Joy Hooker 

1994-2003 - Business years

 

In October 1993 my husband and I purchased an

existing business (Electro-Magnetic Services) and in

subsequent years we initiated two other home

businesses (Hooker’s Needlework and Magnetic

Supplies NZ).  Key skills acquired during my formative

working years in a professional environment were built

on and extended.

 

In 2002 I was offered employment for 2 days a week by

the Elim Church in Hamilton as Administrator/Treasurer.

I was tasked with updating the antiquated financial

system alongside other general administration

responsibilities.

 

Key events

The purchase of Electro-Magnetic Services was preceded by my resignation from employment in the corporate arena and from volunteer capacities at church, along with the sale of our property in Hamilton.  All we owned was tied up in our business.  This brought about a release from conventional employment and mortgage commitments, and a re-orientation of personal and professional investment.

 

The sale of Electro-Magnetic Services as a going concern in 1998 saw us return to Hamilton, purchase a house, and re-embed ourselves into the local community and church life.

 

Key influencers

Keith Fullerton (my father) and Brian Hooker (my husband)

My father was naturally quiet, determined, logical, wise and cautious.  My husband is an entrepreneur with a lot of good ideas and enthusiasm. Together, these men encouraged me to see things from different perspectives, and act boldly yet wisely in decision making.

 

Example:  When we looked at Electro-Magnetic Services as a business, my husband was drawn to the lifestyle (travelling around the North Island and living in a caravan), and the fact that the truck was only a year old and plant was well cared for.  He could see the possibilities.  My father looked at the money the business was making and the way it was managed and concluded that it would need a significant increase in clientele in order to be viable.  From this basis we worked out a business strategy that saw us double the income and significantly increase the client base. 

 

Key learning acquired

Through owning our own businesses I was able to develop in the areas of strategic planning, critical thinking, process management, record keeping and general administration.

 

The nature of our businesses required extensive travelling throughout New Zealand.  During this time I developed an ability to identify and develop professional networks in key areas – both personally and professionally.

 

I also acquired skills in marketing, oral presentation and in written and oral communication.  I would identify significant potential customers, initiate communication, arrange an appointment and present our enterprise.  I would then follow up these potential customers as necessary. 

 

Gaining financial knowledge and understanding, particularly regarding profit and loss, GST and annual tax requirements, meant I was able to do most of our own bookkeeping for each of our three businesses.

 

One of the main things I acquired during these years was a change in perspective.  My framework of reference broadened to include the whole of New Zealand, and our Needlework business was also established for a time in Queensland, Australia.  This national perspective has stayed with me and still influences my approach and outlook.