Mickey Hooke: A 30-Year Legacy of Dedication at Galati

Updated March 26, 2025

4 min read

Mickey Hooke: A 30-Year Legacy of Dedication at Galati

Some careers are just jobs. Others are journeys, marked by growth, passion, and a true sense of belonging. For Mickey Hooke, his 30-year career as a full-time employee at Galati Yacht Sales has been nothing short of a great ride.

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A Journey That Started with a Boat Engine

Mickey’s story with Galati Yacht Sales began in 1980—not as an employee, but as a customer. “My outboard on my boat died on me, and everyone said, ‘Go to Galati. They sell Johnson, a good engine, and they’re great to work with,’” Mickey recalls. He took the advice, bought his engine, and found himself drawn to the culture of the company.

With a background in detailing cars, Mickey saw an opportunity and asked the Galati brothers if they needed someone to detail boats. Their father gave him a shot as a contractor on the weekends. “They gave me a couple of tough boats to work on, and they seemed happy with my work,” he says. That weekend gig turned into a full-time position in 1995. “And it’s really been wonderful.”

Becoming the Senior Detailer

Mickey Hooke at a boat show From the beginning, Mickey’s primary responsibility was keeping Galati’s new stock looking pristine. Over time, his role evolved. “I work with new stock, our trade-ins, brokerage boats, and special requests on service boats. I do it all,” he says. Now, as the senior detailer, Mickey ensures that every yacht bearing the Galati name meets the highest standards.

It’s not just about washing and waxing. “I follow behind the contractors and do the very precise, intricate details—polishing screw heads, making sure the shore cords are beautiful, tying up the boats perfectly, ensuring radars are straight, and making sure the caulk seams are clean,” he explains. His dedication extends beyond the Anna Maria Marina to the Sarasota location and major boat shows. “I’ve prepped hundreds of boat shows and special events over the years.”

A Family Culture & A Growing Company

When asked what makes Galati a special place to work, Mickey doesn’t hesitate: “Because of their standards. You learn how to do things right. You work hard, and they’re good to us.”

For him, one of the most rewarding aspects has been watching the Galati family grow. “It’s been wonderful to see Carmine, Joe, Mike, Fran, and Chris get married and start families,” he says.

He has also witnessed Galati Yacht Sales transform over the years. “When I started as a contractor, the biggest boat we sold was 25 feet. Within a few months, it was 29 feet, then 35. We acquired new boat lines, built new facilities, expanded to St. Pete, the Panhandle, Naples, and Costa Rica. Just constant exciting growth.”

A True Team Effort

Mickey is quick to highlight the people behind Galati’s success. “You don’t achieve what this company has without a heck of a crew behind you. It’s a total team effort.” That team effort led Galati to be awarded #1 Boat Dealer twice by Boating Industry, which led Galati Yacht Sales to be inducted into the Boating Industry Hall of Fame. “That shows you the commitment we have to our customers,” he says proudly. “And in order to do that, you have to have a great team.”

The Passion Beyond the Job

Mickey Hooke Running When he’s not perfecting the details of a yacht, Mickey Hooke has another passion: running. And he’s not just any runner, he’s a Champion. “I don’t know if people are aware, but I was the 2012 10K Beach Running World Champion, the USATF Florida Masters LDR of the Year in 2003, and I’ve won 24 State Championships,” he shares.

With over 750 races, 115 Overall Wins, 60 Course Records, and accumulating over 330 Records, Mickey’s athletic achievements are as impressive as his professional dedication. “I train six days a week—before work, after work—that’s what it takes to be a champion,” he says. “Galati has been very understanding of my athletics and schedule, and they’ve been a huge help in keeping me going.”

When he’s not running, Mickey and his significant other, Kathy, travel to Offshore Powerboat Races. “We’re like groupies,” he laughs. “We help out, sell shirts or hats, and just enjoy the whole experience. We love rock music, seafood, and barbecue. It all ties together.”

A Legacy of Hard Work and Excellence

For Mickey Hooke, Galati’s mission of exceeding customer expectations is a guiding principle. “The customer comes first. That has not changed.” His advice for new employees? “Work hard and absorb everything you hear, see and do like a sponge.”

Looking back on 30 years of full-time service (and 44 total with the company), Mickey sums it up simply: “A great ride.” And Galati Yacht Sales is better for having him along for it.