Kyle Van Damme, MFC, president/CEO of Marine Tops Unlimited, was named one of Boating Industry’s 40 under 40 in the March 2026 issue of the magazine.

Van Damme’s father started Marine Tops Unlimited in the early ‘80s, and he began his career at the shop in middle school by cutting grass, cleaning and other odd jobs. He worked his way up into an ownership role within the past decade. Van Damme is also a member of the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) advisory board, where he serves as co-chair of the MFA’s certification committee.

“I am extremely proud to represent our company Marine Tops Unlimited and the greater marine canvas and upholstery industry including the MFA and our leadership board by being selected to be a part of this group,” says Van Damme.

This program recognizes exceptional young professionals who are “shaping the future of the recreational boating industry.” Submitters can come from any company or organization that does business in recreational boating.

“The marine industry can sometimes struggle to attract younger people like myself, but the marine canvas and upholstery industry struggles on a stratospheric level with this,” says Van Damme in his interview with Boating Industry. “So, I hope that through my dedication and love for this industry, I will be able to inspire others to be open to a career in the marine industry.”