Soundings Trade Only Group today announced the winners of the 2026 EPIC Awards during a ceremony at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference in Tampa, Fla.

The EPIC Awards recognize organizations shaping the future of the boating industry through bold leadership, purposeful innovation and a commitment to positive impact. EPIC — an acronym for exceptional, purposeful, innovative and compassionate — honors companies driving meaningful change within their businesses, across the marine industry landscape and in the communities they serve.

Each year, the program recognizes a Top Award honoree, a ranked Top 10 list and individual category winners. Soundings Trade Only will profile the honorees and reveal the ranked Top 10 in the November issue.

This year’s Top Award was presented to Grady-White Boats.

In September, Eddie Smith announced plans to secure the company’s future through the creation of a purpose trust, in addition to creating a nonprofit organization that will grant company profits to charities. The move is a first for the boating industry and creates what is expected to be the second-largest purpose trust of its kind in the United States, following the model established by outdoor retailer Patagonia in 2022.

“I think what Eddie Smith did for Grady-White was truly EPIC,” judge Steve Tilders said. “Not selling the company and taking care of employees, while benefiting others, ensures that Grady-White’s secret sauce stays intact for the future.”

EPIC Award category winners

The EPIC Awards also recognized companies demonstrating excellence in individual categories:

  • Altruism/Social Awareness Grady-White Boats
  • Development & Technology (tie) Garmin and Brunswick Corp.
  • Work Culture Correct Craft
  • Manufacturing Process/Supply Chain Smoker Craft
  • Sustainability Volvo Penta
  • Training National Marine Electronics Association
  • Special Award — Partnerships Sharrow Marine

“The 2026 judging process was challenging and inspiring. The submissions were extraordinary, highly creative, thoughtful and informative,” Michele Goldsmith, vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group, said in a press release. “This year’s honorees are transforming the marketplace through bold initiatives and strategic vision that are reshaping their businesses and elevating the entire marine industry.”

This year’s judging panel included:

  • Chris Dixon, senior editor, Power & Motoryacht (sister magazine to Soundings Trade Only)
  • Mark MacKenzie, COO, Firecrown Media Marine Group (parent to Soundings Trade Only)
  • Steve Tilders, a 50-year marine industry veteran whose executive leadership experience includes BoatLife, Jabsco, Rule and Xylem, and a former chairman of NMMA’s MACD board of directors
  • Larry Russo, former president and CEO of Russo Marine and senior vice president of MarineMax Northeast, and a board member with numerous marine organizations

More information about the EPIC Awards is available here. Submissions for the 2027 awards program will open next June.