Kendra and John Ray are the new owners of R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware, renowned for their premium marine driveline components and boat accessories. The couple, who reside in Gouldsboro, Maine, bring extensive expertise in high-end precision manufacturing to the company and aim to continue the exceptional service and quality R.E. Thomas is known for.

John Ray, who has cherished the Maine coast since his childhood, expressed excitement about the acquisition, saying it had been a dream of his for many years. The Rays' existing aerospace industry components manufacturing business will run alongside R.E. Thomas, allowing them to connect with end-users and appreciate the fishermen's dependency on their products. Furthermore, the couple looks forward to taking the business to other boating markets across the United States and worldwide.

Previous owner Ben Dinsmore will continue with the company in a business development role, while Mike Newbert, Jr. remains in charge of customer-facing daily operations. R.E. Thomas's connection with Maine's commercial fishing industry remains a priority for the Rays, and Kendra reassured fishermen that they would do everything possible to get them back to sea.

Dinsmore met the Rays two years ago and knew they were the perfect buyers for his company. The couple impressed Dinsmore by visiting his employees at their Bridgeport, Conn.,facility and acquiring R.E. Thomas in February.

The couple's first week as owners involved manning the booth at the Maine Fishermen's Forum, where they met customers face-to-face and received positive feedback. The Rays aim to extend R.E. Thomas's reach while preserving the company's Maine heritage.