The National Marine Manufacturers Association yesterday announced that it will present Stephen Heese, president of Chris-Craft Boats, and Rick Reyenger, strategic advisor and past president of Patrick Industries Marine Group, with the Hall of Fame Award.
The two will be recognized during the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference Industry Breakfast, scheduled for Oct. 7.
Heese and business partner Stephen Julius purchased Chris-Craft in 2000, transforming the builder into a premium brand.
“Steve’s leadership has revitalized one of boating’s most iconic names while also strengthening NMMA and the industry as a whole,” NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer said in a statement. “From steering Chris-Craft through remarkable growth to his dedicated service on NMMA’s board of directors, including leading the NMMA board through the Covid pandemic, Steve has been a consistent change agent and champion of innovation. His influence extends well beyond his own company, leaving a lasting imprint on both NMMA and the recreational boating community.”
Reyenger is a 40-plus-year industry veteran, holding positions at Outboard Marine Corp., OMC Canada, Boston Whaler, Mako, Tracker and Marine Accessories Corp., among others. He now is strategic advisor to Patrick’s Marine Group.
“Rick’s career is defined by his ability to grow businesses while strengthening the fabric of the marine industry,” Hugelmeyer said in the statement. “From his decades of service on NMMA boards to his success building global companies, Rick has consistently modernized the industry and advanced safety and participation in boating. His leadership and character embody the very qualities the NMMA Hall of Fame was created to honor.”
IBEX is scheduled for Oct. 7-9 at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida.
