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One of the most successful boat manufacturers in the world, Grady-White has a legendary reputation for designing and producing outstanding fiberglass boats. But like many successful enterprises, it beginnings were comparatively humble. Glenn Grady and Don White founded Grady-White Boats in Greenville, NC, back in 1958, and hired local craftsmen to build wooden boats in the coastal Carolina handcrafted tradition. The business outlook seemed bright, Grady and White dedicated themselves to quality, and they planned to grow their company through the increasing demand for coastal pleasure craft. The first Gradys were small, tough "works of art," with flared bows and lapstrake sides starting with steamed white oak frames and planking, all joined with brass bolts and nuts. The process was labor intensive, but employed sure-fire concepts used in larger Carolina custom sportfishing boats. Grady-White's founders believed that if they used those concepts, and crafted boats "tougher than they had to be," that these smaller boats would stand up reliably to coastal waves and weather. Grady-White got it right.
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In 1968, Dan Atwood started a fishing boat company that would grow to become the largest manufacturer of top quality, blue water fishing boats in the United States. His first model, a 24-foot twin console, was designed for professional fishing guides, and since that was his market, Dan decided to name his new company Pro-Line Boats.
There was no escaping the fact that every Pro-Line was built by fishermen for fishermen, and customers and dealers soon began to pay attention to the new company. Dan responded with the addition of the Pro 17 and Pro 20. Pro-Line now had dealers throughout Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
As Pro-Line's reputation grew, so did the need for bigger facilities. With foresight, Dan found a location that offered him plenty of room for growth and relocated his crew to what is still their home today, Homosassa, Florida.
In 1986, Lee Kimmell, Lewis Ranieri and Ken Wilson, successful Wall Street investors of Salomon Brothers fame, offered Dan an infusion of working capital; and a new company, American Marine Holdings was formed. Lewis had long been going to the area to pursue his love of fishing, and he knew a winner when he fished one.
By 1989 fishermen around the world had come to know Pro-Line. Models now ranged from 16 to 28 feet. Orders rushed in and dealers jumped at the chance to offer this hot product.
Today Pro-Line has grown to offer top-quality boats in center consoles, walkarounds, expresses, sportfish boats and bay boats.
Chairman and CEO Lee Kimmell, President Mike Collins and Vice Chairman Dan Atwood, owe their success to the simple, but important philosophy of always building the highest quality fishing boats on the water and never wavering from their commitment to total customer satisfaction.
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