John Haber is more than just an entrepreneur; he is a visionary leader with a passion for business and a deep commitment to excellence. Based in Melbourne, John travels the world, forging invaluable connections and expanding his global network. As an Australian citizen with Maltese heritage, he upholds the strong values instilled in him by his parents, using them as the foundation of his impressive career.
With over three decades of experience, John has consistently driven remarkable growth across complex commercial enterprises. His expertise spans multiple industries, from service to manufacturing, supported by a solid academic background in management and accreditations in Lean Competitive Manufacturing.
John Haber
A natural leader, John thrives in periods of change, expertly guiding teams through transitions and challenges. His deep understanding of market dynamics, emerging trends, and customer preferences allows him to develop strategic service offerings that attract and retain customers.
By aligning business objectives with evolving market demands, he continues to add significant value to the organisations he leads.
Currently, John serves as the owner and managing director of Haines Hunter and Southern Formula Boats, two highly respected names in the boating and fibreglass manufacturing industry. Additionally, he holds the role of Managing Director at Master Services Group, a leading provider of cleaning and hygiene solutions, and serves as a Director at Johda Nominees Group, specialising in management consulting and marketing for growing businesses.
John’s global reach and extensive network have enabled him to identify unique opportunities and build lasting relationships. His consulting expertise has driven substantial growth for numerous companies, leveraging his proficiency in training methodologies and lean management practices. With an unwavering commitment to commercial success, John consistently delivers value-added outcomes.
Recently, John sat down with Pat Panetta—founder of Tell Your Story, and radio presenter on 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, Triple M, and ACE Radio—for an exclusive interview about his career and the success of Haines Hunter.
The Haines Hunter Legacy: Excellence in Boating Manufacturing
During the interview, John shared insights into his leadership philosophy and the key factors that have cemented Haines Hunter’s reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. Under his guidance, the brand has thrived through strategic approaches in lean manufacturing, brand leadership, customer relations, dealership network expansion, supply chain management, operations, innovation, research and development, business accounting, and legal expertise.
In Part One of the interview, John reflected on his lifelong passion for boating and business. His strategic mindset and keen attention to detail have played a pivotal role in the brand’s success. From the very start of his career, he was drawn to both the thrill of the open water and the intricacies of business strategy, blending these passions into a powerful driving force throughout his 25 years at Haines Hunter.
John emphasised the importance of continuous learning, a trait he developed as an observant employee in his early career. His dedication to skill development prepared him for the challenges of leading Haines Hunter, equipping him with the knowledge needed to steer the company toward success as managing director.
Beyond the numbers, John places immense value on relationships—both with his staff and industry peers. He believes that patience, open communication, and valuing different perspectives are essential to fostering strong, collaborative teams. His leadership style is rooted in understanding people and building meaningful connections that drive both business success and personal growth.
Financial growth is another critical factor in any business’s success, but John stresses the importance of focusing on long-term sustainability over short-term profits. He believes that a company must be built on solid foundations before expecting significant financial returns.
The Future of Haines Hunter
In Part Two of the interview, John delved into the operational and strategic aspects of business management within Haines Hunter. He shared his forward-thinking vision for the company’s future, highlighting upcoming innovations and strategic expansions that will further solidify its position as an industry leader.
As the interview concluded, John left listeners with a powerful takeaway: true business success is not just about profits—it’s about leadership, relationships, and a relentless commitment to quality and innovation. With John at the helm, the future of Haines Hunter looks brighter than ever.
Pat Panetta is heard every week on 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, Triple M & ACE Radio. He is a Content Marketer and Founder of Tell Your Story Media with a mission to tell commercial and brand stories. A skilled media professional working with partners & clients to find their unique selling point and communicate it in an impactful way. Tell Your Story Media will assist you and your business to; Inspire. Educate. Inform. Be a Thought Leader. Give to Get. Your story matters, in fact your uniqueness is your superpower.
To find out more about Tell Your Story Media – visit their website HERE
