Background
Five decades
on the water.
One boatbuilder. One town. One decision in 1968 that turned into a lifetime of manufacturing, conservation, and community work — recognized by an industry, a state, and two universities.
Eddie Smith Jr. graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1965. Three years later, he acquired Grady-White Boats — then a small North Carolina builder with a reputation for solid fiberglass construction but limited reach. He was 26 years old. What followed was five decades of patient, building-oriented ownership: investing in hull design, dealer relationships, and the people of Greenville.
Grady-White grew into a brand known far beyond North Carolina. The SeaV² hull became a signature. J.D. Power ranked the company among the top boatbuilders for owner satisfaction year after year. In 2002, the National Marine Manufacturers Association inducted Eddie into its Hall of Fame.
But Eddie never moved the factory, never took the company public, and never lost sight of Greenville. Pitt County remains home — and Grady-White remains one of its largest private employers, with hundreds of people building boats the same way they always have: by hand, by pride, and by the water.
Carolina graduate
Graduated from the University of North Carolina. Three years later, he would acquire the boatbuilder that defined the next five decades.
Acquired Grady-White Boats
Took over a small North Carolina fiberglass boatbuilder. The company had a solid foundation but limited reach. He saw potential where others saw a workshop.
Building quality
Invested in fiberglass construction technology and offshore fishing design. Built the idea: a boat that earns its owner's confidence will always have a market.
National reach
Expanded the dealer network from a regional base to national coverage. Grady-White became a recognized name at boat shows from the East Coast to the Gulf.
Profiled in North Carolina magazine
Featured in "Piloting His Company to Safe Harbor" — a four-page magazine profile of his leadership as chairman and CEO, more than two decades into the turnaround.
NMMA Hall of Fame
Inducted into the National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame for substantial contribution to the marine industry.
Rybovich Lifetime Conservation Award
Received The Billfish Foundation's highest honor — recognizing lifetime contributions to gamefish stewardship and the sportfishing community. Presented at the foundation's annual gala.
UNC and ECU legacy gifts
The Smith Family Foundation made transformational gifts to both UNC and ECU athletics — the largest in each school's history. At UNC, the gift honored his late son Chris through the naming of Chris Smith Field at Kenan Memorial Stadium. At ECU, it led to the Grady-White Boats Athletic Campus.
Order of the Tar Heel
Presented by the North Carolina Commissioner of Labor — state-level recognition for leadership and contribution to North Carolina through Grady-White Boats. A current, official confirmation of his continuing owner-and-CEO role.
Still building
Grady-White remains privately held, manufactures in Greenville, and employs hundreds of people in Pitt County. One of the longest-tenured American boatbuilders under continuous founder ownership.
"Protecting fisheries for future generations is essential to the industry."
— Eddie Smith Jr., 2013
Recognition
Awards & honors
Recognition from marine, conservation, and state organizations — each earned over decades, not campaigns.
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2026
Order of the Tar Heel
North Carolina Commissioner of Labor
State-level recognition for leadership and contribution to North Carolina through Grady-White Boats.
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2013
Rybovich Lifetime Conservation Award
The Billfish Foundation
The foundation's highest honor, recognizing lifetime contributions to gamefish stewardship and the sportfishing community.
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2002
NMMA Hall of Fame
National Marine Manufacturers Association
Inducted for substantial contribution to the marine industry and decades of manufacturing leadership.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
American Sportfishing Association
Recognizing decades of contributions to the sportfishing industry and conservation advocacy.
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Governor's Sportsman of the Year
North Carolina Wildlife Federation
For decades of conservation contributions and advocacy across North Carolina.
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Multiple
J.D. Power Owner Satisfaction Awards
J.D. Power and Associates
Top rankings in owner satisfaction surveys — a position the company held consistently over multiple survey years.
In the Press
Coverage & profiles
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Grady-White Boats · 2026
Celebrating the Extraordinary Leadership of Eddie Smith, Jr.
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UNC Athletics · 2020
Lucas: Opportunity Excites Smith Family
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ECU Athletics · 2020
Grady-White Boats Commits To Largest Gift In ECU Athletics History
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PRWeb · 2013
North Carolina's Eddie Smith Receives Prestigious Billfish Foundation Award
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North Carolina magazine · 1992
Piloting His Company to Safe Harbor
Community & Philanthropy
Building beyond boats.
The same patience that built Grady-White shaped Eddie's approach to giving — not scattered donations, but transformational commitments to the institutions that make North Carolina stronger.
UNC Athletics — Smith Family Foundation
The largest gift in Carolina athletics history, supporting football staffing, facilities, and an endowment. Honored Eddie's late son Chris through the naming of Chris Smith Field at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Eddie is a former UNC Board of Trustees member and former Rams Club chair.
ECU Athletics — Grady-White Boats Athletic Campus
The largest gift in ECU Athletics and Pirate Club history, leading to the naming of the Grady-White Boats Athletic Campus. Designated to support a proposed training facility serving all sports programs in Greenville.
The Billfish Foundation — Conservation
Decades of active leadership and support for gamefish conservation and sportfishing access. The foundation recognized this work with its highest honor — the Rybovich Lifetime Conservation Award in 2013.
Pitt County — Workforce & Economy
Grady-White is one of the largest private employers in Pitt County, with hundreds of people building boats in Greenville. Eddie's investment in the workforce — not just the product — is what made the company durable enough to outlast most of its competitors.