LEADERS OF THE INDUSTRY
Innovators improving the boating experience
PMY: How does your passion for boating and business feed innovation?
ANTHONY HUNCKLER: While growing up, the yachting world seemed out of reach for a normal middle class kid like myself. Amidst the crash of 2008, Magne Shade®, an innovative magnetic shading solution was born out of necessity by my parents, Clare and Roger Hunckler. With experience in interior design and production, we went to work for ourselves and began making our high quality magnetic sunshades for luxury RVs out of the garage. Fast forward 15 years later and the garage is now three production buildings in North Carolina. We are fortunate to be the leading sunshade manufacturer in the luxury RV industry and have become a very recognizable and trusted company. I can remember being in high school and losing sleep at night thinking about how to bring Magne Shade to the yachting industry. My family recognized that outdated snap-type shading systems were the only option for boaters. This fueled my desire to learn everything I could about the industry, boat enthusiasts and what their needs were when on the water. It’s surreal to now be growing at a rapid rate within the marine industry and to have customers thrilled with the heat reduction they are experiencing from our shades. We have expanded our operations to south Florida and ship our products across the country as well as internationally.
PMY: Where do you look for design and business inspiration?
ANTHONY HUNCKLER: When creating a new product, the most important thing our company can do is listen to the customer. At Magne Shade Marine™, our goal is to create an innovative product that solves a problem while differing itself from existing options. Our patented Magne Shade® system installs on boat glass with magnets. We strategically place magnets around the perimeter of the shade which correspond with magnets mounted on the glass with peel and stick adhesive. There are no holes, snaps, twist locks or suction cups required when using our system. Our mission is to enhance our customers’ boating experience by offering a product that will not only substantially reduce the heat inside their yacht, but also install with ease while preserving the integrity of their vessel.
PMY: What do you hope yours and your company’s legacy will be?
ANTHONY HUNCKLER: I hope that when I grow old and look back on the business that my family and I have built, I can be proud to know that we made a real difference in the marine industry not only by providing a superior product through design and quality, but by offering a level of customer service that makes a lasting impact for years to come. To know that our logo is associated with innovative thinking, quality products and a wonderful group of people makes me proud at the end of the day. It is always rewarding for me to see the excitement that our customers exude once they experience a substantially cooler interior all while being able to have a clear view out of our shades. I look forward to each new relationship made within this industry and am excited to see what the future holds for Magne Shade Marine.