Industry veteran Jim Krueger recognized at retirement ceremony

Regal Boats recently honored marine industry veteran Jim Krueger with a special award presentation and luncheon celebration on Nov. 7 to recognize his 46 years of continuous and outstanding service to the marine industry.

Krueger, who spent the past seven years as the Midwest/Central U.S. regional sales manager for Regal Boats, officially retired Aug. 17, 2018, but spent the past few months helping to transition and train his replacement.

Regal CEO Duane Kuck and Vice President Tim Kuck jointly presented Krueger with a special crystal leadership award, citing his excellent performance in both sales and service, along with his reputation for integrity.

“Jim is truly going to be missed by the entire Regal organization,” Kuck said. “He was not only a top performer within our organization, but an individual who always worked hard and simply got the job done. He’s an awesome individual who was equally respected by his internal peers at Regal, as well as by all of the many dealers he faithfully served.”

Krueger’s stellar marine industry career began in 1972 at Cruisers Inc. including stints in engineering and sales, followed by senior sales and leadership roles at Sea Ray, Bertram Yacht, Trojan Yacht, Tollycraft Yacht and Shamrock Boats.

He worked 15 years from 1996 through 2011 with the Luhrs Marine Group overseeing sales and marketing for both Luhrs and Mainship brands, prior becoming director of Mainship in 2004 with general management responsibilities.

“Each manufacturer I represented produced boats for very different buyer segments of the industry, from outboard and I/O runabouts, to big game fishing tournament and cruising yachts, from recreational trawlers to top-of-the-line sport boats and sport yachts,” Krueger said.“My roles in marketing and sales to these distinctive clienteles was both very exciting and challenging. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have enjoyed and experienced these opportunities, and especially to have met and worked with truly the nicest and most talented marine industry colleagues and retail customers you could ever have hoped to meet. It’s been a great career and I very much appreciate the kind words and the well wishes from Regal, as well as from many colleagues I’ve worked with throughout the industry.”

In addition to his full-time industry employment, Krueger served previously as chair and vice chair of the former National Marine Manufacturers Association Conference Committee.

A passionate boater and motorcyclist, he also co-founded Boaterz ‘n Bikerz of America “Hull of a Tour,” a national marine industry touring group that has produced four special event rides throughout the country.

A highly experienced photographer, Krueger plans to launch a new freelance career shooting boats, motorsports, landscapes and lifestyle portraiture.

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