Bill Yeargin

Technology and globalization are two trends that are combining with incredible force to significantly impact us all (and our industry). It does not matter if we consider technology and/or globalization as good or bad; they are both changing our world in a big way. While bringing significant benefits on a global/macro level, both globalization and technology can also bring substantial ...

Earlier this month I wrote a blog for Boating Industry titled “The Free Trade Question.” After the blog was published I received several great comments and questions about free trade, and, as teachers everywhere say, “If you have questions, others probably do too.” So, this blog will share some thoughts triggered by the comments and questions I received related to ...

Between working as CEO of a company in the boating industry with global distribution (70 countries) and serving, until recently, as co-chair of the Manufacturing Council’s Trade, Tax Policy and Export Growth Committee (a group of business leaders who advise the U.S. Secretary of Commerce), I have spent a fair bit of time thinking about global trade. Trade was a ...

Pretty much any time a group of my fellow CEOs get together, the discussion will eventually head toward what many of us describe as our biggest challenge – finding good employees. At Correct Craft, we have manufacturing plants across the U.S. and we offer competitive pay and benefits; however, it is still a challenge to find the employees we need ...

This week many of our industry’s leaders gathered in Washington, DC for the 2017 American Boating Congress. This is always an interesting week as our industry works together to understand, discuss and take action on key issues. My ABC week began in a meeting of the Recreational Boating Leadership Council. Led by the very capable Matt Gruhn, our council is ...

Dear President Trump, First, congratulations on your victory in last year’s hard fought campaign. You connected with tens of millions of American who have trusted you with their hopes for the future. As CEO of one of the boating industry’s largest companies with manufacturing across the USA, over 1,000 employees, and distribution in 70 countries, I want to do my ...

This week in Chicago our industry held a Grow Boating Summit to discuss how we can continue to promote the boating lifestyle and grow our industry. There was a lot of support at the summit for the Discover Boating program and the group discussed how we can improve it. There are many perspectives on what we need to do. Below ...

The boating industry is on the edge of dramatic change. In fact, in the next 10 to 15 years our industry will experience more change than at any other time in its history. Some trends that will transform our industry include: New leadership – the boating industry has enjoyed consistent leadership for decades but we are now on the edge ...

For four years I have been honored to serve on the Manufacturing Council, a group of about 25 business leaders who advise U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. As you might expect, my experience on the Manufacturing Council has significantly increased my awareness of, and focus on, manufacturing issues. During my time on the Council we have discussed workforce issues, ...

The past four years I have been honored to serve on the Manufacturing Council, a group of 25 business leaders who advise U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. Our council has considered and made recommendations on many challenges facing U.S. businesses including taxation, trade, energy, innovation, and workforce issues. All of these issues are not only important to our nation ...