2019
Grady-White's 60th year delivering the best boats, while providing the highest level of customer satisfaction in the industry!
With added production capacity, spurred on by the previous year’s significant plant expansion, Grady-White Boats went into its 60th year with great promise for the company’s continued success in delivering the best boats, while providing the highest level of customer satisfaction in the industry. That fact was confirmed in February, when the company was once again named a recipient of the coveted National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Customer Satisfaction Index award. Representing a Grady-White sweep of the award since its inception, the company was bestowed the award for the 17th year in a row. This prestigious third-party trade association award measures customer satisfaction and the pursuit of continuous improvement in customer service, with a cumulative result of 90 percent or higher, based on information provided by the past year’s customers.
Community recognition reigned high at the start of 2019 as Grady-White Boats was presented with two esteemed accolades. East Carolina University presented them with their Regional Commitment Award, and Pitt County’s Development Commission recognized Grady-White Boats as the 2018-2019 Pitt County Industry of the Year. Both awards noted Grady-White’s significant contributions to the county’s industrial sector, the expanding of its manufacturing facility, and the millions of dollars and creation of new jobs they provided the region.
Grady-White’s international presence, paired with an excellent array of international dealers, afforded the company another acknowledgement in 2019 as the National Marine Manufacturers Association honored the company with their Global Star Award. Presented for their exemplary export success in recreational boating, this award highlighted the company’s creativity and teamwork in getting boats delivered to their international customers.
Grady-White’s flagship model, the 45-foot center console, Canyon 456 was named a Boating Industry Top Product in 2019.
As the year progressed, so did the honors, as Grady-White’s unrivaled flagship, the Canyon 456, was recognized in the 6th annual Boating Industry’s Top Products list. The 456 was only one of 50 new or updated marine products and services of that model year selected. Utilizing every technological advancement, this 45-foot center console boat was on the cutting edge when it was introduced to the market in the spring of 2018. The culmination of high-level innovation led to the start of another chapter at Grady-White, as those same technological advancements were implemented on other boats across the strong Grady-White Boats lineup.
In August, the company celebrated its 60-year milestone with a company-wide picnic where President, Kris Carroll, presented owner, Chairman and CEO, Eddie Smith, Jr. with his 50 Years of Service award. Since his purchase of the struggling company in 1959, Eddie Smith, along with an outstanding team of people, transformed Grady-White Boats into a world-renowned company. Known for exceptional attention to detail, unparalleled performance, and an unmatched level of customer service, Grady-White has continuously delivered the highest quality boats in their class available on the market today. They have accomplished this with extraordinary leaders who are passionate about their work, a dedicated and well-trained workforce that takes pride in the products they produce, and by building strong, long-term relationships with suppliers, dealer network, and customers. Together, these values have led Grady-White to exceed customer expectations as they continue the magic of delivering the ultimate boating experience to customers throughout the world.