2024
MOVER & SHAKER OF THE YEAR
ERIC FETCHKO
PRESIDENT , DOMETIC MARINE
By Boating Industry staff
The 14th 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
ERIC FETCHKO
PRESIDENT , DOMETIC MARINE
Days on the water and a connection to boating began at a very young age for this year ’ s Mover & Shaker of the Year , Dometic Marine president , Eric Fetchko . As the youngest of eight kids growing up , hunting and fishing was very much a way of life .
“ We always had a boat , but it was always a 50-50 chance the old two-stroke would start and during that time I don ’ t think I ever remember a gauge on the boat ever working ,” Fetchko said . “ I love the water , I love boating , but even back then I was thinking there ’ s got to be a better way to do this and that ’ s been my whole career about making boating a better experience .”
After school , with a mechanical engineer background , Fetchko went on to work in the sawmill industry , before getting a job with Teleflex .
When starting his Dometic ( Teleflex ) journey , Fetchko thought it was going to be a “ two years and I ’ m out ” type of job . In June 2024 , he celebrated his 38th year with the company . “ It just shows that the marine industry is awesome to be a part of and once you ’ re in you never really leave ,” Fetchko said .
From early beginnings as a junior engineer to climbing the ranks to his current role as president , Fetchko ’ s passion for the marine industry has never been lacking and is certainly infectious to all who work with him .
In his Dometic Marine tenure , Fetchko has played a role in some of the company ’ s largest projects including the emergence of both hydraulic and electric steering systems , various OEM integration projects and starting Dometic ’ s marine electronic development center .
“ It ’ s been an interesting journey for me being a mechanical guy ,” Fetchko said . “ The whole journey through Teleflex to SeaStar and eventually Dometic has been all about learning something new every single day .”
Due to the company ’ s size when he started , Fetchko credits much of his success as a professional to the ability to work in a variety of different facets of the company . “ When I started here , we had 45 people ,”
16 october 2024 www . boatingindustry . com