The United States National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has announced Stephen Heese, President of Chris-Craft, as its 2025 Hall of Fame inductee. The Hall of Fame, established in 1988, is the NMMA’s most prestigious honour, celebrating individuals who have made lasting contributions to the marine industry. Candidates must have at least a decade of involvement in the sector, hold an impeccable reputation, and have left a lasting mark on their field.
A life shaped by the water
Born in Tampa, Florida, Steve Heese grew up fishing, sailing, and water-skiing, planting the seeds of a lifelong connection to boating. After earning an accounting degree magna cum laude from Tulane University, he began his career at Price Waterhouse, where he became a CPA and built expertise in financial systems. He later completed an MBA at Harvard Business School, where he met his future business partner, Stephen Julius.
A global career
Heese’s professional journey took him around the world with ERICO International, where he lived and worked across Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, and London. While expanding the company’s reach, he also campaigned yachts and competed in the Sydney–Hobart ocean race. His global experiences deepened his understanding of both international business and the boating lifestyle.
In 1997, Heese and Julius entered the marine industry by acquiring Italy’s Riva Yachts, later selling the company to Ferretti. They then turned their attention to reviving the Chris-Craft brand in Sarasota, Florida.
Revitalising Chris-Craft
When Heese and Julius acquired Chris-Craft in 2000, the brand’s reputation for American craftsmanship was fading. Under Heese’s leadership, it was reborn as a symbol of design, performance, and quality. In 2018, Chris-Craft became part of Winnebago Industries, with Heese continuing as President and also serving as Senior Vice President of Winnebago Power Systems.
Beyond Chris-Craft, Heese and Julius also resurrected the Indian Motorcycle brand in 2004, later selling it to Polaris in 2011.
Industry leadership
Heese has held leadership positions within the NMMA, serving as Chairman and as a director. He currently chairs Independent Boatbuilders Inc. (IBBI), the world’s largest marine buying cooperative. Alongside corporate achievements, he remains active in community outreach and charitable initiatives.
From his early days in Florida to shaping some of the most iconic names in boating, Steve Heese’s story is one of bold decisions, entrepreneurial drive, and a lifelong passion for the water—qualities now enshrined in the NMMA Hall of Fame.
Learn more: https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25230
