All American Marine (AAM) has named Ron Wille as president of the Bellingham, Wash., boatbuilder. He brings to the position several decades of leadership and maritime experience.
Wille joined AAM in 2018 as the business development manager. Previously, he spent a decade working at Kenai Fjords Tours in Seward, Alaska. During that period, Kenai Fjords purchased and operated three AAM hydrofoil-assisted catamarans. His past maritime experience managing and directing large company operations has left him particularly suited for the role.
In addition, his maritime career also includes experience on tugboats that specialized in commercial ship assists and commercial towing in Alaska. In addition to being a licensed merchant mariner, Wille holds a bachelor of science in business administration from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.
Wille’s role as business development manager at AAM got off to a strong start, landing the contract to build the Captain Murchison for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department within the first three months. Wille has several other contracts and expanded the presence of All American Marine in the national and international maritime markets. This includes completing the first hydrogen-powered passenger vessel in the U.S. and expansion of its customer base into U.S. territories.
As president of All American, Wille will continue to explore new business opportunities, oversee existing staff, and increase his role in vessel contracting. Wille will also oversee new hires.
“During my initial interview with Matt Mullett (AAM’s owner), he indicated he is always considering the future and how the business can be taken to the next level," Wille said. "In this situation the future will mean a decreased day-to-day role for him at AAM as he pursues additional time with his family and his many other interests. Matt has had a tremendously successful business career and has built not only a thriving business but an exceptional team here at AAM.”
Matt Mullett, the owner of All American Marine, will continue to serve as CEO and special advisor to the management team.
All American conducted the interview below with Wille:
AAM: What have been some of your favorite moments so far since you’ve joined the All American Marine team?
Wille: Capitalizing on my past operations experience has been especially helpful. I have truly enjoyed being able to assist both our production team as well as offering potential solutions to new customers throughout the boat building process. Bringing my past experience to the process has been helpful for both our business, its employees and customers.
AAM: What do you look forward to most with your new role as president?
Wille: There are so many things to look forward to at All American. First, the boats that AAM has and continues to construct are exceptional. We work on every detail of the mission of each vessel prior to production, to ensure the most operator-friendly, fuel-efficient, and best performing vessel in its class. Being part of a phenomenal team that is a market leader, has been and will continue to be, both challenging and rewarding. This leadership position will allow me to participate in the maritime industry as the representative of an extraordinary group of individuals here at AAM. Lastly, I am looking forward to continuing the steady growth of the company.
AAM: Any trends you’re keeping an eye on in the marketplace that you’d like to tackle in this new role?
Wille: All American Marine has made a commitment to shaping the future of hybrid technology and continues to chart a new course. Where many see a tough transition, I see a new opportunity. Working with clients to assess the long-term social, environmental, and financial impact of their vessel and help them make the decision on how to utilize new technologies to meet or exceed their objectives is critical. We have launched two successful hybrids and are on the cusp of a third even more exciting launch, the first hydrogen-powered passenger vessel is the U.S. This technology will enable the maritime industry to move forward with vessels that are truly zero-emissions!
Log in in on Feb. 17 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST for a panel on Advancements in Propulsion Technology with Wille, HamiltonJet CEO Ben Reed, and Brian Pinkstaff and Ryan Sookhoo from Cummins as part of the Passenger Vessel Association Virtual Maritrends conference.
