Case Study:

Navigating the Future of Hooker Boats

Ambition Drives Action

Strategic projects rapidly planned and executed

Customer-Centricity

Customer understanding helps define Purpose

Meaningful Purpose

Making customer dreams come true motivates team

Charting the Course

According to John Margetts, Managing Director of Hooker Boats, “The Where and The Why Workshop has been an instrumental part of our business since we undertook it.” This transformative workshop provided the catalyst for John to envision the future of the company and drive a restructuring initiative to boost sales and production.

Unveiling True North: “Dream Boats”

During the workshop, customer personas were developed, shedding light on “The Why” – Hooker Boats’ Purpose. Among them was Eddie, a Torres Strait Islander seeking safe transportation for his family, placing confidence in Hooker Boats as the provider of the best boats for island conditions. Another persona, Joe, the Recreational Boater, aimed to celebrate boat ownership and ensure the safety of his loved ones. Boat ownership was not only a status symbol for both personas but also an emotional and aspirational dream associated with generosity towards friends and family. From this exploration, Hooker Boats’ efficient Purpose statement emerged: “Dream Boats.”

Setting Sail: An Ambitious Moonshot

In addition to defining their Purpose, Hooker Boats embraced an ambitious Moonshot—”The Where” – to significantly increase boat production. John reflects, “The Moonshot has given us an exciting challenge and the drive to want to achieve more.” Within just six months of the workshop, Hooker Boats implemented various practices, including restructuring assembly, constructing a mezzanine, optimising workflow through bay rearrangement, establishing a new fitout bay, adopting lean techniques, and upgrading moulds. These strategic changes save time and streamline the boat-building process.

John emphasises, “The Where and The Why Workshop has provided us with the insight and tools to grow towards the future,” highlighting its profound impact on Hooker Boats’ trajectory and vision.

All Aboard: Nurturing the Crew

“The Workshop has also helped to reinvent our culture at Hooker Boats,” says John. “With a renewed focus on our Moonshot and Vision, our team has exhibited remarkable motivation and willingness to go the extra nautical mile. The Workshop has provided us with invaluable insights and tools to foster growth, constantly improving our operations and staying true to our purpose-driven journey.”

Maritime Dreams to Reality: Crafting Unforgettable Experiences

Reflecting on the significance of the workshop, John expresses gratitude, stating, “The Where and The Why Workshop was very important for us because it is helping us define our Moonshot, Vision, Purpose and Values, and to make a commitment to progress into a successful future. We now clearly know Where we are going and Why we are going there.”

Results

“At Hooker Boats, there is a profound sense of fulfilment in knowing that every day we are working towards making people’s dreams come true with our “Dream Boats”. Our dedicated crew takes immense pride in handcrafting exceptional vessels that bring joy, create lasting memories, and enable our customers to embark on remarkable maritime adventures. Fuelled by this shared passion we unite our expertise, innovation, and unwavering dedication to transform dreams into realities on the open waters.”

Thanks to Business Coach, Graham Bell, for referring Hooker Boats to The Where and The Why Workshop.