News and Updates

October 7, 2024

Congratulations to our longtime friends and business partners, Jim and Melanie Dehoney, owners of Cal June/Jim-Buoy, for receiving the Mel Barr award at last week's IBEX show! We are proud to have represented their products for MANY years, and are thrilled to be a part of their family!

September 30, 2024

We're excited to see many familiar faces (...and to meet lots of new ones!) at IBEX, The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference. Be sure to stop by booth 3-423 to chat with our team, and to learn more about the incredible factories we represent. We'll see you in Tampa!

August 20, 2024

March 1, 2024

And that’s a wrap! Our 2023/2024 Gyspy Jamboree tour is done. Across 11 weeks, we made 114 stops in 11 states - just a few miles, right? We’d like to thank every customer that spent time with us engaging with our factories, experiencing innovative technology and learning about state-of-the-art products. We feel confident you were able to walk away with some new ideas to elevate your brand. A special thanks to our factory partners who tirelessly traveled with us. We could never accomplish a huge endeavor like the Gypsy Jamboree without your support. Cheers to a great Gypsy run!

December 18, 2023

Wednesday, 12/6/23
Boating Industry has officially announced our new partnership with Elettromedia Group and representation of their Hertz Marine and Audison brands throughout our sales territory! Click HERE for the full press release.

Monday, 8/28/23
We are busy putting the final touches on the Gypsy Jamboree and are excited for our 2023/2024 tour! The truck is loaded with new factories and new products. (And some familiar ones, too!) We can't wait for you to see what we have in store for you! We'll see you soon...

Monday, 5/15/23
Look what showed up at our doorstep this morning! Coming this fall to a city near you - the 2023/2024 Gypsy Jamboree. Let the creativity and hard work begin...

Thursday, 3/23/23
We are proud to see our own Wylie Jones selected by Boating Industry as one of their 2023 40 Under 40 notables! Wylie has been an amazing contributor to our agency as well as the marine industry, and is certainly an important part of our company’s future generation. Read the full article HERE.

Tuesday, 2/27/23
We are pleased to share some great pictures of Joe Miller’s recent induction into the NMMA Hall of Fame!

Thursday, 2/16/23

Congratulations to our own Joe Miller, who was officially inducted into the NMMA Hall of Fame this morning during the industry breakfast at the Miami International Boat Show! This award recognizes industry leaders who have made a significant contribution to the marine industry throughout their long-standing career. We are all proud and honored to be able to say that we have been mentored by Joe Miller!

For the full article from the NMMA, click HERE.

Monday, 7/25/22
We are excited to announce our newest partnership with Lectrotab, designer and manufacturer of electromechanical trim tab systems, with responsibility for product representation in our entire sales territory. Lectrotab's reputation for top-quality products, state-of-the-art design and engineering and phenomenal customer support aligns perfectly with our agency. Our Sales Team is ready to go!

Monday, 2/28/22
The HUCK Performance Bucket continues to get great press! Huck was recently featured in Saltwater Sportsman magazine in the “Great New Gear for 2022” article. If you haven’t seen it yet, the Huck Bucket is a 5-gallon bucket on steroids! Visit www.thehuckbucket.com for proof…

Wednesday, 2/23/22
Congratulations to our partners at Marine Fasteners Inc for the opening of a new 40,000 sq ft distribution center in East Tennessee! This new center will serve East TN and the surrounding areas, allowing Marine Fasteners to continue their order fill rates of 98% and customer retention rate of 95%!

Monday, 10/18/21
Week 1 of our 2021 Gypsy Jamboree was a huge success! Thank you to our factory members who helped kick things off. An even bigger thank you goes to our customers who spent time on the Gypsy while at your facility. We hope we got you thinking about new items, new projects and a new way of doing business!

Week 2 starts NOW...

Tuesday, 10/5/21
Congratulations go out to Joe Miller for being recognized in Boating Industry’s October Issue as one of 2021 Bold Moves Movers & Shakers. Joe is a true leader not only at our agency, but in our industry as well. We are thrilled for Joe’s recognition and honored to have him as an integral part of our team!

Boating Industry's Mover & Shakers Article

Monday, 9/6/21
Discover Boating is launching a new video series, ‘Boating Basics: Pro Tips,’ to engage and educate boaters. “Boaters, especially the newcomers, are seeking boating tips that can provide the nautical know-how they need to enjoy a stress-free day on the water,” said Ellen Bradley, NMMA senior vice president & chief brand officer. “Discover Boating’s new video content series is a helpful solution that delivers expert tips – from boating basics to safety-related reminders – in an easy-to-digest format that meets the needs of today’s consumer.” The first video is: Preparing for a Day on the Water

Monday, 8/9/21
Congrats go out to PRO Charging Systems for their feature on Manufacturing Marvels on Fox Business News this week! Be sure to check it out...

