Winnebago Industries, Inc. President and CEO Michael Happe has been named a winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Heartland Award.
The Heartland program includes entrepreneurs and leaders from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Every year, we are completely blown away by the accomplishments of our Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Award winners, and 2023 is no different
Happe was honored for bringing a bold vision to Winnebago Industries when he joined the company in 2016, the manufacturer said. Happe has led the company through a significant evolution driven by organic and inorganic growth. Since Happe joined the company, Winnebago acquired Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Newmar and Barletta. The company’s flagship brand, Winnebago, also has seen significant growth.
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized among such a strong group of business leaders from across the region,” Happe said. “This award really speaks to the collective effort of the incredible team of employees we have at Winnebago industries who work tirelessly to create lasting memories for families and friends, connecting them with the outdoors, one great adventure at a time.”
Winnebago Industries said Happe championed moving the company from a product-oriented manufacturer to an enabler of outdoor experiences that puts customers, employees and the community at the center. During his tenure, he revitalized the Winnebago Industries Foundation, with community giving growing 20 times since 2016. Happe also committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, transforming the board of directors’ makeup and hiring the company’s first DEI leader.
“Every year, we are completely blown away by the accomplishments of our Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Award winners, and 2023 is no different,” said AJ Jordan, EY Americas Entrepreneur Of The Year program director. “They are change-makers and champions of business and community, and we are so proud to be honoring them. We cannot wait to see how these leaders will continue to improve lives and disrupt industries.”
Winners of the award are selected by an independent judging panel made up of previous award winners, leading CEOs, investors and other regional business leaders. As a regional winner, Happe will next be considered for the Entrepreneur of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November.
