The Soundings Trade Only Group yesterday announced the winners of the inaugural EPIC Awards during IBEX in Tampa, Fla. The EPIC Awards (formerly the Most Innovative Company Awards) recognize not only innovation but also impact — on the industry, local communities and the broader global marketplace.
“This year’s entries were exceptionally strong, making the judging process both inspiring and challenging,” Michele Goldsmith, vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group, said in a statement. “Our 2025 honorees are reshaping the marketplace through strategic vision and bold initiatives that are transforming their businesses and elevating the entire marine industry.”
The program recognizes one top winner, 10 overall winners and individual category leaders. This year, Garmin and Dometic tied for the top honor, as both companies demonstrated extraordinary innovation and leadership.
The remaining winners, including another tie and three honorable mentions, are (in alphabetical order): American Boat & Yacht Council, Boatyard, Brunswick Corp., Correct Craft, Integrated Dealer Systems, Groupe Beneteau, Roswell, Scout Boats, Sharrow Marine, Suzuki, Tiara Yachts, Volvo Penta and Wavve.
Soundings Trade Only will profile all of the winners and reveal the ranked Top 10 list in the November issue.
The individual category winners are:
• Development and Technology: Dometic and Scout Boats
• Work Culture: Garmin
• Altruism: Correct Craft
• Manufacturing Process/Supply Chain: Tiara Yachts
• Sustainability: Suzuki Marine
• Training: AkzoNobel (honorable mention: ABYC)
This year’s judges were Gary Reich, editor-in-chief, Soundings Trade Only; Glenn Sandridge, former president, Firecrown Media Marine Group; Dave Connolly, former senior partner, Thomas H. Connolly and Sons; and Paxson St. Clair, president, DuraTek Boat Lifts (former president, Cobalt Boats).
Submissions for next year’s EPIC Awards — an acronym for exceptional, purposeful, innovative, compassionate — will be accepted starting in June 2026.
