Doug Smoker Inducted into NMMA Hall of Fame

The NMMA inducted two industry veterans into the NMMA Hall of Fame, its most prestigious honor, during last month's Industry Breakfast at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. The 2022 NMMA Hall of Fame inductees were Doug Smoker, President & CEO of Smoker Craft, Inc. and Joe Miller, former CEO & Principal at William F. Miller & Associates.

The NMMA Hall of Fame was established in 1988 and recognizes individuals who have made, or continue to generate, substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It honors individuals whose names and deeds are synonymous with the pursuit of quality, innovation, and perfection within their respective spheres of expertise.

Doug Smoker joined the family boat building business in 1972. He is a fourth generation boat builder who has played an integral role in the success and evolution of Smoker Craft, Inc., making it one of the most respected boat manufacturers in the world, a remarkable accomplishment for a privately held, independent organization, owned and operated by two families.

During his 55-year career in the recreational boating business, Smoker has always been family-oriented. To that end, “family focused” is one of four core values which are part of the company’s vision and mission, as well as a cornerstone of Smoker Craft, Inc.’s dealer organization. Under his leadership, the Smoker Craft team has surpassed 900 employees whom, together, will produce over 20,000 boats in calendar year 2022. Smoker Craft, Inc.’s boat segments include pontoons, aluminum fishing boats and fiberglass boats, all of which are part of a vast brand portfolio including Smokercraft, Starcraft, Sylvan, Starweld and Sunchaser. These products and brands are sold in all global markets.

Smoker has effectively led the company through various acquisitions, expansions, recessions, a global financial crisis, and, most recently, a worldwide pandemic. Throughout his tenure at the helm, the company has thrived – delivering exponential annual growth in sales volumes, reaching top-level market share positions, expanding product lines, innovating new products, nearly doubling the size of its manufacturing complex (now to almost 1,000,000 square feet), creating rewarding, high-paying jobs contributing to the economy of the local community, and building, then optimizing, a world class dealer distribution network.

His contributions to the success of Smoker Craft, Inc. include multiple Design & Engineering innovations. He has played a direct role in the development of the company's Hydro-Lift reverse-chine hull, still used in today’s aluminum fishing boat production. He also oversaw multiple facility expansions, including a second factory established in the Pacific Northwest.

Smoker has consistently contributed to the long-term health of the recreational boating industry. He has served on the NMMA and Grow Boating boards as well as on various committees. He was the Chairperson of the BMD board from 2018 to 2020 and served on the NMMA Executive Committee from 2018 to 2022. Prior to the pandemic, he was a frequent visitor to Washington, D.C., recognizing the need for the American Boating Congress and activism in the U.S. capital. A staunch supporter of BoatPAC, he views advocacy as a primary responsibility to preserve the future of boating. His ongoing commitment, along with that of Peter Barrett and Phil Smoker, allowed Smoker Craft, Inc. to receive the inaugural Advocacy of the Year award.

His passion, energy, and enthusiasm for the marine business can only be matched by his faith and commitment to the community. He is an active member of the Granger Community Church, serving on the Advisory Board for their Early Learning Center. Prior to joining, he was a member of the First Mennonite Church in Middlebury, Ind. He had the distinction of being the youngest Elder to ever serve during his tenure. He is on the Board of the Goshen Health Foundation and served six years as part of the Goshen Hospital Capital Fund Committee. He is regularly donating his time and financial support to local charities, including Cultivate, which provides meals for under privileged children, the local Boys and Girls Club, Child and Parent Services, and the Greencroft Assisted Living Center in Goshen, Ind.

Faith is a significant part of Smoker’s life. This same faith has been a foundational element in building a family-centered, people-first culture at Smoker Craft, Inc. Balancing a pragmatic style with an authentic respect for collaboration, Doug approaches every situation with a servant’s heart.