Member Spotlight – John Hutchinson

Director, Kook Digital Marketing

Where do you live?

Alex Headland

Tell us about your family?

Married to Caroline, dad/father-in-law to Gabe and Tahlia, Milli and Matt and Jemima and Ben, and pa to Rocco, Bessie and Louie.

Favourite location on the Sunshine Coast?

The Bluff at Alex. Beautiful at sunrise on a walk and perfect for a drink at dusk.

Which local person inspires you?

Josie Ryan is the driving force behind Alex Community Association, having helped set it up in 2013. She’s part of the Foreshore Conservation Group and a volunteer for the Pyjama Foundation and the Alex Community Garden. She’s passionate about education and the environment, as well as family. And she’s a champion golfer. A living example of giving a job to a busy person.

Favourite local business?

Fruitron, being run by Inclusive Kids. Too many kids on the Sunshine Coast walk to school with nothing in their lunchbox. Fruitron is 100 percent dried-fruit packs, known as the Fuel for School Power Pack, that helps kids have the energy to concentrate and stay engaged at school. Google it. There are a few ways to help.

Best thing about living on the Coast?

The weather and that it’s still small enough that you’ll always run into someone you know.

How long have you been a Chamber member?

I was first a member in 1998.

What’s the best thing about being a Chamber member?

Every time you attend a chamber meeting, you meet a business you didn’t know about before.

Favourite ChamberCast with the President and Pep?

They’re all spectacular, but I particularly enjoyed the launch episode back in September 2022 (listen to the very end).

Favourite Chamber event?

The monthly Coffee + Connect is a great idea for businesspeople: early start, finished in time for work, and caffeine to kick-start your Friday.

How can the Coast be improved?

There are plenty of areas for improvement, but transport is top of my list – from improving roads to more ‘active transport’ to building public transport into being a viable alternative for people. Better transport means better access to health, work and community life.

What excites you about the future of the region?

Being in steady growth is a luxury only a few locations enjoy. Well-managed growth gives good job and business opportunities, but we’ve got to keep a sense of community with that, too.

Favourite holiday destination?

I really love Margaret Rivver, Western Australia (my wife’s childhood home).

Read John’s full Member Spotlight in My Weekly Preview.