Johnny Morris

Founder & CEO
Bass Pro Shops

Laureate 2023

Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, got his start in 1972 by selling fishing tackle out of the back of his father's store. Since then, Johnny has earned a reputation as one of the most visionary and influential retailers of the last 50 years. Today, he is known as a retail and travel destination pioneer with a passion for connecting people to nature. Bass Pro Shops now has 200 retail stores and marine centers across North America that welcome more than 200 million visitors annually. Johnny also revolutionized the marine industry with TRACKER, America’s best-selling fishing boats and ATVs, and offers genuine Ozarks hospitality at Big Cedar Lodge, a premier wilderness resort that Travel + Leisure has named “Best Resort in the Midwest” for three consecutive years. A leading conservationist nationally, in 2019 The National Audubon Society awarded Johnny with its prestigious Audubon Medal for his lifelong efforts to protect wildlife habitat and connect more people to the great outdoors.

Johnny Morris Hall of Fame Biography Video

Johnny Morris - Laureate Acceptance Speech - 2023

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