
2022: Joe Miller, William F. Miller & Associates and Doug Smoker, Smoker Craft, Inc.
Doug Smoker
Doug Smoker joined the family boat building business in 1972. He is a 4th generation boat builder and has played an integral role in the success and evolution of Smoker Craft, Inc., making it, today, one of the highest respected boat manufacturers in the world - a remarkable accomplishment for a privately held, independent organization, owned & operated by two families.
During his 55-year career in the recreational boat business, Doug has always been family oriented. To that end, “family focused” is one of four core values which are part of the company’s vision & mission and further reinforced with every team member. It is also a primary cornerstone of Smoker Craft, Inc.’s dealer organization. Under Doug’s leadership, the Smoker Craft team has surpassed 900 employees whom, together, will produce over 20,000 boats in calendar year 2022. Smoker Craft, Inc.’s boat segments include pontoons, aluminum fishing boats and fiberglass boats, all of which are part of a vast brand portfolio including Smokercraft, Starcraft, Sylvan, Starweld and Sunchaser. These products and brands are sold in all global markets.
Doug has effectively led the company through various acquisitions, expansions, recessions, a global financial crisis, and, most recently, a worldwide pandemic. Throughout his tenure at the helm, the company has thrived – delivering exponential annual growth in sales volumes, reaching top-level market share positions, expanding product lines, innovating new products, nearly doubling the size of its manufacturing complex (now to almost 1,000,000 square feet), creating rewarding, high-paying jobs contributing to the economy of the local community, and building, then optimizing, a world class dealer distribution network.
Doug's contributions to the success of Smoker Craft, Inc. include multiple Design & Engineering innovations. He has played a direct role in the development of the company's Hydro-Lift reverse-chine hull, still used in today’s aluminum fishing boat production. He also oversaw multiple facility expansions, including a second factory established in the Pacific Northwest.
Doug has consistently contributed to the long-term health of the recreational boating industry. He has served on the NMMA and Grow Boating boards as well as on various committees. Doug was the Chairperson of the BMD board from 2018 to 2020 and served on the NMMA Executive Committee from 2018 to 2022. Prior to the pandemic, Doug was a frequent visitor to Washington DC, recognizing the need for the American Boating Congress and activism in the U.S.’s capital. He has met with elected officials on behalf of the entire boating industry, including Vice President, Mike Pence, and Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross. A staunch supporter of BoatPac, Doug views advocacy as a primary responsibility to preserve the future of boating. His ongoing commitment, along with that of Peter Barrett and Phil Smoker, allowed Smoker Craft, Inc. to receive the inaugural Advocacy of the Year award.
Doug’s passion, energy and enthusiasm for the marine business can only be matched by his faith and commitment to the community. He is an active member of the Granger Community Church, serving on the Advisory Board for their Early Learning Center. Prior to joining, he was a member of the First Mennonite Church in Middlebury, Indiana. Doug had the distinction of being the youngest Elder to ever serve during his tenure. He is on the Board of the Goshen Health Foundation and served six years as part of the Goshen Hospital Capital Fund Committee. He is regularly donating his time and financial support to local charities including - Cultivate, which provides meals for under privileged children, the local Boys and Girls Club, Child and Parent Services, and the Greencroft Assisted Living Center in Goshen, Indiana.
Faith is a significant part of Doug’s life. This same faith has been a foundational element in building a family-centered, people-first culture at Smoker Craft, Inc. Balancing a pragmatic style with an authentic respect for collaboration, Doug approaches every situation with a servant’s heart.