Monday, 4/12/21
Our agency is pleased to announce our newest partnership with QMI-Multiflex, a North American OEM supplier with offerings in multiple marine product categories. We are honored to join forces with QMI-Multiflex, as their mechanical and hydraulic steering products provide a new opportunity for our agency and our customers, as well as QMI's many other product offerings. We will be responsible for representing their products throughout our entire sales territory. For the full press release, click HERE.

Monday, 3/29/21

Congratulations to our own Paul Rieger for making Boating Industry's 40 Under 40 list! We are honored to have you as an integral part of our team, Paul!

Monday, 2/22/21
Lithium batteries are the fastest growing and most promising battery chemistry in the marine market today. In keeping up with the latest technology, we are excited to announce our new partnership with Dakota Lithium batteries!

• GO FURTHER with twice the power of traditional batteries

• LAST LONGER with 4X the lifespan

• PLAY HARDER with 1/2 the weight, no watering or maintenance and 5X the charging speed

• All backed by a best in class 11-year warranty

Monday, 2/1/21
We are pleased to introduce you to Marlin Technologies, a custom solution for electronic controls. OEMs rely on Marlin for products that can be engineered and customized for any unique application. This allows them to design equipment and machinery with a high degree of innovation and creativity. They also offer off the shelf products as an answer to your needs. Marlin operates under the motto, “We can do that.” Let us show you what Marlin Technologies can do for you!

Tuesday, 1/19/21
We are pleased to announce that we now represent Thetford Marine in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North & South Carolina...in addition to the rest of our territory! Thetford Marine offers a complete marine sanitation product assortment. Visit www.thetfordmarine.com for more info.

Tuesday, 1/12/21
Great news! The NMMA reports retail sales of new powerboats in the US increased in 2020 by 12% over 2019. More than 310,000 new powerboats were sold in 2020, levels the boating industry has not seen since before the Great Recession in 2008. Consumer interest and demand is expected to remain strong throughout 2021, with millions of Americans realizing the health benefits of being outdoors and on the water!

Monday, 9/21/20
Did you hear the news? HUCK Performance Buckets has been asked by The America’s Cup to build custom buckets for the 2021 team! The boat is named American Magic and will be held in Auckland, New Zealand March 6-21, 2021. If a HUCK is bucket is durable enough to withstand The America’s Cup, it is strong enough for just about anything! Congrats to Joe Schneider on this amazing opportunity!

Tuesday, 7/7/20
As families are navigating their way through these challenging times, more and more are choosing BOATING as their new "go to" activity! Wise choice...and thank you! 

To read the NY Times article discussing the latest industry trend click HERE.

Friday, 5/1/20
As many of you may already know, May 1st is Dan Field's first official day of retirement! Dan is a long-time veteran of William F. Miller & Associates, and has cultivated many meaningful relationships over the years. He has been an integral part of our agency during his tenure, and his positive attitude and willingness to be a team player will certainly be missed by everyone! We would like to thank Dan for his years of service with WFM and his many contributions that have changed the way we do business today. Please join us in wishing him the best of luck in the next stage of his life!

Tuesday, 4/14/20
We are proud to be partnered with many incredible factories that have switched manufacturing gears to help fight this pandemic. Zone Enterprises is now making plastic face shields and protective gear for first responders. They are ramping up production because of the high demand and hiring more workers to fill these new job openings. Thank you for your efforts, Zone Enterprises! Watch the St. Louis News Channel 2 clip featuring Zone’s efforts HERE.

Monday, 4/6/20
Mr. Bill Miller, founder of William F. Miller & Associates, would have been 100 years old today! He was an incredibly intelligent and amazingly kind gentleman. He and his wife, Jeanne, would be so proud to see the successes we've shared, the relationships we've cultivated and the direction the agency has taken...all of which are a result of their hard work and dedication to the business over 60 years ago! Happy Birthday, Mr. Miller!

Wednesday, 3/4/20
Congratulations to our partners at Marine Fasteners for winning the IBBI Supplier of the Year runner up award at their annual meeting this week in Orlando, FL!

Wednesday, 1/15/20
Look what just rolled into our parking lot! Exciting things are coming for the 2020/2021 Gypsy Jamboree!

Wednesday, 12/18/19
We are grateful for our friendships and business partners around the globe. Thank you for your continued support throughout this past year. We look forward to an incredible 2020! Merry Christmas…

Tuesday, 10/1/19
Congrats to Joe Miller on winning the 2019 Mel Barr award at the IBEX industry breakfast on Tuesday, 10/1! This prestigious award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the marine industry. We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving. Congrats, Joe!

Friday, 6/21/19
Congratulations go out to BoatLIFE in celebration of their 60th anniversary of offering quality boat cleaning products to the marine industry! We appreciate the support of Grace and her incredible team, and wish them luck as they enter the next 60 years!

Friday, 5/17/19
We are excited to announce our newest partnership with Engineered Marine Products and long-time friend, Jim Self! For over 40 years, EMP has been serving both the OEM and marine aftermarket by providing superior QUALITY, RELIABLE and COMPETITIVE marine products at AFFORDABLE prices. What more could you you ask for? Check them out in the link HERE!

