The National Marine Manufacturers Association today announced the induction of Scout Boats CEO and founder Steve Potts and retired Brunswick Corp. chairman and CEO Mark Schwabero to its Hall of Fame.

The NMMA Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to recognize individuals who have made or continue to make substantial contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry.

Steve Potts has had a passion for boatbuilding his entire life. During his high school years, he built a 14-foot boat called a Scout for a Charleston, S.C.-based dealer, The Outboard Shop. It sold well and earned a reputation locally for being tough and durable.

The Scout brand grew from a locally known model to a sought-after brand around the world. Potts’ leadership enabled Scout to weather the economic downturn in the late 2000’s, debuting 19 new models over a three-year span.

His leadership remains hands-on, and he can often be found working on the shop floor, heading up the R&D department.

“Through Steve’s leadership, vision and passion, Scout Boats has become one the industry’s outstanding boat manufacturers,” NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer said in a statement. “Steve’s commitment to the recreational boating industry is evident throughout his 30-year career and service on the NMMA Boat Manufacturers Division Board, where he’s been a leading advocate on the industry’s behalf.”

Mark Schwabero began his career in the automotive equipment sector, working for such companies as Navistar International, Bosch Braking Systems North America, Pilkington Libbey-Owens-Ford and Hendrickson International. He was introduced to the marine industry in 2004 when he joined Mercury Marine to lead the outboard business, becoming president in 2008.

In 2014, he moved to Brunswick Corp. to serve as president and COO, becoming chairman and CEO in 2016. During his time as CEO, Schwabero completed several value-enhancing acquisitions. Under his leadership, Brunswick continued to improve its operating results and strong track record of revenue and earnings growth.

“Throughout Mark’s career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and the recreational boating industry. His tireless work and dedication to making boating better has left a lasting mark,” Hugelmeyer said in the statement. “His numerous contributions to the NMMA board of directors have been invaluable, particularly as chairman of the board, where he helped guide the association through numerous challenges.”