Business Advisor
(Guam SBDC)
EJ and Nao Hooker are a couple with a diverse background and a strong passion and love of entertaining friends and family. They decided to employ their passion for food and ventured into the opportunity of entrepreneurship. EJ was a world traveler as part of his job as a Navy Enlisted Sailor and retired recently after 20 years of service. He is a California native while Nao is originally from Tokyo, Japan. She has extensive background experience as a Sous Chef from her time in Japan. The couple’s passion can be seen and tasted through the food that they create and prepare together. As an experiment, Nao created her own Asian Yakisoba sauce. Their business, Hooker’s Fusion, has several bestselling items; Takoyaki balls with squid and their specially prepared Hooker’s Takoyaki sauce. The Takoyaki is made differently than anyone else’s on Guam. They also have stir fried Yakisoba noodles and cabbage with your choice of beef, chicken, or shrimp.
EJ and Nao do not only focus on using the freshest ingredients available for their dishes. They also demonstrate their firm commitment towards each of their customers. Hooker’s key philosophy is to serve high quality, delicious food with great reverence for Omotenashi, which simply means the Japanese way of treating a customer with welcoming spirit, warmth, understanding, and above all, respect. This concept resonates from Ichigo-ichie which is the host’s belief that every encounter is single and unique. Their strong focus on serving each of their customers with the most aspiring and special experience is another part of the ingredient of their business. After extensive testing of their special sauces and dishes, EJ and Nao conducted several surveys and decided that it was time to move to the next level. They came to the Guam Small Business Development Center for guidance to make their dream into reality. Guam SBDC assisted them in researching business numbers on the financial plan and revising content within the business plan. They believe that Guam SBDC was a crucial part of helping them reach their goals and turn their dream into reality. Starting a business is a complicated process and Guam SBDC was able to help with the ins and outs of starting their business.
The most memorable triumph in the startup process was getting their business license. They realized that, at that moment, there was no turning back after the initial milestone. The short-term goal for their business is to have an ecofriendly food truck while maintaining quality and tasty food at affordable pricing throughout Guam. EJ and Nao believe that the key questions they should constantly ask themselves are whether or not their food is inexpensive, healthy, convenient, and tasty for their customers. Ultimately, the key goal is to satisfy the needs of the people on Guam.
The one piece advice that EJ and Nao have for all new entrepreneurs who wish to explore the opportunity is to start and continue through the entire startup process as there will be detours in the road. Do not get discouraged based on a bump on the road. It is important to remember that the process is not a sprint but is a marathon. A firm commitment to the business and your customers is the key ingredient to a successful business.
For more information, you can contact EJ at 671-848-2543 or email ejhooker315@gmail.com.
