“There is a lot of competition,” he says. “But we have always tried to stay innovative and introduce new things to the market.”
Bob Menne - Premier Marine Founder
Bob Set Out To Be Different
For Everyone To Experience Boating Like Never Before
Through Bob's leadership, Premier developed and patented several marine products and models that have revolutionized the way we experience boating today. Check out these links that give you a little indication to Bob's pontoon legacy.
Bob is an inventor extraordinaire. Under his direction, Bob and his team at Premier created numerous patents that were innovative and groundbreaking. Bob's patents are a testament to the power of creative minds working together. Explore all of Bob's patents and those created at Premier while he was there to oversee the amazing work they accomplished!
Bob Menne, the innovator, creator, & leader
Rail plug
Patent number: 6032695
Bimini plug
Patent number: 6032694
Pop-up lounge arm room for watercraft
Patent number: 8991914, POP-UP LOUNGE ARM ROOM FOR WATERCRAFT
Publication number: 20140261146
Boat cover fastening system
Patent number: 5970904
Pontoon boat with rail elevated above decking by rail shims and process
Patent number: 5706754
Boat cover fastening system
Patent number: 5706753
Bimini sun top frame for a pontoon boat
Patent number: 5706752
Privacy enclosure system
Patent number: 6722732
Retractable marine boarding ladder
Patent number: 10427761
Under seat caddy for marine craft
Patent number: 10239589
Pontoon boat Enclosure Patent number: 9981721
Illuminated seat stanchion
Patent number: 9573500
Watercraft bow
Patent number: D759567
Elevated pontoon platform with curved steps
Patent number: D698306
Devices and methods for adjusting watercraft transom height
Patent number: 8944867
Upper rail for a watercraft
Patent number: D764380, Upper rail for a watercraft
Patent number: D765008, Lower rail cap for a watercraft
Patent number: D765009, Railing assembly
Patent number: D766807, Lower rail for a watercraft
Patent number: D768050, Middle rail for a watercraft
Patent number: D795782
Boat deck with cuddy cabin
Patent number: D784902, Pontoon boat with cuddy cabin
Patent number: D780087, Cuddy cabin
Patent number: D772776, Cuddy cabin
Patent number: D772136
Galley with curved stair and built-ins
Patent number: D781771
Stemware caddy
Patent number: D776993
Bean bag footrest/table
Patent number: D818730
Combined helm and seating arrangement for marine vehicle
Patent number: D830944, Combined helm and seating for marine vehicle
Patent number: D824836
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Bob Didn't Do It Alone
Bob would proudly declare that he did not accomplish it all by himself, for he knows the power of collaboration and teamwork. He understands the value of working together towards a common goal, acknowledging that success is sweeter when shared with others who have contributed to the journey, even better yet, if they are family.
Bob didn’t just cherished working with his family, he loved working with his family. Together, they transformed Premier into a world-class operation.
With his wife, Betty, by his side they worked tirelessly to grow the business. His children, Bob III, Tim, Tom, and Lori all had various roles within the organization and shared Bob’s passion and dedication to their family business. His immediate family, along with nephews, grandchildren, his siblings, his in-laws, and long time family friends Premier became a household name and an industry leader.
Bob consistently expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the pivotal role everyone played in growing the business. He created a lasting legacy of collaboration and success. True to Bob's humble nature, he would always shine the spotlight on others, attributing the credit to everyone else present in the room. Numerous patents established during Bob's tenure at Premier originated from ideas suggested by his family or products they innovated.
Bob's unwavering dedication to his family and their shared commitment to excellence propelled Premier into a renowned industry leader, with each member playing their role in building a lasting legacy of teamwork and success.
Premier Marine - Picture Gallery - Some of Bob's Favorites
Bob has a heart of gold. He treats everyone now and when he ran Premier - friends, vendors, employees, dealers, and anyone else he encountered - with respect and kindness, as if they were his own family. His passion for his boats was unparalleled; he often referred to them as his "children" and strived to give them the best start in life.
Employees became family at Premier. Introducing the newborns was commonplace, Bob always wanted to meet the newest members of the Premier Family! Well respected by many, Bob was chosen to speak at employee's weddings & funerals, he really was an extension of their families.