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A Long Island, N.Y. native, Tilders began his work in the boating industry in 1975 with BoatLIFE in Hicksville, N.Y. as a warehouse employee. From there, he worked for BoatLIFE for 17 years going from the warehouse to purchasing to vice president. Known for the bright yellow jackets he wore to shows, he worked numerous consumer and trade events during his tenure. Edwin Kehrt, Tilder’s mentor and founder of BoatLIFE, taught him to have fun in product marketing, including parading a live skunk around the floor at IMTEC in Chicago, promoting its new low odor silicone sealant.

In 1992, Tilders joined the Mass.-based pump company, Rule, which led him and his family to move to New Hampshire. He began as a product manager but was quickly promoted to marketing manager and later to marketing director. During this time, Rule was purchased by the ITT Corporation. Due to his passion for engaging with customers and natural sales instincts, he was promoted to director of sales in 2006. In 2011, ITT announced plans to separate the merged companies, creating the water technology focused Xylem, Inc. Today, Tilders serves as Xylem’s director of sales, Americas and also functions as the company’s Global Marine Champion.

“As Steve celebrates an extraordinary milestone, 50 years of dedicated service to the marine industry, his remarkable career has been shaped by passion, perseverance, innovation, and a deep commitment to this community,” said Michele Goldsmith, vice president and general manager, Soundings Trade Only. “Over the decades, Steve has exemplified the values that define true leadership, earning the respect and admiration of peers across the industry.”

In addition to Tilders’ career in sales, he actively serves on the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) board of directors and their Marine Accessories and Components Division (MACD) Board, where he served as Chairman, initiating several strategic actions throughout his 17 years of service.

“Steve’s professional achievements are matched only by his personal qualities. His wisdom, thoughtful decision-making, and ability to inspire collaboration have made him an invaluable asset to every initiative he has been a part of. His work has not only elevated the marine industry but also set a standard of excellence for all who follow in his footsteps,” said Greg Lentine, founder and CTO of NorCross Outdoors

Tilders received his BA in Management and Economics and his MBA in Marketing from Hofstra University. He’s managed numerous humanitarian projects, leading him to make 35 plus trips over the last 20 years to provide aid in underserved areas of the world. In 2008, Steve was awarded ITT’s highest honor, the Harold Geneen Award, in recognition of his community service in Haiti. Steve and Debbie Tilders have been married for 45 years and have three daughters and sons-in-law and nine grandchildren.

For more information about NMMA’s Alan J. Freedman Award, please visit http://www.nmma.org/industry-awards/alan-freedman-award.