Taking Care of Business Conference

2025 Mainstage Speakers

Michael Happe

Michael Happe joined Winnebago Industries in January of 2016 as President and Chief Executive Officer. He is responsible for the overall vision and strategic direction of the company, and especially accountable for nurturing and strengthening a culture that cares deeply for its employees and customers. Under his leadership, the organization has transformed into an outdoor lifestyle company with the strategic addition of Grand Design RV, Chris-Craft, Newmar, Barletta Boats and Lithionics, joining the legacy Winnebago brand business to create a portfolio of premium outdoor products.

Prior to joining Winnebago Industries, he served as an Executive Officer and Group Vice President at The Toro Company. During his 19 years at Toro, he held a series of senior leadership positions across a variety of The Toro Company's domestic and international divisions.

In 2023, Mr. Happe was recognized as the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year — national overall winner, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Executive of the year for his professional accomplishments, community involvement and industry contributions. He is active in several community, academic, and industry initiatives and serves on several boards of directors including Winnebago Industries, the executive committee of the National Association of Manufacturers, HB Fuller, the University of Kansas Alumni Association and Carlson School of Management.

Mr. Happe resides in the Twin Cities with his wife Shannon and their family. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the William Allen White School at the University of Kansas and received a Master of Business Administration degree from the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.