The Wave Runner: A Custom Aquatic-Themed Award for the National Marine Manufacturers Association
2024 National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame Awards, designed by Bennett Awards
In 2024, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), a leading trade association representing boat, marine engine, and accessory manufacturers, reached out to Bennett Awards with a unique request: they needed an aquatic-themed award to recognize those who have made exceptional contributions to the marine industry. The award would be presented at their annual Hall of Fame ceremony, which honors industry leaders, long-time employees, and business partners. The team at Bennett Awards knew we were more than capable of delivering a product that would encapsulate the association's maritime focus and esteemed legacy.
The Project Brief: Collaboration and Customization
When NMMA approached Bennett Awards, they had a clear vision: the award needed to reflect the aquatic theme that was central to their organization. Our project managers immediately thought of a legacy piece we had produced in the past—the “Wave Runner” sculpture, a minimalist, abstract design by bronze artist Bob Bennett. The piece, originally a freestanding sculpture, had been created in the shape of a stylized sailboat in motion, embodying the dynamic forces of the sea. It is such a classically beautiful design, it has become a favorite of the staff at Bennett Awards.
The client felt similarly— they unquestionably loved the design of the sculpture but requested a way to display it with a base that allowed for engraving, a standard practice for most of our awards. However, because the "Wave Runner" is a substantial 24-inch-tall sculpture, the team decided to make the marble base as short as possible to maintain the artistic integrity of the piece. After discussing this limitation, we devised a solution: we engraved the names of recipients on the top surface of the base, allowing the engraving to be visible from above while maintaining the sleek design of the sculpture.
Since the piece was initially designed as freestanding, the challenge became how to securely affix it to the custom-added base. A local craftsman collaborated with our team to create a precise metal template that allowed us to drill holes in the sculpture and secure it with bolts. This approach not only ensured the sculpture was stable but also helped preserve the aesthetic flow of the piece.
The final touch came in the form of the blue crackle patina, applied by local bronze artisans. This stunning finish evokes the dynamic, ever-changing movement of water and reinforces the nautical theme central to NMMA’s mission. The patina was a nod to the organization’s work in advancing the marine industry, drawing inspiration from the waves that symbolize progress, innovation, and movement forward.
Design Process: From Concept to Reality
Throughout the development process, communication and collaboration with NMMA were key. The NMMA team was highly involved in every stage of the project, from selecting the patina to providing feedback on the marble base’s design. Perry Tow, who managed the project from Bennett’s side, worked closely with the client to ensure their vision was fully realized.
Once the project was completed, NMMA’s CEO provided high praise for the award, particularly noting how the vibrant blue patina brought the design to life. They ordered three awards initially, and upon receiving the completed pieces they were so impressed that they placed a subsequent order for more awards, and unsurprisingly reached out to us again this year with more orders for the 2025 Hall of Fame induction.
The Final Product: A Timeless Work of Art
The result was the “Wave Runner” award: a striking, 24-inch-tall bronze sculpture that embodies the spirit of the sea. Its stylized sailboat design captures the fluid motion of water, while the high-polished bronze and rich blue patina evoke the majesty and mystery of the ocean. Mounted on a sleek marble base, the piece is a beautiful, timeless work of art that perfectly reflects the prestige of NMMA’s Hall of Fame.
The award was designed to be more than just a trophy—it is a statement piece that will likely find a place of honor in the homes and offices of the recipients. As Project Manager Perry Tow put it, “When we get the blue patina on there, it’s a home run. It’s such a beautiful piece, it’s something that anyone would love to have in their home.” The combination of bronze, marble, and patina makes each piece unique, ensuring that each recipient’s award is a one-of-a-kind representation of their contributions to the marine industry.
Measuring Success: A Lasting Impact
Since its debut in 2024, the “Wave Runner” award has been a major success for NMMA. It has become a symbol of achievement within the marine industry. NMMA has already placed a second order for the 2025 awards, reflecting both the client’s satisfaction and the growing importance of the award in recognizing excellence within the industry.
Feedback from recipients and attendees of the NMMA Hall of Fame ceremonies has been overwhelmingly positive. The awards are being displayed proudly by recipients and are viewed as a lasting reminder of their contributions to the marine industry. As NMMA continues to grow and induct new leaders into its Hall of Fame, we expect the “Wave Runner” to remain a central piece of the association's awards program for years to come.
Bennett Awards is proud to have been part of this project, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with NMMA as they celebrate the achievements of industry pioneers for many years ahead.
