Freddy Renken is a long-standing family business figure who turned a boating heritage into a nationally recognized company. Guided by tradition and quality, he’s expanded Sea Fox Boats while embracing innovation.

Freddy founded the Sea Fox Boat Company in 1995 with his brother Eddy, continuing the family legacy without missing a production season.

The company grew from about 70 boats in its first year to a production peak of 3,000 units in 2005.  Since then, they have consistently produced some of the best salt and freshwater boats in the industry.

Freddy Renken remains at the helm, steering the company alongside minority partners Ryan Balderson, VP of Sales/Product, and Chris Nemeth, VP of Engineering, both instrumental since 2004.  It’s this kind of long-term teamwork and corporate knowledge that has enabled Sea Fox Boats to survive old and new competitors, and well as some major economic downturns along the way.

The Path To CEO

Freddy Renken is a third-generation boat builder from Charleston, SC, with roots dating back to his grandfather, Walter Renken, who entered the boating industry in 1957.

Freddy started working in the family business, Renken Boat Company, in the mid‑1980s at age 16–17, eventually becoming plant manager before the company shut down in 1995.  That same year, Freddy and his brother launched Sea Fox Boats.

Today, Freddy’s two daughters work at Sea Fox Boats and represent the fourth generation involved in boat manufacturing.

Under Freddy’s guidance, Sea Fox has emphasized quality, value, and family-friendly, fishing boats.   They now offer a full lineup from 22′ to 36′ boats in multiple configurations to fit the customers’ needs.

In a time where it is rare to have a second generation anything, CEO Freddy Renken, his family and staff are proud to be designing and manufacturing amazing boats into their fourth generation.