Paul Kuck, Richard Bertram added to NMMA Hall of Fame
MIAMI — The National Marine Manufacturers Association posthumously inducted two new members into its Hall of Fame on Oct. 8, Regal Marine Industries’ founder Paul Kuck and Bertram Yacht Company founder Richard Bertram.
The induction took place during the 18th International BoatBuilders’ Exposition & Conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where the two men’s achievements were honored at the IBEX Industry Breakfast.
Kuck and his wife Carol started Regal Marine in 1969 in Orlando, Fla., using their $40,000 life savings and matching contributions from two business associates, according to NMMA. Today, Regal posts an average of $160 million in annual sales, employs nearly 700 people and supports more than 150 dealers and distributors in 40 countries.
Bertram’s relationship with the marine industry started through his love of racing sailboats. While sailing on the America’s Cup team, he impressed naval architect C. Raymond Hunt with a deep-V hull design, which helped launch Bertram Yacht Company, NMMA reported. Before that, however, Bertram had already built one of the world’s largest yacht brokerages.
Today, the NMMA reports that Bertram Yacht builds eight different models and maintains a presence in 95 different countries, employing more than 2,800 individuals worldwide.
“Both Paul and Richard have left indelible marks on the recreational marine industry — for the successful companies they built and the commitment, leadership and ingenuity they’ve demonstrated throughout the years,” said NMMA President Thom Dammrich.
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