Lifetime Achievement Award to Mustang Survival's Dwight Davies

by Cindy Cheung on 30 Nov 2012 Dwight Davies, Mustang Survival’s owner and helmsman of the iconic company for much of its history, was presented with the BC Marine Trade Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual BCTMA conference. The award, the first bestowed by BCMTA, recognizes outstanding achievement in supporting the BC recreational boating community.

Davies, often referred to as a visionary who knows how to drive change and achieve results, took over Mustang Survival in 1980 from his father, Irv Davies, the founder of the company and the inventor of the world’s first Floater™ Coat. Davies was instrumental in the company’s strategic entries into the Canadian and US markets and establishing the locally based company as a respected brand and industry expert in marine safety and personal protective equipment. Under his leadership, Mustang Survival became an influential part of developing standards and innovative products for use by recreational, professional and military users including the Canadian and US Coast Guards and the NASA Space Shuttle program.

When asked about his strategy for success, Davies said it comes down to three components; having great products, a passionate group of employees, and commitment to achieving well defined goals and objectives.

'I thank BCMTA for the great honour of receiving this award. I feel proud to have contributed to building a brand that is synonymous with saving lives for a living,' comments Davies, 'There are no shortages of opportunities, you just have to find them, be persistent and stay the course. You also have to have the courage to recognize failure, act fast to get rid of it and start again.'

'This is the first time the BCMTA has bestowed such an award and there is no doubt this is absolutely the right time and the right person,' said BCMTA President Don Prittie. 'Dwight Davies successfully evolved and expanded a local company, fostered a culture of commitment and broke geographic barriers to create a brand that is today synonymous with safety and success.'

The BC Marine Trades Association is the voice for the recreational boating industry in BC, working with all levels of government and other stakeholders to grow and enhance the boating experience. This year's conference focused on providing the industry, business owners and employees with tools to help achieve business growth, sales and personal success.

For more information on BCMTA, please visit the MCMTA website.

For more information on Mustang Survival, visit the Mustang Survival website.