John Robert ‘Bob’ Long, who led Starcraft, AMF Crestliner, Wellcraft Marine, and Marine Concepts during a career spanning more than five decades, has died at the age of 86.
Bob grew up in the small town of Potosi, Missouri, graduating in a class of just eight students.
He gained a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and later a Master of Business Administration from Saint Louis University, with his education reflecting a combination of technical ability and business insight that would go on to distinguish his career.
His professional career began with McDonnell Douglas, before he entered the marine industry, progressing to lead Starcraft and AMF Crestliner.
During his time at Crestliner, he doubled sales within three years and received the company’s President’s Award.
Tenfold bannual growth
Bob joined Wellcraft Marine in 1976 and served as president of the company for 17 years, growing annual sales tenfold, from $30 million to $300 million during his tenure.
In 1994, Bob and his wife Karen purchased Marine Concepts from its founder, Augusto ‘Kiko’ Villalon.
At the time, the company had 14 employees and over the next 22 years, Bob expanded it into a design, engineering, tooling, and composite manufacturing business with approximately 250 employees and more than 300,000 square feet of operations located in Cape Coral and Sarasota.
The company’s expansion included the purchase of Wellcraft’s former Sarasota manufacturing facility, bringing Bob’s career full circle.
At the age of 75, Bob sold the company in 2016 after 22 years ownership to retire and spend more time with his family.
Bob’s contributions extended well beyond the companies he led.
Outstanding contributions
He helped establish the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in 1979, was a member and chair of numerous NMMA committees and served on its board of directors for six years, frequently travelling to Washington, to advocate for recreational boating.
He was also an avid participant of the industry’s annual American Boating Congress, fighting for marine manufacturers and their rights.
He was presented with the 2013 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award by the NMMA.
The award recognises individuals who, throughout the course of their careers, have made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation.
And in 2015, in recognition of his service to the marine industry, Bob was inducted into the NMMA Hall of Fame in 2015, one of the industry’s highest distinctions.
However, in a statement, a spokesperson from Marine Concepts said that although Bob appreciated these honours, those who worked with him knew that he measured success by the strength of his teams and the development of the people around him.
He encouraged others to take thoughtful risks, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward.
Think bigger
“As Bob often said, ‘if you want to win at anything, you can’t be afraid to fail’,” said Todd Biddison, programme manager at Marine Concepts.
“Bob believed that the strength of any company came from its people.
“He challenged those around him to think bigger, trusted them to do their best work, and took genuine pride in helping others succeed.”
Outside of his career, Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, taking great joy in sharing his love of boating with them and with his six children and 12 grandchildren.
He also dedicated much of his time to civic and industry organisations, believing in back to both his community and the marine industry.
Bob’s legacy lives on in the companies he built, the industry he helped advance, and the many people he mentored throughout his career.
