OKKE HOOITES, ORANGE YACHTING

You often find him on the water, but even when he is on land, he is always busy with pleasure yachts for others. Okke Hooites is yacht broker at Orange Yachting and has been proudly trading in the latest Pardo yachts for a year and a half. From struggling at school to being an entrepreneur 24/7. The entrepreneurial blood runs where it can't go. Who gave him that final push in the right direction? Text: Susan Poeder

What was your very first job?

“My very first job was in a clothing store in Hengelo for men's fashion. I never really liked school and my high school vocational test already showed that entrepreneurship should be my direction. After my military service I returned to sales: this time as a car salesman at Alfa Romeo. Eventually I ended up working in boats through the grapevine and I like that so much more! People who buy a car come with a completely different goal: they need something that is functional for everyday use. Buying a boat involves a lot more emotion. By definition you work with happy customers.”

Who was your wheelbarrow?

“The nice thing is that one of my own customers from Orange Yachting has now brought me to where I am today. He told me that he really wanted me to arrange an Italian Pardo for him. These Pardo yachts turned out to be a great success and I am still working on them today.”

Also read: Pardo 43 to be seen for the first time at Masters of LXRY 2018

What's the stupidest thing you've ever done in your career?

“Haha do you have a moment?” Okke says laughing. “I try to suppress stupid things as quickly as possible... But if I really had to give an answer, then I should have done a little better at school. That's actually the advice I would give my 18-year-old self. And dare to stand on your face. You will eventually learn from your mistakes.”

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

“My passion is that I can make people happy with my work. As I said, buying a boat is something that involves a lot of emotion. Consider, for example, the moment the boat is delivered, which often happens in the Mediterranean. I get a lot of pleasure when I see customers satisfied. I enjoy going to work every day because no day is the same.”