At the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) annual Fabrication Excellence Awards dinner Saturday, Jan. 10 in Savannah, Ga., Steve Szenay, MFC, and Bill McDaniel earned the distinction of Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Honored Life Member.

Both men were recognized by the ATA Board of Directors for their exceptional achievements and lasting contributions. “These gentlemen truly represent the very best of our industry,” said Charlene Clark, IFM, co-owner of Signature CanvasMakers LLC and member of the ATA Board of Directors.

A hands-on fabricator

Szenay completed his first top and side curtains for a 15-foot boat in his father’s shop, Delta Canvas Products. He proudly showed his work to his father, who studied it carefully and replied, “Good. Now take it off, throw it away, and let’s do it right this time.”  

“While a tough lesson in the moment, it was one that would profoundly shape Steve’s approach to craftsmanship and set the foundation for a remarkable career in the textiles industry,” Clark said while presenting Szenay his award,

Szenay attended the Marine Fabricators Conference for the first time in 1996 and served on the MFA advisory board from 2008 to 2018, including two years as chairman. He earned his MFC certification— the highest recognition of expertise in marine product design, fabrication and installation—in 2016.

After a long career as a hands-on fabricator, Szenay worked for Serge Ferrari from 2007 to 2023 and for The Miami Corporation from 2023 until his retirement in July 2025. He also authored four books on marine fabrication.

“Steve, thank you for your leadership, mentorship, craftsmanship, and friendship over the years,” said Clark. “It is truly fitting that you now join the distinguished ranks of our ATA Honored Life Members.”

The steady heartbeat

McDaniel served in the U.S. Navy and earned a business degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1982. What followed was a 42-year career in the textiles industry, starting at Dover Industries/Fox Wells and eventually leading to becoming the southeast regional sales manager at Glen Raven Inc. in 1995. He became the Marine market manager in 2005, a role he held until his retirement in 2024.

McDaniel served on the MFA advisory board from 2011 to 2016, including two years as chairman. “And long before podcasts and TikTok were cool, Bill was sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm as a frequent guest on Ship Shape TV,” said Clark.

In the nomination testimonials for McDaniel, many words came up repeatedly: integrity, passion, humility, leader, mentor, dedication and friend.

Bret Kelly, president of Trivantage, described Bill as “The North Star for “What’s Best for the Industry” adding, “Many people volunteer their time; Bill elevates it into purpose. Bill is a tireless giver of his time, energy, and wisdom.”

“He’s been the steady heartbeat of this industry for decades, and his impact will last well beyond any one role or title,” added Edmund Gant, Sunbrella® Marine market manager.

“These were just a few excerpts from the many pages of accolades submitted—each reflecting the profound impact Bill has had on this industry and on so many of us personally,” said Clark.