The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has announced the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Technician Awards during the International Marine Service Technician Week, running from April 20-24. Sponsored by CWR Wholesale Distribution, the awards were given to 10 technicians selected from nearly 100 nominees.
This year’s winners are Kevin Anderson from Crate’s Lake Country Boats, Julia Briggs from Irish Boat Shop-Harbor Springs, Dan Derfler from MarineMax Nisswa, Corey Mugaas from Hurst Marina Ltd., Andrew Sigler from Boston Whaler, Adam Smith from Marine Technical Services, Scott Stephen from Walstrom Marine, Chris Teal from Irish Boat Shop-Charlevoix, Tim Vandenheuvel from Emerald Marine, and Ryan White from Boyne Boat Yard.
The New Achiever category recognizes newcomers to the industry who demonstrate outstanding potential and skills. This year’s New Achievers are Nikita Davadilla from Solvere Technical Group, Sam Hansz from Boyne Boat Yard, and Alex Plante from Flux Marine. The event, now in its fifth year, aims to highlight marine service professionals excelling in customer service, technical training, and industry involvement.
Kevin Anderson – Crate’s Lake Country Boats
Training/Certifications: Master Technician for Volvo Penta Marine; Certifications in Mercury; ABYC Marine Systems Certified Advisor
Kevin has been in the marine industry for over 30 years and continues to be at the forefront of the industries practices and advanced repairs. Specializing in Volvo Marine applications, along with Mercury Marine, Volvo and currently certified in ABYC. Moreso, Kevin also carries many trade skills that allow him to undertake repairs in carpentry, welding, custom fabrication, plumbing and more. He is routinely about to successfully will diagnose and repair issues in an efficient and timely manner, even when others cannot successfully root out the problem. He continues to guide and mentor co-workers for their successes. He has a great ability to quickly diagnose issues and spends a vast amount of personal time educating himself within the marine industry.
Julia Briggs – Irish Boat Shop-Harbor Springs
Training/Certifications: Apprenticeship under Brian Toss; ABYC Master Technician: Marine Systems, Marine Electrical, Advanced Marine Electrical; Certified Underwater Diver and Welding
Julia Briggs is a versatile and driven technician with 10 years of experience, beginning her career as an apprentice under Brian Toss. At Irish Boat Shop, she is a trusted team member known for her resourcefulness and willingness to take on any task, no matter how unfamiliar or challenging. She excels in rigging while expanding her skills across multiple disciplines. After earning her ABYC Marine Electrical certification, she completed the Advanced Electrical course and earned ABYC Master Technician status. She plays a key role stepping and unstepping approximately 150 masts each season, working with precision and a strong commitment to safety—often aloft in a bosun chair. Julia’s can-do attitude sets her apart; she readily tackles unfamiliar systems, removes and reinstalls complex components, and adapts quickly in the field. She also supports outreach as an instructor for Women at the Helm, sharing her knowledge of boating and splicing with patience and enthusiasm.
Dan Derfler – MarineMax Nisswa
Training/Certifications: Certifications with OMC, Volvo, MerCruiser, PCM, Indmar, and Ilmor
Dan Derfler’s 51-year career at Nisswa Marine/MarineMax is a testament to what genuine dedication to a craft looks like. What began as a summer job repairing outboard motors at age 16 has grown into one of the most remarkable tenures in the marine industry — a career defined not by circumstance, but by an unwavering commitment to excellence, community, and the customers he serves.
Dan has witnessed the marine industry evolve through multiple generations of technology and has consistently adapted, developing the ability to work on virtually any inboard engine. His breadth of knowledge comes from decades of showing up, problem-solving, and taking pride in the work. Beyond his technical contributions, Dan’s career has also deeply woven him into the fabric of his community. A lifelong resident of the Brainerd Lakes Area, he works today on the same land where his father once worked.
From General Manager Brent Wiczek, “His work ethic and his loyalty to the marine business and the customer base is outstanding. Dan truly loves what he does.” His love for the craft shows in everything from the 16 motor installations he once completed in a single summer, to his choice today — even when retirement beckons — to keep coming in four days a week because he finds meaning and purpose in the work.
Corey Mugaas – Hurst Marina Ltd.
