Joe Neber grew up in Miami Beach and spent much of his youth fishing, diving, surfing, and developing a deep understanding of marine life and the mechanics of boats. After attending the University of Florida, he returned to Miami and founded Contender Boats in 1984. The company was born out of a desire to create high-performance fishing boats that could withstand the demanding conditions of offshore fishing and recreational boating. Contender Boats quickly earned a reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, and durability among professional and recreational anglers. Neber is known for working closely with his design and engineering teams, ensuring that every boat leaving the factory meets his exacting standards. His personal dedication to quality control and his willingness to innovate has pushed Contender to the forefront of the boat manufacturing industry.
In addition to his passion for boatbuilding, Neber is a fierce conservationist fighting both for the protection of our beloved fisheries as well as ensuring that anglers continue to have access to them. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his generosity and dedication to conservation and continues to serve the community on many boards and councils.
