Stephen Heese, President of Chris-Craft, has been named the 2025 inductee into the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Hall of Fame. The honour dates back to 1988 and stands as the NMMA's most prestigious recognition, reserved for those who have made enduring contributions to the marine industry. To be considered, candidates must bring at least ten years of involvement in the sector, an unblemished reputation, and a demonstrable legacy within their field.
Heese's connection to the water began early. Raised in Tampa, Florida, he spent his childhood fishing, sailing, and water-skiing, experiences that planted the seeds of a passion that would shape his entire career. He graduated magna cum laude with an accounting degree from Tulane University, then joined Price Waterhouse, where he qualified as a CPA and developed deep expertise in financial systems. An MBA from Harvard Business School followed, and it was there that he first crossed paths with Stephen Julius, who would become his long-time business partner.
His career with ERICO International took him far from Florida, with postings across Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, and London. During those years abroad, Heese did not leave his love of boating behind. He campaigned yachts and competed in the Sydney-Hobart ocean race, and the combination of international commerce and life on the water sharpened a perspective that would serve him well in the years ahead.
The move into the marine industry came in 1997, when Heese and Julius acquired Italy's Riva Yachts. They subsequently sold the brand to Ferretti before turning their focus to an even more storied name. In 2000, the pair took ownership of Chris-Craft, a brand whose reputation for American craftsmanship had been steadily losing ground. What followed was a thorough revival. Under Heese's direction, Chris-Craft was reshaped into a genuine emblem of design, performance, and quality. In 2018, Chris-Craft became part of Winnebago Industries, with Heese remaining as President and taking on the additional role of Senior Vice President of Winnebago Power Systems.
The Chris-Craft story was not the only remarkable turnaround Heese and Julius pursued. In 2004, the pair also brought the Indian Motorcycle brand back to life, later selling it to Polaris in 2011.
Within the NMMA itself, Heese has contributed at the governance level, serving as both Chairman and a director of the association. He currently chairs Independent Boatbuilders Inc. (IBBI), recognised as the world's largest marine buying cooperative. Away from the boardroom, he has remained committed to community outreach and charitable work throughout his career.
From his early days on Florida's waterways to reviving some of the most recognised names in boating and motorcycling, Steve Heese's career has been built on bold decisions and consistent entrepreneurial drive. His induction into the NMMA Hall of Fame marks formal recognition of those qualities.