Training/Certifications: Certifications in Mercury, Volvo, Malibu, Yamaha, Indmar, NMEA and ABYC Marine Systems
Corey Mugaas exemplifies excellence in the marine service profession. As a 2024 Boating Ontario Award of Excellence recipient and winner of the prestigious Gord Blake Visionary Award, he has been recognized for his innovation and visionary leadership within the marine industry.
Corey not only delivers exceptional technical expertise, but also teaches and mentors all of our apprentices, investing in the next generation of marine technicians. He leads by example, instilling professionalism, safety, and pride in the trade.
Committed to continuous improvement, Corey actively pursues advanced training and ongoing education to stay ahead of evolving technologies and standards. His dedication to lifelong learning strengthens our entire team and ensures the highest level of service for our customers.
Andrew Sigler – Boston Whaler
Training/Certifications: ABYC Certified Technician: Marine Electrical, Marine Systems
Thirteen years ago, Andrew began his journey with Boston Whaler as part of a temporary career deviation from aviation but quickly became attached to it. Through his personal desire to hold himself accountable, he obtained multiple ABYC certifications in his role as a production assembler and became interested in marine electrical standards. Through his successes and professional recognition as an electrical expert for the brand, Andrew went on to become a critical member of the Boston Whaler warranty team. His troubleshooting capabilities coupled with his knowledge and understanding of ABYC standards propelled him to provide world-class customer service. Andrew has traveled the world to support the brand and consistently ensured product integrity through leveraging ABYC standards. More recently, Andrew has accepted a new role within Brunswick, becoming the new Compliance Specialist for a segment within the Boat Group division.
Adam Smith – Marine Technical Services
Training/Certifications: Certified in NMEA; ABYC Marine Electrical Certified Technician
Adam Smith has built his technical expertise through a combination of formal training, professional certifications, and extensive hands-on experience working on a wide variety of recreational vessels. Through his meticulous workmanship and commitment to ABYC standards, Adam consistently delivers results that exceed expectations.
Customers routinely request Adam by name because of his ability to analyze complex problems, communicate clearly, and execute repairs and installations with exceptional precision. He carefully diagnoses issues, presents multiple solutions when appropriate, and ensures that vessel owners understand both the technical considerations and the safety implications of the work being performed. Perhaps most importantly, Adam’s work has directly prevented dangerous conditions aboard customer vessels. In one notable case aboard a Cabo Rico 45, his diligence likely prevented a serious electrical failure and potentially saved the vessel from catastrophic damage. In addition to his technical skills, Adam serves as a mentor to other technicians and is currently working with an apprentice.
Scott Stephen – Walstrom Marine
Training/Certifications: Lead fiberglass tech for 20 year; Volvo Masters in Diesel, Gas, and Industrial; Certified Mercury and Mercury Outboard; Master Pursuit
Scott Stephen has worked in the boating industry for over 20 years; he came in as a service writer and jumped straight into fiberglass repairs. He taught himself everything he knew and, while alternating between fiberglass and mechanical work, took many classes and gained his Volvo and Mercury certifications. He’s left the glass shop for his daughter to take over and is focusing on more schooling to strengthen his skills even further. He is a versatile and outstanding technician who can do multiple other trades beyond mechanical. He acts as a “walking text book,” and teaches everyone around him and shares his knowledge constantly to help others.
Chris Teal – Irish Boat Shop-Charlevoix
Training/Certifications: ABYC Master Technician: Marine Electrical, Marine Systems, and Diesel Engines
Chris Teal brings nearly 50 years of experience in the marine industry and a lifelong passion for boating that extends well beyond his professional work. An avid ice boater, Chris has also restored many of his own boats over the years, demonstrating both his dedication to the craft and his deep mechanical knowledge. He has worked on boats of all sizes and is a certified ABYC Master Technician. During his seven years with Irish Boat Shop, he has been an invaluable resource for fiberglass, mechanical, electrical, and welding repairs, among many other areas. His breadth of knowledge and hands-on expertise make him a trusted problem-solver within our team. Equally important, Chris enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. He takes pride in educating fellow technicians and building strong relationships with customers
Tim Vandenheuvel – Emerald Marine
Training/Certifications: Graduate of Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology program; ABYC Master Technician: Marine Electrical, Marine Systems & Diesel Engines
Tim Vandenheuval is a highly skilled and versatile marine professional with expertise in the design, installation, repair, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical vessel systems. Tim currently serves as a full-time Lead Technician at Emerald Marine in Anacortes, where he is widely recognized for his technical excellence, professionalism, and commitment to quality workmanship. Beyond his professional role, Tim is dedicated to developing the next generation of marine technicians. He actively supports student training in Skagit Valley College’s Marine Technology Program and serves on the Technical Advisory Committees for both the SVC Marine Technology Program and the NCTA Maritime Program.
