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The NMMA today honored Greg Lentine, President of NorCross Marine Products, Inc., with the 2022 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation. The award was presented during the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show’s® Industry Breakfast. 

“In addition to his relentless pursuit of quality marine innovation and building his company, Greg has been a longstanding advocate for our industry, particularly small businesses, making sure they always have a seat at the table with the ‘big guys’,” noted Bill Watters, president, Syntec Industries. “It’s my honor to present Greg with the 2022 Alan J. Freedman Award for all he has done for recreational boating.”

Greg 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.

For more information about NMMA’s Alan J. Freedman Award and to nominate a deserving leader for 2023, please visit http://www.nmma.org/industry-awards/alan-freedman-award.