Boating Industry has named him its“ Mover and Shaker of the Year;" Florida Trend Magazine tapped him as one of“ Florida’ s Most Influential Business Leaders;” and the Orlando Business Journal named him“ CEO of the Year.” Other recognitions include the distinguished“ Governor’ s Business Ambassador Medal” and the Palm Beach State College“ Emerald Torch Award” presented to outstanding alumni. On the corporate front, Correct Craft has been named Florida’ s“ Manufacturer of the Year” and the industry’ s“ Most Innovative Company.” Many of the Correct Craft brands and subsidiaries have also earned key product distinctions for design, innovation and performance.

Earlier this year, Correct Craft officially announced that Yeargin would step down from his role as CEO effective April 1, 2026, and transition to board chair.

As he begins to wind down this final chapter, Boating Industry spoke candidly with Yeargin about a variety of topics, from his personal zest for the boating lifestyle, to leadership lessons he’ s learned along the way, to what he sees on the horizon ahead – both for himself and the industry at large.

From his earliest days as a CPA for Rybovich to his appointment as president and CEO of Correct Craft in 2006, Bill Yeargin has invested 40 years in the marine industry as

By Wanda a top corporate leader, culture evangelist, influencer and agent of change.

Kenton Smith

In his current position, he oversees 48 companies including boat and engine manufacturers with distribution in 70 countries along with water sports parks and vertical integration operations.

His work also embodies service on numerous boards including his present role as board chair of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. He has represented the industry on many state and national issues, having served on both the Obama and Trump administrations in cabinet-level advisory councils. He is also a popular speaker at marine events across the globe and has published scores of articles and columns in leading B2B publications.

With his unrelenting drive and passion for his work have come well deserved distinctions.

Boating Industry( BI): Before we dive into the business discussion, what’ s your boating background? Bill Yeargin( BY): I was introduced to boating as a teen by a friend who had a boat. It wasn’ t much, but we had a blast. Once I had kids, I wanted to share the boating lifestyle, so I bought my first boat around 2000, an 18-foot Sea Ray. Today, I have a Nautique G23.

BI: Any favorite boating memories? BY: Definitely the time spent with my kids when they were growing up; we were on the lake every weekend. We all still enjoy cruising, wake surfing, wakeboarding and tubing as a family. I especially enjoy boating with my three-year-old granddaughter, Rosie, who likes to ride and sit on Pap’ s lap!

BI: Do you regularly visit the water sports park in Orlando, too? BY: Yes. It’ s fun and allows me to go out on a Saturday morning and get some great exercise. I’ ve ridden the cable for up to 90 minutes straight!

BI: Let’ s shift gears and talk business. Tell us about plans for the upcoming transition. BY: I told the Correct Craft board, of which I am a member, that when I stepped down, I would give them over a year’ s notice and would have a qualified internal candi-

26 september / october 2025 www. boatingindustry. com