Bill Watters | Marine Manufacturing & Black Angus Cattle | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 433

Bill Watters is a representative of SymTech Industries, one of the largest deckhouse and marine component builders in the world, and he also runs a 200-head Black Angus seed stock cattle operation. In this conversation, Bill reveals how SymTech has been manufacturing blow molded composite marine components for nearly 40 years, explains the unique technology behind Reflex Marine Decking that keeps boats slip-resistant for over 15 years, and shares how he balances running two completely different businesses. You'll hear about the future of sustainable decking made from recycled plastics, the genetics work that goes into breeding cattle for ranchers across the country, and why blow molded composites are becoming the standard in the marine industry.

The 40-Year Evolution of SymTech Industries

SymTech Industries started in 1982 as a small blow molding operation with just a handful of employees. Today, they've grown into one of the world's largest manufacturers of deckhouse components and marine products, employing around 200 people in New Bern, North Carolina. Bill explains how the company specializes in blow molded composite marine components, working with major OEMs including Brunswick and MasterCraft. The blow molding process creates hollow forms that are incredibly strong yet lightweight, weather resistant, and require minimal maintenance. What started as basic manufacturing has expanded into steering wheels, consoles, hatches, deck paneling, rail systems, and their flagship Reflex Marine Decking product. Bill's full explanation of blow molded composites and how SymTech grew from a handful of employees to 200 starts at 1:53.

Why Reflex Marine Decking Lasts Over 15 Years

When Bill talks about Reflex Marine Decking, he's describing a product that solves one of boating's biggest safety challenges: slip resistance on wet decks. The premium thermoplastic composite material features a unique texture that provides excellent traction even when soaked. But here's what makes it remarkable—Bill reveals they have customers whose Reflex decking still looks great after more than 15 years of use. The installation is straightforward, using marine grade adhesive to bond sheets directly to the deck surface, creating a protective barrier between the deck and foot traffic. Maintenance is minimal: rinse with fresh water and occasionally use mild soap. Bill also discusses how Reflex offers multiple color options and finishes for customization. The conversation about Reflex's durability, installation process, and why it's worth the premium price starts at 4:11.

The Future of Marine Manufacturing: Sustainable Decking from Recycled Materials

Bill identifies sustainability as one of the marine industry's biggest trends, and SymTech isn't just watching from the sidelines. He reveals that they're currently developing a new line of sustainable decking products made from recycled plastics and other recycled materials. The goal is to maintain the same performance characteristics as Reflex while significantly reducing environmental impact. Bill explains that boaters are becoming more conscious about their environmental footprint, and manufacturers are responding with advanced materials and technologies to make boats lighter, stronger, and more efficient. SymTech is also exploring 3D printing for custom parts and prototypes, and they're expanding into new cabin systems and ventilation systems. Bill's discussion of the sustainable decking project and when it will hit the market starts at 15:55.

Running a 200-Head Black Angus Seed Stock Operation

Bill's second career is worlds away from marine manufacturing. At Watters Cattle Company, he raises approximately 200 head of Black Angus cattle—about 150 cows plus bulls—specifically for breeding stock. This isn't about raising beef for market; it's about genetics. Bill explains that a seed stock operation produces high quality cattle used to improve the genetics of beef cattle herds across the country. He keeps detailed records on every animal, tracking genetics, performance, and health to make informed breeding decisions. The operation uses advanced techniques including embryo transfer and artificial insemination, and Bill sells bull semen, embryos from top cows, and young bulls and females. He started small 15 years ago with just a few cows and has grown it into a significant operation, working at SymTech during the day and with the cattle in evenings and weekends. Bill's explanation of what makes a seed stock operation different from regular cattle ranching starts at 10:49.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I love conversations that show you how people build things. Bill Watters is doing something really interesting—he's representing a company that's been making marine components for almost 40 years, but he's also running a completely separate business in cattle genetics. Those two worlds couldn't be more different, but the principles are the same.

What struck me about this conversation is how Bill talks about quality and reputation in both industries. Whether you're manufacturing decking that needs to last 15 years on a boat or breeding cattle that will improve herds across the country, you can't cut corners. The market will find you out. SymTech has built their reputation on durability and innovation, and Bill's cattle operation is built on genetics and meticulous record-keeping.

The part about sustainable decking from recycled materials really caught my attention—that's the future of the industry, and SymTech is ahead of the curve. If you care about how boats are built, how products are engineered to last, or how someone balances two demanding businesses, listen to the whole thing. Bill's got insights you won't hear anywhere else.