In this section

NMMA Hall of Fame Awards Logo 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:

  • Have made a substantial and lasting impact on the industry or their particular segment

  • Are known in the industry and are beyond personal or professional reproach

  • A past (deceased/retired) or current member and supporter of NMMA

  • Actively involved in the marine industry for a minimum of ten years

NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 program through June 6, 2025. Active members in good standing with the NMMA are eligible to nominate a worthy industry leader. An official nomination form must be submitted by June 6, 2025. Supporting documents (letters of support, articles around the candidate's work in the industry, etc) that will enhance the nomination portfolio should be received digitally by the June 10, 2025.

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 2025.

AWARD PRESENTATION

Award recipients will be presented at IBEX during the Industry Breakfast taking place in Tampa, FL.

QUESTIONS

Contact: Rachel Harmon
Email: [email protected]

AWARD RECIPIENTS

View past recipients of this prestigious award.

2025: Stephen Heese, Chris-Craft and Rick Reyenger, Patrick Industries

Stephen Heese

Stephen Heese is an entrepreneur whose career spans three decades in the power sports and marine industries.  From Tampa, Florida, where he spent his youth fishing, water-skiing and sailing, Steve's journey has been one of ambition and global adventure.

Graduating magna cum laude in Accounting from Tulane University while working full-time in a lively French Quarter bar, Steve launched his professional career at Price Waterhouse in Tampa.  There, he earned his CPA certificate and honed his financial acumen over four years, eventually leading project teams installing SAP enterprise software in manufacturing companies.

Steve's thirst for knowledge and adventure then led him to Harvard Business School, where he earned his MBA in 1988.  It’s also where he met his future business and investment partner, Stephen Julius.  Graduation marked the beginning of a global odyssey with ERICO International, a privately-owned construction products company.  Over 12 years, Steve lived and worked across continents—living in Sydney, where he met his wife Amanda and their three children were born, to Singapore, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, and London—expanding ERICO’s footprint in the Far East and Europe.  Steve’s passion for boating continued, owning and campaigning several sailing yachts and competing in the Sydney-to-Hobart ocean race.
 
In 1997, while Steve was living in London, Stephen Julius made a bold move into the marine industry by acquiring Italian yacht builder Riva Yachts from Rolls-Royce. This venture united the two partners and ignited a passion for boatbuilding that would shape the next chapter of their careers.  After selling Riva to the Ferretti Group in 1999, Steve returned to Tampa with his family and in 2000 the partners acquired the assets of the iconic Chris-Craft Boat Company in Sarasota, Florida.
 
Under Steve’s leadership, Chris-Craft was revitalized and became a symbol of American craftsmanship and innovation. The company was sold to Winnebago Industries in 2018, where Steve continues to serve as President, guiding its legacy forward. He also holds the role of Senior Vice President – Winnebago Power Systems, overseeing Winnebago’s the Lithionics business.
 
Steve’s entrepreneurial spirit did not stop there.  In 2004, the partners acquired the trademarks of Indian Motorcycle, resurrecting the legendary brand before selling it to Polaris Industries in 2011.
 
Beyond his corporate achievements, Steve is a respected leader in the marine industry. He is a director and past Chairman of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and currently serves as Chairman of Independent Boatbuilders, Inc (IBBI), the world’s largest marine industry buying cooperative.
 
Steve’s story is one of bold decisions, global impact, and a deep-rooted love for the water. His legacy continues to inspire innovation and excellence in the industries he has helped shape.