2023
PRESIDENT , FREEDOM BOAT CLUB
By Boating Industry staff
THE 13TH ANNUAL BOATING INDUSTRY MOVERS & SHAKERS AWARDS recognize outstanding leaders and trailblazers across the recreational boating industry who continually pursue and embrace the challenge of change .
This year ’ s Mover & Shaker of the Year and finalists continue to navigate challenges and changes across our ever-changing industry , as well as drive innovation through their strong leadership and dedication both within their respective organizations and well beyond .
MOVER & SHAKER OF THE YEAR
CECIL COHN
PRESIDENT , FREEDOM BOAT CLUB
When you take a look at the recreational boating industry , it ’ s easy to find many people who have a storied family history both with the industry and just boating in general . Many of whom have carried boating traditions for generations .
However , there are also those in the industry who didn ’ t necessarily grow up on the water helping pave the way for a whole new level of future for the recreational boating industry and are not afraid to take on the challenge of doing things differently for a better industry .
The 2023 Boating Industry Mover & Shaker of the Year , Cecil Cohn – president of Freedom Boat Club – may not have grown up a boater , but his growing passion for the industry and life on the water over his years in the industry is reshaping the way many enjoy boating and bringing in a new generation of boaters along the way .
After returning to school to get his MBA following some time working in management consulting , Cohn dipped his toe into the marine industry waters in the form of a management internship at Brunswick Corporation .
In the summer of 2006 , Cohn officially joined the Brunswick Corporation team within the Brunswick Boat Group . Working in a variety of functional leadership roles , Cohn learned the ins and outs of the boating industry across inside sales and customer service , in demand planning , marketing and much more .
Cohn then stepped into his first major leadership role when presented the opportunity to lead the Crestliner boat brand as its president in 2013 .
“ It was very much the culmination of why I had gone back to business school and was definitely a big break for me ,” Cohn told Boating Industry . “ And it was the perfect brand . I absolutely loved the team that I inherited and some new team members I was able to add . The brand had tremendous opportunities to take the brand forward , gain market share and develop awardwinning products . It was a great kind of first business to be chosen to lead .”
16 october 2023 www . boatingindustry . com