4 minute read
PROFILE Debbie Hood
CEO and founder, Enigma Powerboats
high-performance leisure craft industry that were missing a trick.
“It was time to take these thoughts on board and come up with the concept and offer to the market the type of boat that I’ve always wanted to feel safe in, to enjoy both speed and comfort.”
New approach
She adds: “I felt it was time to bring a new approach to powerboating, to dispel the fear factor in handling a larger performance boat, alongside the perceived ‘thrill ride’ discomfort that is often anticipated on such speed craft.
“It was time to take these thoughts on board and come up with the concept.
“I’m bringing a woman’s perspective and showstopping style, to the safety and style of RIBs.”
And she’s also using the new RIB to promote causes close to her heart, particularly the best of British, with British industry and suppliers used wherever possible.
“I wanted to champion the suppliers whose products provide the platform without which such amazing craft would not exist.”
And so not only is Debbie working all hours playing a key role in building the first Enigma RIB, she’s also still heading to the ice rink at 6am three times a week.
“There are two sides to my life, and I love them both. Both of them involve chilly conditions.”
And while Debbie says the initial build of any project is a challenge to both mental and physical demand and effort, the encouragement she’s receiving make the long hours worthwhile.
Positive
“It’s a ten-to-12-hour daily push, staying positive long into chilly evenings, reworking ideas, while being covered in sticky resin.
“But to then receive such uplifting encouragement and comments from site visitors or online media spurs on that energy and focus.”
“There are many low points…but as the saying goes ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’.
And as for advice for others, Debbie is keen to stress that if you want something enough your energy and drive will channel through to make that goal succeed.
“Never let a single doubt creep in,” she stresses. “Focus, believe and you will receive.”
And for Debbie, who used to travel across London to the ice-skating rink by herself at the age of 11, a positive mindset and not being daunted is key to success.
“Don’t think big, think bigger,” she emphasises. “If you want something, you’ve got to put your heart, soul and belief into it.”
And while she and the rest of the Enigma team are excited to be able to give customers a ‘superior, stunning’ boat, she also cautions: “Be grateful... be grateful for your health, fresh air, drinking water, your home, wardrobe of lovely clothes, those who love you, the little things that are bigger than you realise, as many don’t even have of these things and would be grateful to even have just one.”
And if anyone has the drive and determination to make Enigma a success it’s Debbie who concludes: “The main point to relay is my passion to bring a new mindset to the leisure marine Industry. And to understand that this lady means business.”
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