Star brite announced that Erik Applegate has been appointed president, marking the next chapter in the company’s leadership evolution. As part of this transition, Gregor Dornau, who has served as president since 2022, will move into a new role as senior adviser, continuing his active involvement with the company.
Applegate has been part of the Star brite family for over twelve years. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Marketing and Sales Management, Applegate began his career at Star brite as an intern and steadily rose through the ranks, managing major retail and distribution accounts across the country. As president, he will oversee all aspects of the company’s operations, strategy and continued growth.
“I’m honored to step into the role of president at a company I’m deeply passionate about, alongside people I genuinely consider family,” said Applegate. “Star brite has been part of nearly my entire adult life, and I’m incredibly grateful for the mentors, teammates and friends who’ve helped shape me — both personally and professionally.
“We have the best team in the industry, and Gregor and Peter have done an exceptional job building a culture rooted in passion, camaraderie and a drive to win — values I wholeheartedly share. There are certainly big shoes to fill, but with Gregor’s continued guidance and the strength of our team, I’m excited to lead Star brite into its next chapter.”
Gregor Dornau — son of Star brite founder Peter Dornau — has spent his career growing alongside the company. Over the course of four decades and multiple roles, he helped lead Star brite through a period of significant expansion, growing the business fourfold and launching successful multimillion-dollar brands like Star Tron. Following the company’s acquisition by OneWater Marine in 2022, Gregor was appointed president and named Applegate as his executive vice president.
“Erik has been my right hand for many years, leading significant divisions of our company,” said Gregor Dornau. “His passion, intellect and work ethic position him to be a great leader. With the strength of our team around him, I’m confident the winning culture and continued success of Star brite are in good hands.
“I’m looking forward to my new role as senior adviser and staying actively involved in the business over the next year or two — this time as his right hand — as he transitions into the position. It’s been a true pleasure captaining this ship for so many years, and I want to thank the entire crew at Star brite and Kinpak for all their support.”
This leadership transition reflects Star brite’s commitment to promoting from within and building a leadership team rooted in experience, vision and shared values, the company said. It also reinforces the company’s continued investment in its people, its products and its position as a trusted name in the marine and outdoor industries.
