Rinker Boat Co., recently acquired by Bennington Marine, is bringing back Kim Slocum as president and general manager, effective immediately.
Bennington Marine bought Rinker in September as part of Nautic Global Group, which also includes Godfrey pontoon boats (Sanpan, Aqua Patio, and Sweetwater), Hurricane deck boats and Polar Kraft aluminum fishing boats.
Slocum, longtime resident of Syracuse, Ind., returns to Rinker Boats after leaving three years ago. During Slocum’s tenure, Rinker was one of the leading producers of sterndrive boats, including the Captiva and Express Cruiser lineups.
At the age of 18 in 1973, Kim Slocum “just barely got his foot in the door at the Indiana company,” a Trade Only article reported in 2005. In March of that year, he took over as president and part owner of the company.
“It’s a homecoming of sorts,” Slocum said in a statement. “During my absence, the Rinker brand and business remained near and dear to my heart and mind. I’ve remained active in the marine industry and have maintained contact with many of the employees, dealers and suppliers that I worked closely with throughout my career. I’m excited to reconnect with the Rinker family and rebuild the strong relationships that were vital to this brands success.”
“The decision to bring Kim back into the fold with the Rinker Boat brand and campus was not a difficult one,” Bennington Marine CEO Jacob Vogel said. “Kim was instrumental in building this brand and is well known and respected throughout the industry and local community. We are ultimately confident in Kim’s ability to re-energize the workforce, the Rinker brand and the dealer network that has remained steadfastly loyal to a brand that has seen some tough times over the past several years.”
