Since December 2001, Mr. Ben Wendland has held the esteemed position of CEO at Hodder Tugboat Co. Ltd., and Squamish Marine Service Ltd., where he expertly oversees the company’s operations in close collaboration with Mr. Fadyeyev. Mr. Wendland brings a wealth of specialized knowledge in supply and repair, stemming from his early career in industrial engines and equipment as part of his family’s enterprise.

Prior to joining Hodder, Mr. Wendland demonstrated exceptional leadership as President of various businesses, including SFG Technologies Inc., Compucollege School of Business, and several organizations within the construction and development industry.

Mr. Wendland holds a Bachelor of Science and a Professional Teaching Certificate, both from the University of Saskatchewan. His academic accomplishments are further complemented by his extensive experience serving on the boards of numerous businesses and non-profit organizations, showcasing his commitment to corporate growth and social responsibility.

Since December 2001, Mr. Ian Wright has held the distinguished position of Chairman at Hodder Tugboat Co. Ltd., and Squamish Marine Service Ltd. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, he skillfully oversees the board of directors, while adeptly managing the company’s financial affairs, banking relationships, labor relations, and corporate and asset transactions.

Mr. Wright boasts an illustrious career, having served as President for several prominent enterprises: William Switzer & Associates, Rocky Mountain Bicycle and Race Face Components. His diverse professional portfolio encompasses a role as Vice President of Corporate Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions at Wood Gundy Inc., contributing to their success in Toronto, New York, and Vancouver. Additionally, Mr. Wright has provided strategic consulting for the contemporary Sydney office of The Boston Consulting Group and acted as a market analyst for TransCanada PipeLine in Toronto.

Armed with an MBA with Distinction from the renowned Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto, Mr. Wright’s academic accomplishments underpin his professional expertise. Beyond his scholastic achievements, he has enriched numerous businesses through his invaluable contributions to their boards. Mr. Wright’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility is further evidenced by his active involvement with a variety of non-profit organizations.

Tony is an accomplished and results-driven executive with over 6 years of experience in various leadership roles, encompassing general management, business development, marketing, and logistics.

Under the mentorship of two esteemed partners, one with an investment banking background and the other a seasoned CEO of numerous public companies, Tony has honed his skills in change management, strategic planning, project management, operations optimization, risk management, scenario planning and team building. His ability to quickly comprehend complex concepts and formulate strategic action plans is a testament to his exceptional leadership capabilities.

In his role as President of Hodder Tugboat Co. Ltd., and Squamish Marine Service Ltd., Tony focuses on fostering a strong people-centric culture, emphasizing safety, and driving financial performance. He streamlines daily operations, spurs innovation, builds robust customer relationships, identifies new business opportunities, and effectively resolves conflicts. With a deep understanding of P&L management, Tony ensures that the company achieves its financial objectives while maintaining stringent safety standards.

As a natural networker and relationship-builder, Tony has fostered strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, government entities, and environmental organizations. His collaborative approach has been pivotal in creating synergies that drive mutual growth.

Tony’s comprehensive maritime experience spans a decade, during which he progressed through various positions. He holds a 150T (LCWE) Captains Certificate. This hands-on experience provided Tony with an unparalleled coastal coverage and sea time.

For 44 years, Peter Mogan served as a lawyer, businessman and mediator in B.C. and Ontario. He has worked closely with his business clients as a strategic advisor bringing a practical, entrepreneurial approach, combined with a very relational style. Peter is known as a leading mid-market M&A legal advisor in British Columbia. He has also advised dozens of companies on employee ownership. He is a frequent speaker, moderator and writer on M&A, private equity and employee ownership topics.

In 2021, Peter transitioned to full-time board work. Peter chairs four boards and serves as a director for four other BC companies as well as two not-for-profits. Peter chairs a MacKay CEO Forum Group. He is deeply involved as Vice-Chair of Food for the Hungry, a global relief and development NGO with a vision to see justice for the oppressed and the end of systemic poverty. Skiing, cycling, movies and reading round out Peter’s primary interests.

