EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
DUSTIN WOODS
Dustin Woods started his journey with West Head in an unexpected way . He didn ’ t apply for a job in a traditional sense . His working for West Head actually came about through a call from his brother , Uriah Woods , who was already involved in the boatbuilding industry . Dustin , at the time , was working at another boat shop but was ready for a new challenge . Uriah invited him to come help finish a boat , an invitation that would change the course of Dustin ’ s career .
When Dustin first arrived , what he found wasn ’ t the picture-perfect boatbuilding facility . In fact , the boat they were working on sat out in a field , exposed to the elements , with only a “ wharf box full of tools ” collected from West Head founder Andrew Newell . Despite the makeshift setup , Dustin was intrigued by the project and agreed to stay on for a trial week to see how things would go . During that week , he met with Andrew , who shared his vision to build a proper shop , grow the team , and create a place where quality boats would be crafted with care . The laid-back environment and Andrew ’ s ambition to expand WHBB resonated with Dustin , and by the end of that week in 2016 , he decided to join the company full-time .
Since those early days , Dustin ’ s role at WHBB has evolved significantly . As the first team member , he has witnessed and contributed to the company ’ s growth from a small , passion-driven operation into a recognized boatbuilding enterprise .
Over the years , Dustin has taken on various responsibilities , from hands-on boatbuilding to overseeing projects that align with WHBB ’ s commitment to craftsmanship .
His journey is marked by a dedication to not only mastering the art of boatbuilding but also supporting Andrew ’ s vision of a collaborative and innovative workplace . Dustin ’ s involvement in multiple projects and his adaptability have been crucial as our company expands .
Among the many memorable moments in his career at WHBB , Dustin recalls the day we officially moved into our newly constructed shop . That milestone marked a new chapter for WHBB and was a testament to the hard work and persistence of our then-small but determined team .
Other memorable achievements include launching our first boat built entirely in
the new facility , which presented itself as a symbol of how far WHBB had come since Dustin ’ s first encounter with that boat in the field .
Dustin has also faced his share of challenges in this journey . Working with limited resources in the beginning meant finding creative solutions to keep projects moving forward . He notes that these experiences taught him resilience and problem-solving skills , essential traits for any craftsman in the boatbuilding industry . It ’ s also worth noting that overcoming these early obstacles deepened Dustin ’ s commitment to WHBB ’ s mission and strengthened his resolve to see our company thrive .
Dustin ’ s prior experience in boatbuilding has certainly influenced his work at WHBB , but he emphasizes that the unique approach and culture at WHBB have shaped him in ways he didn ’ t anticipate . The collaborative environment and Andrew ’ s vision to push boundaries in craftsmanship have driven Dustin to continuously refine his skills and contribute to the company ’ s growth .
Looking to the future , Dustin is optimistic about WHBB ’ s role in the evolving boatbuilding industry . As the demand for quality , custom-built boats grows , he believes WHBB will continue to stand out for its craftsmanship and our collective dedication to building boats with heart !
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