Lucas Shane Chittum

Lucas Shane Chittum of Tennessee is the influential President of HCB Yachts and a leading builder of the HydraSports brand of fishing boats. His dedication and his team's collaborative efforts have carved out a new niche in the marine industry with the introduction of center console yachts.

Chittum's visionary designs have set a new standard for luxury fishing and cruising. Moreover, he has introduced the iKon, a new high-performance bass boat that incorporates a comprehensive range of automated control features, a premium suspension seat system, enhanced handling capabilities for sharp turns, and improved control in choppy waters.

Lucas began his prominent career in the marine industry as the Chief Operating Officer at MasterCraft Boat Company, located in Knoxville, TN. It was here that Chittum started to build his significant profile as a Manufacturing Executive. He is celebrated for steering MasterCraft to become the first marine plant to achieve ISO certification for manufacturing, safety, and environmental standards.

Committed to lifelong learning, Lucas has effectively applied his expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to enhance both operational and administrative processes at HCB Yachts and MasterCraft, reducing product flaws and bolstering overall profitability.

Education

Lucas Shane Chittum enlisted in the United States Armed Forces, serving with distinction for six years. Post-service, he pursued academic studies at the University of Maryland, where he obtained a Bachelor's in Science with a major in Accounting. His choice of study was influenced by his natural inclination towards numbers, providing a pathway into the financial sector. This educational route unexpectedly led him to a critical role as COO of a prosperous boat manufacturing firm, which he assisted in taking public in 2015.

Following his military career, Lucas transitioned into the manufacturing sector, where he immersed himself in the latest innovative principles of manufacturing, including Sigma Six and Lean Manufacturing. Earning a Six Sigma Black Belt, Lucas not only passed the certification test but also demonstrated significant project leadership and implementation expertise in this esteemed field. His knowledge of Lean Manufacturing processes enabled him to optimize operational efficiencies extensively.

Transformational Business Manager

Lucas initiated his career in business accounting, focusing on manufacturing administration and management. His early roles included serving as an Auditor for Deloitte & Touché before joining Lear Corporation as a Controller and Plant Manager and later Visteon as the Director of Global Operational Excellence. These executive positions provided him with profound insights into the complex cost structures and operational strategies typical of the manufacturing industry.

While at Lear, Lucas managed operations at plants located in Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio. He then directed operations for Visteon in three plants based in Mexico, where he successfully transformed a $24 million loss into a $10 million profit over three years. His outstanding leadership earned him the Shingo Prize Examiner designation and the prestigious Shingo Prize for Manufacturing Excellence.

Innovative Marine Craft Executive

In 2011, he joined MasterCraft Boat Company as COO, where he dramatically increased the company's profitability from $1 million to $42 million in five years, leading to its public offering. His strategic insights were acknowledged with the Industry Week's Manufacturing Excellence Award in 2014.

In 2016, he advanced to the role of President at HCB Yachts, where he significantly influenced the evolution of the HydraSports Brand and established HCB Yachts, known for producing the world's largest center console yachts, thus enhancing the ownership experience. In 2019, he launched the 65 Estrella, the largest model to date, and in 2023, he unveiled the innovative iKon bass boat, featuring over 40 new product features.

Personal Life

Outside of his professional life, Lucas Shane Chittum is a passionate supporter of wrestling. He holds the role of USA Wrestling Director. He contributes significantly as a significant donor to wrestling programs in the USA and Tennessee at the high school, college, and club levels. He has also devoted many years to mentoring young individuals in Southern wrestling programs, demonstrating his commitment to developing talent and fostering community engagement.