We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joshua Hooks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joshua below.

Joshua, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

For most entrepreneurs, launching a business is the hardest thing they’ll ever do. For Joshua Paul Hooks, it was the easy part — because he’d already overcome far more.

By 2008, Joshua had lived through pain that would’ve broken most. A childhood marked by trauma. Teenage years numbed by addiction. A future that once pointed toward prison, not boardrooms. But instead of becoming a statistic, Joshua became a story worth telling — one of resilience, vision, and relentless hustle.

That year, he founded a company developing lithium iron phosphate deep-cycle batteries — well ahead of the curve. His technology caught the attention of a major low-speed electric vehicle (LSV) manufacturer who recruited him to consult on a project for a global theme park brand. As Joshua immersed himself in the consulting process, something clicked.

“I realized the golf cart industry was stale,” he says. “No one was thinking about lifestyle. No one was building something for families in beach towns or gated neighborhoods. It was all fleet-focused, utility-driven.”

So he set out to change that.

Joshua began mocking up vehicle designs with elevated features tailored for everyday use — cup holders, Bluetooth speakers, lift kits, seating for kids and coolers. He wasn’t just designing a golf cart; he was designing an experience. He then dove deep into the sales and distribution ecosystem, dissecting the current market model from top to bottom.

The next step? Manufacturing. He pitched his vision to several Chinese factories — and was met with silence. There was no proven market for these neighborhood cruisers, so the factories didn’t want to take the risk. But Joshua wasn’t deterred. “I booked a flight to China,” he says. “I knew if they could see the passion in person, they might see the potential.”

Before leaving, he gathered feedback from local golf cart dealers in Florida — validating his theory that customers were craving something new. In China, after visiting multiple facilities and pitching his concept face-to-face, one factory finally agreed to modify their existing designs and ship over a few containers.

Back in the States, Joshua opened his own retail location in an upscale beach community — not just to sell carts, but to prove the concept. And he did. The custom carts flew off the lot. Word spread. Dealers took notice. A new segment of the industry was born.

What started as a bold idea soon ignited a movement. The golf cart dealer network expanded rapidly, and today it’s more than five times larger than it was when Joshua began. His innovations paved the way for the booming low-speed vehicle market we see today — especially post-COVID, as demand for outdoor lifestyle transportation surged.

Joshua Paul Hooks now sits on the boards of several major vehicle manufacturers and consults for brands around the world. In the modern-day golf cart industry, his name is known and respected — not just as a founder, but as a visionary.

Because when you’ve fought to survive, building something from scratch doesn’t scare you. It fuels you.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

If you’re just hearing about me now, know this — I’m not defined by one industry, one title, or one product. I’m defined by a mindset: build smart, move fast, and create impact.

While many know me from the transformation I sparked in the low-speed vehicle space, my work has never been limited to one lane. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve helped launch and scale companies across a range of sectors — from lithium battery innovation, suncare distribution, and pool manufacturing, to consumer packaged goods, addiction recovery, restaurants, floral design, law firms, and full-service marketing agencies.

How? By applying the same core principles every time: solve real problems, understand the end-user, and outwork the competition. I thrive in startup environments. I bring structure to chaos. I help small businesses think bigger, move faster, and execute smarter.

My services and roles vary depending on the venture — sometimes I’m consulting behind the scenes, sometimes I’m leading from the front as a co-founder or partner. Whether I’m helping a product land on a big box shelf, rebuilding a brand for retail, developing a global sourcing strategy, or mentoring a young founder — my goal is always the same: create growth with purpose.

What sets me apart isn’t just my experience — it’s the empathy, grit, and creative strategy I bring to every business. I’ve lived through the storm. I know what it’s like to start from zero, and I know how to build from it. That’s why I find so much joy in helping others turn their ideas into income and their passion into a platform.

I’m proud of the brands I’ve built and the lives they’ve impacted. But I’m most proud of the fact that my work has always been about more than money – it’s been about movement. Innovation. Reinvention. And proving that no matter where you start, there’s always a way forward if you’re willing to hustle for it.

So whether you’re a founder needing guidance, a company looking to break into new markets, or a fan following the journey – I want you to know this:

I’m in it for the builders. I’m in it for the long game. I’m in it for the hustle.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

In today’s digital age, your personal brand is your most valuable asset. People don’t just buy products — they buy into stories, values, and the people behind the business. Building a personal brand on social media allows you to control your narrative, build trust at scale, and create long-term connection with your audience. Whether you’re selling a product, service, or idea, your personal brand is what turns casual followers into loyal customers — and it’s what gives your business staying power in a crowded market.

If you’re just starting out, don’t overthink it — start by showing up consistently and authentically. Pick one platform, document your journey, share your insights, wins, failures, and the “why” behind what you do. Focus on serving your audience with value — whether that’s knowledge, entertainment, or inspiration. Over time, your brand voice will take shape. And as your personal brand grows, so will your network, your influence, and your business opportunities. You don’t need to have it all figured out — you just need to start.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When people think about starting a business, they often assume they need a massive amount of capital to get going – but the truth is, most great businesses start lean. What they really need isn’t a huge investment… it’s a relentless operator. In my experience, the businesses that succeed are led by someone who shows up every day with consistency, creativity, and the drive to keep going when things get tough. I’ve bootstrapped several ventures by starting small, reinvesting profits, and focusing on validation before scaling.

That said, when capital is necessary, whether for inventory, equipment, or marketing, there are more options today than ever before. You can start with friends and family, apply for SBA microloans, use crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or WeFunder, or bring on strategic partners who add both capital and value. I always advise new founders to start by proving the concept first, even if it’s on a shoestring budget. Once you show traction, the money often follows. Investors love betting on people who’ve already put some skin in the game.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.HooksHustle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hookshustle?igsh=dDE5eGY3bGZha2Ex&utm_source=qr
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• Twitter: https://x.com/hookshustle?s=21
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hookshustle?si=siG14PNn6mfz9wZb