Ryan White – Boyne Boat Yard
Training/Certifications: Universal Technical Institute; ABYC Certified Technician: Marine Systems, Diesel Engines; Ilmor Platinum Dealer certification;
Ryan White is one of the most experienced and respected technicians at Boyne Boat Yard, serving as both a technical leader and mentor to the team. He consistently sets the standard for excellence in workmanship, professionalism, and problem-solving. In the yard, Ryan is the go-to for complex diagnostics and challenging repairs. When others are stuck, he brings a methodical approach and deep mechanical knowledge to find and resolve issues efficiently.
He also plays a key role in developing the team’s younger technicians, offering hands-on guidance, practical coaching, and insight that helps strengthen both individual performance and our team as a whole. Ryan leads by example, approaching every job with precision, patience, and a commitment to doing it right the first time, and to manufacturer/ABYC requirements. He always has his full attention to the task at hand, provides full explanations and possible outcomes or repairs that everybody can understand.
New Achiever: Nikita Davadilla – Solvere Technical Group
Training/Certifications: ABYC Marine Electrical Technician
Nikita Davadilla joined Solvere Technical Group just over two years ago with virtually no marine trade experience of any kind. In this time, she has learned the ins and outs of being a marine electrician, and became an ABYC Electrical Certified Technician.
Solvere Technical Group’s primary business is repair and service military boats for the US Navy, Military Sealift Command SOLAS approved rescue boats, and US Coast Guard boats and patrol craft. Due to its high importance, their work is scrutinized to high standards. Nikita always meets and frequently exceeds these expectations, with customers praising both her work and her attitude.
Since achieving her ABYC certification, Nikita has been promoted to be a lead technician and taken a helper under her wing, while teaching herself the mechanical systems on the multiple military boats Solvere services. She is a motivated, hardworking employee who is always ready to take on any project handed to her.
New Achiever: Sam Hansz – Boyne Boat Yard
Training/Certifications: Graduate of both the Boat Building School and the Marine Technology program at the Marine Trades Institute; ABYC Master Technician: Marine Systems, Marine Electrical, Diesel Engines, and Gasoline Engines; Custom inboard engine installation and AWLGRIP finishing systems training
Sam Hansz joined the Boyne Boat Yard team in 2025 after graduating from the Marine Trades Institute in Cedarville, where is already a strong part of the crew. From the start, Sam displayed a solid work ethic—he shows up early, ready to work, and is willing to take on whatever comes his way. He handles jobs of all sizes with focus and attention to detail, and has picked things up quickly for someone at his experience level.
Sam is motivated to learn and improve. He asks good, well-reasoned questions, takes feedback seriously, and applies it right away. He’s not afraid to ask for help when needed, which helps him grow quickly and build confidence. Sam communicates well with both customers and the team, and represents our shop in a professional and respectful way.
New Achiever: Alex Plante – Flux Marine
Training/Certifications: Chariho High School Marine Technology Program 2024 graduate; IYRS Marine Systems Program 2025 graduate; ABYC Master Advisor: Marine Systems, Marine Electrical, Marine Engines and Fuel Systems; NMEA Marine Electronics, and National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Basic Marine Electronics Installer certifications; OSHA 10 certification; Flux Marine High Voltage Safety Training
As a Systems Integration Technician, Alex Plante plays a key role in installing and integrating Flux Marine’s 100% electric systems across both standard and custom hull packages. He demonstrates a deep understanding of vessel systems, electrical architecture, and mechanical integration, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues in real time during builds. His hands on experience and knowledge make him highly effective in a fast-paced production environment.
Alex consistently demonstrates an exceptional work ethic and focus. He is reliable, detail oriented, and maintains a calm, solution driven approach even under tight timelines and high workload. He is highly coachable, takes direction well, and is proactive in taking on additional responsibility when needed.