Sea Tow founder honored by nationwide marine trade group
Sea Tow Services International founder and CEO Joseph Frohnhoefer, Jr. was recognized earlier this month by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which presented him with the Charles F. Chapman Award Feb. 13.
“NMMA is honored to recognize Joe for his extensive achievements in improving the boating experience for our nation’s 88 million boaters,” said NMMA president Thom Dammrich. “Joe’s passion for life on the water combined with his commitment to boater safety have helped shape how our industry serves boaters while they’re out on the water, creating a better boating experience from coast to coast.”
The NMMA, according to its website, “is the nation’s leading trade association representing boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers. Collectively, NMMA members manufacture an estimated 80 percent of marine products used in North America.”
According to a Sea Tow International Services spokesperson, the Charles F. Chapman Award is presented to an individual or group that has “provided consistent promotion and protection of the sport of boating and its benefits to both the recreational boating industry and the public.”
Mr. Frohnhoefer boats a 40-year career in the boating industry, founding Southold-based Sea Tow in 1983. The company provides on-water assistance to boaters in the United States, Europe, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
A lifelong resident of the North Fork, Mr. Frohnhoefer established the Sea Tow Foundation in 2007, an organization devoted to reducing accidents and fatalities on the water through tools and education.
To date, a spokesperson said, the Sea Tow Foundation has distributed more than 20,000 life jackets to boating public via its Life Jacket Loaner program.
“It was an honor and a humbling experience to receive this major marine industry award,” said Capt. Frohnhoefer, who received the Compass Rose Award in early 2013 at the Conference of Professional Operators for Response Towing.
