SYRACUSE — The Wawasee community is welcoming back a familiar face after a three-year hiatus. Kim Slocum made the decision to join the company he left just a few years ago, and the Rinker family is welcoming him back with open arms.

Rinker Boat Company announced Monday, Oct. 19, Slocum will return as president and general manager effective immediately. Rinker was recently acquired by Bennington Marine, along with Godfrey pontoon boats, Hurricane deck boats and Polar Kraft aluminum fishing boats.

“It’s a homecoming of sorts,” Slocum said in a statement. “During my absence, the Rinker brand and business remained near and dear to my heart and mind. I’ve remained active in the marine industry and have maintained contact with many of the employees, dealers and suppliers that I worked closely with throughout my career. I’m excited to reconnect with the Rinker family and rebuild the strong relationships that were vital to this brand’s success.”

“The decision to bring Kim back into the fold with the Rinker Boat brand and campus was not a difficult one,” Bennington Marine CEO Jacob Vogel said. “Kim was instrumental in building this brand and is well known and respected throughout the industry and local community. We are ultimately confident in Kim’s ability to re-energize the workforce, the Rinker brand and the dealer network that has remained steadfastly loyal to a brand that has seen some tough times over the past several years.”

Slocum had been with the company since age 18, leaving only during his recent three-year absence.