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
2003: Fred Kegelmeyer, Brunger Export Co.
Fred Kegelmeyer
Active in the recreational marine industry for over 20 years, Fred Kegelmeyer began his career in 1976 when he joined Ft. Lauderdale-based Brunger Export Company, a firm specializing in the export of U.S. marine accessory products.
In 1983 he became principal and president of Brunger. Under his leadership, the company opened offices in Europe and Asia to capitalize on international sales opportunities for U.S. marine products; as a result, sales expanded six-fold. Today, Brunger is considered one of the leading manufacturers’ export rep businesses in the industry.
An active member of NMMA throughout his career, Fred facilitated international business development and helped to establish export credit information exchange for members of the Accessory Manufacturers Division. Brunger was one of the initial participants in NMMA’s USA Pavilion at METS, fostering its development as a premiere venue for manufacturers’ entry into overseas markets.
Fred retired from Brunger in June 2000, after 24 years of helping numerous accessory companies successfully enter, develop, and service international markets around the world. An avid golfer, boater, angler, Fred now hosts a weekly radio show on fishing from the Florida keys.