Lucas Shane Chittum
Manufacturing, Boating & Marine
Cleveland, Tennessee, United States
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Lucas Shane Chittum of Tennessee is the President of HCB Yachts, a leading constructor of the prestigious HydraSports brand of fishing boats. Under his guidance and through the dedication of his team, the company has innovated a new market niche: center console yachts. His pioneering designs have set a benchmark for luxury fishing and cruising. Lucas has also introduced the iKon, a state-of-the-art bass boat equipped with automated control features, a high-quality suspension seat system, and enhanced handling for more precise maneuvers in challenging marine environments.
His prominent career in the marine industry began as the Chief Operating Officer at MasterCraft Boat Company, located in Knoxville, TN, where he started to build a notable reputation as a Manufacturing Executive. His efforts led MasterCraft to become the first marine plant to receive ISO certification for manufacturing, safety, and environmental practices.
Lucas is committed to ongoing education and has applied his extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to improve both operational and administrative processes at HCB Yachts and MasterCraft. This dedication to quality management has significantly reduced product defects and boosted overall profits.
After serving six years in the United States Armed Forces, he pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor's in Science in Accounting. His choice of study stemmed from a lifelong interest in numbers, providing a pathway to a potential career in the financial sector. However, his academic and business training unexpectedly led him to become a COO and later assist in taking a significant boat manufacturer public in 2015.
In addition to training to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he immersed himself in the latest advancements in manufacturing, becoming a Six Sigma Black Belt. This certification not only reflects his mastery of complex project management but also his ability to significantly enhance the efficiency of any manufacturing operation.
Lucas's career in business accounting started in the manufacturing sector. He initially worked as an Auditor for Deloitte & Touché, then took on significant roles at Lear Corporation and later Visteon as Director of Global Operational Excellence. These positions provided him with deep insights into complex manufacturing cost structures and operational strategies.
While at Lear, he managed operations across plants in Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio, demonstrating significant leadership skills. His tenure at Visteon was particularly transformative. Within three years, he turned a $24 million loss into a $10 million gain, earning the prestigious Shingo Prize for Manufacturing Excellence.
In 2011, Lucas Shane Chittum joined MasterCraft Boat Company as COO. His strategic insights increased the company's profits from $1 million to $42 million over five years, leading up to its public listing. His leadership earned him Industry Week's Manufacturing Excellence Award in 2014.
In 2016, he took on the role of President at HCB Yachts, where he has continued to innovate, significantly shaping the evolution of the HydraSports brand into HCB Yachts. Known for creating the world's largest center console yachts, he successfully launched the 65 Estrella in 2019 and the innovative iKon bass boat in 2023.
Outside of his professional life, he is an avid wrestling fan. He serves as the USA Wrestling Director and supports wrestling programs at various levels throughout Tennessee and the USA. His commitment extends to mentoring young athletes in Southern wrestling programs, showcasing his dedication to fostering community and youth development.
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