Boating Industry September/October 2025 | Page 16

MOVERS & SHAKERS BOLD MOVES

leadership has made him an influential figure within the industry.

He credits part of his success to his approach to each day.“ I’ ve always taken advantage of the early part of the day to get work done,” Gwillim said.“ Growing up, I used to mow greens at golf courses starting at 3:30 a. m., I took early morning classes in college and today my normal schedule includes a daily 5:00 a. m. workout, then a little time with my family before heading into the office for morning meetings. I find that my days go better when I attack them early.”

He said the most fulfilling part of his job is working with over 13,000 global employees to deliver marine products, technologies and services to the company ' s customers.

Founder & CEO, Sunstream Boat Lifts

Since creating the first freestanding hydraulic boat lift in 1996, Ken Hey has consistently introduced breakthrough technologies that have transformed the way people experience boating. Today, he is the founder and CEO of Sunstream Boat Lift Boats, a threetime NMMA Innovation Award winner.

From the first solar-powered and remote-controlled lifts to the first hydraulic floating lift and automatic boat cover, his inventions have set industry standards.

After earning a Master’ s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Washington, Hey spent a decade working in the aerospace industry, inventing fail-safe engine mount systems that are still used on Boeing airplanes today.

Bringing this background to the marine industry, Hey merged advanced engineering with his love of boating, resulting in dozens of patents and products that make boating safer, simpler and more enjoyable.

Under his leadership, Sunstream has pioneered entirely new market segments, including hydraulic floating lifts, automatic boat covers, smartphonecontrolled lift systems, and now, LiftBar, a piling lift designed to increase the use of boat lifts within marinas worldwide.

His approach to innovation goes beyond products. He has fostered a company culture that encourages bold experimentation to drive breakthroughs, and his mentorship extends to interns, engineers and industry peers.

“ My leadership style centers on attracting top talent who are genuinely inspired by our mission,” Hey said.“ I focus on aligning the team to deliver a positive customer experience that goes well beyond the product itself. I lead by example and foster a management structure designed to support the team’ s success, not just oversee it. To keep the innovation machine full throttle for 30 years, we have cultivated a development culture that embraces bold experimentation.”

He encourages every team member to pursue at least three“ innovative failures” per year in the lab.“ We have found that failure teaches us more than success ever could, and it’ s been a cornerstone of our creative momentum,” Hey said.

Honored with awards like Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the Edison Award for Innovation, his influence is felt across the industry. He was recently elected to NMMA’ s Marine Accessories and Components Division Board, where he continues to champion safety and industry growth.

“ The most fulfilling part of my job is hearing directly from our customers how we’ ve transformed their boating experience – making it easier, more enjoyable, and something they can do more often,” Hey said.“ This kind of feedback is what fuels everything we do. I also thrive on the intense, mad-scientist-style brainstorming sessions with the development team, where radical ideas take shape and innovation come to life. Watching that magic unfold never gets old and gives me energy to do more!”

President, Liberty Technology

Mark McKinney has helped evolve inboard marine engines and transmissions for more than 35 years. Under his leadership, Liberty Technology has achieved over 210 % profitability growth, a testament to his focus on Design for Manufacturing, process optimization, and a culture of excellence.

“ I credit much of my success to having a passion for our product and our industry,” McKinney said.“ I truly enjoy engaging in all aspects of the business, from engineering to sales and marketing, and I value the opportunity to apply this passion across disciplines. This mindset keeps me motivated, especially when working on new products. The responsibility of bringing high-end products to a global market comes with pressure, but I view that pressure as a privilege and a motivator."

To build stronger solutions and foster accountability across the team, McKinney often facilitates group discussions between engineers to align on direction before assigning ownership for prototyping and execution.

For over 30 years, he has hosted“ Wednesday Ski Night” on Lake Murray, sharing his passion for water sports with his local community. As an avid skier, McKinney brings the perspective of an end-user to every decision. His commitment to“ market-driving” rather than“ market-driven” innovation has produced multiple patented technologies that set new benchmarks for performance, reliability and durability.

He has introduced many safety-enhancing technologies for inboard marine engines and transmissions, such as the Fuel Control Cell, the Catanium CSX catalyst exhaust system, closed cooling systems, and enhanced engine and transmission communication.

He also serves on the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Engine Manufacturers Association, and the American Boating and Yachting Conference Boards, where he helps shape regulations that protect boaters and ensure long-term industry health.

“ The most fulfilling part of my job is seeing our products come to life and knowing they are being enjoyed by families across the world,” McKinney said.“ As someone passionate about boating and water sports, it’ s rewarding to contribute directly to the design and development of products I personally use and believe in. I also find it deeply satisfying to see our manufacturing facilities operating efficiently to produce high-quality products, while fostering a culture where employees feel valued and engaged. For me, fulfillment comes from both the impact our products have on customers and the positive environment we create for our team.”

16 september / october 2025 www. boatingindustry. com