Thursday, 3/21/19
Congratulations go out to our own James Dade and Hayes Ragan for being chosen as a part of Boating Industry's 40 Under 40! Boating Industry’s annual profile of outstanding young leaders in the marine industry highlights a unique group of individuals that stands out from their industry peers. We couldn't agree with them more!

Tuesday, 8/28/18
We are excited to announce that Hill Lenderman has purchased William F. Miller & Associates from Mr. Joe Miller! Hill joined the agency in 1997 and has served on the agency’s Board of Directors since 2010 and as President since 2015.

Hill Lenderman, President and Owner of William F. Miller & Associates, remarks “I am honored to have acquired ownership of William F. Miller & Associates, and to be able to carry on the long standing traditions and reputation the agency has earned. I look forward to driving the business into the next generation with the resources and incredible talent we have on our team.”

Joe Miller, former owner of William F. Miller & Associates, adds “Hill Lenderman and his team have led William F. Miller & Associates to new heights with a well-crafted plan and an expanded team for the past several years. He now has the equity he deserves. I am proud of Hill.” Joe will maintain an active sales role in the agency, traveling all territories throughout the year.

Monday, 8/27/18
Congratulations goes out to Joe Miller, who was recently awarded the Bill Huntley American Outdoor Leadership of the Year Award.  The Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony was held this past Saturday in Nashville aboard the General Jackson Showboat.  We couldn't imagine a more suitable candidate for this award than Joe!

Friday, 5/25/18

ORA Design Groups Celebrates 10 Years
Congratulations to ORA Design Group on celebrating their 10th anniversary!  Located in Wichita, KS, ORA Design Group was established in 2008 with just 6 team members - 5 of whom still work for the company.  While starting a new business during the recession is never an easy task, ORA Design Group today enjoys 25-30% growth annually.  ORA not only provides graphics to the marine industry, but has also ventured into the RV and trailer markets.  ORA is continuously looking at new technologies that will help expand their product assortment, as well their customer base.  Jason Laub, President and Owner of ORA Design Group, stated, "We are excited about the future and the relationships we have developed with our customers as well as everyone at William F. Miller & Associates.  I would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support of ORA Design Group.  It has been a great 10 years and I look forward to building even stronger relationships with everyone over the next 10 years!"  We share in your excitement, Jason!

Monday, 9/25/17
We can't think of a better way to celebrate our 60th anniversary than to share it with our many friends at our annual IBEX party!  Thanks to everyone who came to our party last week - it was the best one yet!  (Absent from the photo are Corinne Wilson and Shannon Hill, who were holding down the fort in Nashville, while assisting our customers!)

Tuesday, 9/12/17
IBEX is ON, and we are excited for another incredible show! Be sure to visit us in booth #218 while you are at the Tampa Convention Center next week.  Did we mention we have a new IBEX isplay?  Come check it out- we'd love your thoughts!

Friday, 5/26/17
Congrats go out to both Rogers Caldwell and Hayes Ragan for winning awards at the recent T-H Marine sales meeting. Rogers won the inaugural "Rogers Caldwell T-H Marine Representative of the Year" award.  This award will be given annually to the T-H Marine representative who exemplifies qualities they value in a sales rep.  (We couldn't agree with them more!)

Hayes was recognized by T-H Marine with the "Outstanding Sales Achievement" award for an increase in sales through strong relationships with his customer base and superior communication with factory personnel.  Hayes is one of the most dedicated reps in the field, and is very deserving of this recognition!

Monday, 1/15/17
PRESS RELEASE  NASHVILLE, TN (JANUARY 15, 2017) –  William F. Miller & Associates, the country’s leading marine Manufacturers’ Representative agency, celebrates their 60th anniversary this year of business in the marine industry.  

As he reflected on the changes the industry has seen in the past 60 years, Joe Miller, Owner of William F. Miller & Associates remarked, “Changes in travel, medium and product span the full horizon. The company saw a transition from wood to fiberglass and aluminum and the changes in power beyond comparison. The only constant is the word "boat."  Simply look at the American way of life and how it has changed over the past 60 years, and you get a quick glimpse of our industry and its changes.”  When asked about the future of the agency, he said, “William F. Miller has always stayed abreast and ahead of the market.  We continue to engage the very best professionals and lead the market in new hires of youth and talent.  Along with that, we have put key people in management roles laying the foundation for the next 60 years.” 

“I am honored to be able to lead William F. Miller & Associates into the next generation,” Hill Lenderman, President, stated.  “We have strategically positioned ourselves to continue to grow our business with the right team members, factory partners, geographic territory and exceptional customers.  As the marine industry continues to evolve, we are eagerly adapting to these changes and are successfully proactive in how we run our business.  I look forward to helping our team carry on the William F. Miller legacy into the next several decades.”