Viking Yacht Co. co-founder Bill Healey last week was inducted into the Marine Trades of New Jersey Hall of Fame. Healey and his brother, Bob, founded the company in New Gretna, N.J., in 1964.
The award was accepted by Healey’s son, Pat, who is company president and CEO.
“On behalf of my father, I’d like to thank the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey for this honor,” Healey said in a statement. “New Jersey is truly a great state, and the Healey family is proud to have founded and successfully run our boatbuilding business here for more than 60 years. Through good times and bad, we’ve stayed the course by building a better boat every day. That is my father’s mantra — and it still guides us today. We look forward to a bright future and continued growth right here in New Jersey.”
Bill Healey was Viking president and CEO for 49 years. His leadership and vision built one of the most recognizable brands in the marine industry. He was involved with the design, engineering, manufacturing and service of more than 5,000 boats delivered since the brand’s launch. He was known for using a bicycle to check on his builders in the various stages of production, and shaking hands with employees at the end of each shift.
