The National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to recognize and honor individuals who have made or continue to make substantial contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It is NMMA’s most prestigious recognition.
HALL OF FAME NOMINATION CRITERIA
To be eligible for the NMMA Hall of Fame Award a candidate must:
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Have made a substantial and lasting impact on the industry or their particular segment
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Are known in the industry and are beyond personal or professional reproach
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A past (deceased/retired) or current member and supporter of NMMA
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Actively involved in the marine industry for a minimum of ten years
NOMINATION PROCESS
Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 program through June 27, 2024. Active members in good standing with the NMMA are eligible to nominate a worthy industry leader. An official nomination form must be submitted, along with; supporting documents (letters of support, articles around the candidate's work in the industry, etc) that will enhance the nomination portfolio by the given deadline.
REVIEW PROCESS
All nomination portfolios will be reveiwed by the NMMA Hall of Fame Committee after the nomination deadline. The NMMA Board of Directors will make a final vote to determine the award recipient(s). Nominators will be notified of award status August 2024.
AWARD PRESENTATION
Award recipients will be presented at IBEX during the Industry Breakfast taking place on Tuesday, October 1 in Tampa, FL.
QUESTIONS
Contact: Rachel Harmon
Email: [email protected]
AWARD RECIPIENTS
2024: Steve Potts, Scout Boats and Mark Schwabero, Brunswick Corporation
Steve Potts
The passion for boatbuilding has been in Steve Potts’ blood his entire life. As a young boy, Potts fastened parts of wood barrels together to make a workable hull. During his high school years, he built a 14’ boat called a Scout for a Charleston, SC-based dealer, The Outboard Shop. It sold well and earned a reputation locally for being tough and durable.
In 1971 Steve began work for American Fiberglass. In only four months he became manager of the finishing department, and in 1974 he was promoted to plant manager. In 1980, Potts returned to South Carolina to serve as plant manager for American Sail for nine years. At night, Potts repaired fiberglass bathtubs on residential construction sites in an effort to save money to start his own boat line.
After negotiating the Scout name rights with The Outboard Shop, and with $50,000 saved up, Potts and his wife Dianne rented a small brick barn in Summerville, SC, where together they began construction on the first of Potts' newly redesigned Scout 14' and 15' in 1989.
Just as he was making headway during his first year, progress was derailed by Hurricane Hugo. It destroyed their building as well as many of the molds and plugs. After the devastation, they salvaged what they could and moved to a nearby aluminum shed to start the rebuilding process.
After using the last of his funds to purchase booth space at the Atlanta Boat Show in 1990, Potts trailered three of his Scout models to have on display. His designs stood out in the crowd and won Scout a list of 31 prospective dealers across the east coast.
As the years rolled on, Potts’ and the Scout brand continued to move from a locally known boat model to a respected and sought-after brand around the world. Potts’ goal of becoming a debt free company was realized, but it was also tested numerous times over the years. His leadership and foresight never waned. Even during the Great Recession economic downturn in the mid-to-late 2000’s, Potts was able to lead Scout through the storm all the while debuting 19 new models over a three year span, continuing their debt-free financial stability.
Over the years, Potts didn’t just lead from an office. He continued to be hands-on to the point that you could find him working on the shop floor, heading up the R&D department.
Numerous industry firsts have come from Scout, including multiple fuel-saving hull designs, the reverse shoebox hull-deck design, a patented T-top/glass enclosure, an advanced engine mounting system called the Scout Strata-Mount, a patented articulating rocket launcher, a patented bow camera, a patented aft seat/convertible entertainment station, as well as many others. Through Potts’ leadership Scout also became one of the first to utilize carbon epoxy construction in its builds, and for 35 years the company has earned a solid reputation as a leading innovator in the industry.
Potts’ has also not only served on numerous marine industry committees and boards, he has also given a substantial back to his community through numerous donations to non-profit organizations. His environmentally-driven mindset has also led to the company’s use of low VOC resins during manufacturing as an example.
Steve resides in Daniel Island, SC with his wife, Dianne. They have three adult children - Stevie, Sherrie, and Stephanie - whom each hold vital positions at Scout. Adding to the legacy are seven grandchildren, with the entire family immersed in the boating lifestyle in Charleston.
From a 14’ model to now building 25 models ranging from 17’ to 67’, Potts’ Scout brand has become one of the most respected independent marine manufacturers in the industry. From starting in a hurricane ravaged small brick building to a nearly 500,000 sq. ft. headquarters, the story of Steve Potts is one of true American entrepreneurialism, with his passion and dedication still evident today.
