Ernst & Young LLP named Winnebago Industries President and CEO Michael Happe the Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall Award winner.
Happe was selected by an independent panel of judges from 224 regional winners from 197 U.S. companies.
Happe has transformed Winnebago from a single-brand motorhome manufacturers to a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products. Ernst & Young said he has solidified Winnebago’s future by building trust with employees, creating a culture of ownership and making investments to support the company’s longevity.
Andrew Jordan, EY Americas Entrepreneur of the Year director, said, “Entrepreneur of the Year celebrates ambitious leaders who disrupt markets, revolutionize industries and transform lives. Michael redefined the iconic RV brand from a product-oriented manufacturer into a broader outdoor recreational lifestyle company while creating a sustainable business and thriving culture. Michael leads with focused ESG priorities, keeping employees and the community at the forefront. We are so excited to celebrate him.”
Ernst & Young said Happe is fortifying Winnebago’s future as a competitor in the outdoor lifestyle products space through his strategic leadership choices, such as recently acquiring a lithium-ion battery solutions producer and establishing the Advanced Technology Group (ATG). Winnebago’s ATG focuses on improving the company’s ability to identify, evaluate and deploy industry-changing products and services within each of its brands.
Winnebago was founded in 1958 and survived industry ups and downs until the 2008 financial crisis, when revenue plummeted. Revenue growth stalled, and employees did not have a stake in the company’s future.
Recognizing the Winnebago brand’s inherent value, Happe re-energized employees and revitalized the company. Today, the company has nearly 7,000 employees and 500% revenue growth since 2016.
In a competitive talent environment, Happe focused on employee engagement. He implemented safety protocols to decrease safety incidents by 70%. He established an employee stock ownership plan for employees to share in the company’s success.
Since Happe took over as CEO, employee survey results elevated the company to the top quartile of employee engagement within the manufacturing industry. Happe also led a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion at Winnebago, from its board of directors all the way to its customers.
During Happe’s tenure, Winnebago’s community giving has increased 20-fold. The company implemented programs to support employees and their families during hardship.
In addition to Happe, Ernst & Young recognized 11 additional Entrepreneur of the Year National Award winners:
- Cheri Beranek, president and CEO, Clearfield
- Jason McGowan, co-Founder and CEO, Crumbl Cookies
- Felipe Hasselmann, president and CEO, Cuisine Solutions
- Wemimo Abbey, co-Founder, co-CEO and Samir Goel, co-Founder, co-CEO, Esusu
- Sohail Masood, CEO, KabaFusion
- J. Melman, president, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
- Tom Brennan, CEO and CTO, Sol-Ark
- Gaurab Chakrabarti, co-founder and CEO and Dr. Sean Hunt, co-founder and CTO, Solugen
- Josh Meyerowitz, founder and CEO, SupplyHouse
“Business leaders everywhere are navigating a slew of macro-economic and geopolitical challenges,” Jordan said. “Still, this year’s National Award winners led their companies to new heights, showcasing indomitable spirits and commitments to their people and communities. They embody the best of entrepreneurship and the ingenuity so necessary to drive markets and help societies the world over.”
