Rick Tinker, co-founder and executive vice president of Skier’s Choice, is to retire in Sprint 2026 after nearly 30-years of industry leadership and a 40-year career in the marine industry.
Skier’s Choice, manufacturer of Supra and Moomba boats, was founded in the late 1990s, and has grown over the years to become one of the largest towboat manufacturers in the world.
“I am honoured to have worked with such an incredible team at Skier’s Choice, from our dedicated employees to our award-winning dealers, for going on 30 years,” said Tinker.
“During my journey here, our team has delivered over 50,000 Supra and Moomba boats to consumers worldwide. I cannot thank our passionate owners enough for allowing us to be a part of their boating experience.”
One of the things I’m most proud of is the team and culture we’ve built at Skier’s Choice.
Rick Tinker
Tinker served as the primary lead on the acquisition of the Supra and Moomba brands from United Marine of Tennessee, a transaction that formed the foundation of Skier’s Choice.
Under his leadership, both the Supra and Moomba brands have each earned 20 consecutive Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Awards.
Tinker has also helped build a culture centered on lasting relationships with dealers, employees, and customers with many of the company’s dealer partners working with the company for more than two decades.
Many employees have celebrated 20-year anniversaries with the company.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is the team and culture we’ve built at Skier’s Choice,” said Tinker.
Marine manufacturing
“The foundation is strong, and I have complete confidence in our leadership and employees to continue delivering exceptional products and experiences to our customers and dealers for many years to come.”
Prior to co-founding Skier’s Choice, Tinker spent nearly a decade in the ski and wake boat industry, advancing through senior finance and operations roles including controller, vice president of finance, and vice president and general manager.
Tinker’s marine industry career began with his uncle providing him with his first opportunity in marine manufacturing when he was 25 years old. In addition, his father, Glenn, was a skilled tooling builder in the early days of the ski boat industry.
His career has came full circle as he worked alongside his son at Skier’s Choice for eight years.
NMMA Boat Board
Beyond his Skier’s Choice achievements, Tinker has served on the Independent Boat Builders Inc. (IBBI) board from 2004 to 2024, including four years as chairman. He has also contributed to the NMMA Boat Board and NMMA Big Board.
Tinker has also served in his local community and in his retirement, he looks forward to continuing his community service work, travelling with his wife Betsy, and spending time with his granddaughter Emma.
Skier’s Choice is headquartered in Maryville, Tennessee, where both the Supra and Moomba brands are designed and manufactured.