Barry Kenna is a distinguished leader in the heavy equipment industry, specializing in the forestry sector. He earned a degree in Economics from the University of British Columbia, which laid the groundwork for his remarkable career.

Starting at Finning Tractor, Barry held several key positions, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable expertise in the heavy equipment domain. This experience facilitated his transition to entrepreneurship, collaborating with partners to establish and acquire their own firms. As a Senior Partner in Cypress Equipment which later became Madill Canada, Barry played an instrumental role in the development and growth of the coastal forestry industry, spanning from Haida Gwaii to southern Vancouver Island.

In the wake of his retirement, Barry’s commitment to the industry remains unwavering. For the past 22 years, he has continued to serve as a valued member of the Board of Directors for Hodder Tugboat Co. Ltd., and Squamish Marine Service Ltd. His extensive knowledge and unparalleled expertise contribute significantly to the company’s ongoing success and strategic direction.

Robert (Bob Jr.) Hodder was born on December 10, 1950, in Vancouver, Canada. In 1954, his family moved to Richmond, where he continues to reside to this day. His maritime journey commenced at the tender age of nine when he first accompanied his father on tugboats. Throughout his teenage years, Bob spent his summers working alongside his father in the tugboat industry.

In 1968, Bob graduated from Steveston High School, where he met his future wife. Although he aspired to become a Chartered Accountant, his father’s wishes led him to forgo university education and instead continue working on tugs. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, and together they raised two children, Erin and Karen, who blessed them with two grandchildren, Ama and Thea.

Bob’s first full-time job was with Hodder Tug, working on the Ossian A alongside his great-uncle Horatio (HN) and grandfather Bob (JR). He also gained experience on vessels such as the “Quinsam II”, “Eldoma”, “Kenmac”, and later, “Celtic” with his Uncle Blair Hodder. In 1972, Bob transitioned into a dispatcher role and worked closely with his father until his passing in 1998.

Throughout the years, Bob witnessed his father’s endeavors in the tugboat business, which included the construction and acquisition of numerous vessels and a sawmill in the north that tragically burned down before its operation commenced. Bob cherished the bond he shared with his father, both as a parent and a friend, which extended to their shared love for golf and their time together during his Little League days. His admiration for his father was evident in his assertion that “My dad forgot more than most would ever know about the tugboat business.”

Bob’s mother, too, played an indispensable role in his life, gracefully managing the household while his father navigated the demanding schedule of running the business and working on the tugs. She held a special place in the hearts of her grandchildren, who adored her deeply.

In 2001, Bob and his brother sold Hodder Tug to Ian Wright and Ben Wendland. They remained with the company, working in the office for several years before retiring and serving as members of the Board of Advisors. Following his retirement from the tugboat industry, Bob ventured into land development at the behest of a friend. For a decade, he was involved in the construction of townhouses, homes, and condos, eventually moving into the final project in Steveston in 2017.

Stefan Mast is a highly skilled and accomplished professional who joined Hodder Tugboat Co. Ltd., and Squamish Marine Service Ltd. as a Marine Logistics Coordinator in February 2022. With over 15 years of experience in the print manufacturing industry, Mr. Mast has developed a diverse set of skills and expertise in areas such as project management, production scheduling, and pressroom management.

Throughout his career, Mr. Mast has demonstrated a keen ability to adapt quickly to new industries and challenges. As the former Operations Manager of a print manufacturing plant, he oversaw all production and operations, including large asset acquisitions, lean manufacturing processes, and manufacturing workflow and efficiencies. Additionally, he has experience in sales, customer service, and HR, making him a well-rounded professional with a holistic understanding of business operations.

Mr. Mast is a quick learner who is committed to achieving success in his role as a Marine Logistics Coordinator at Hodder Tugboat Co. Ltd., and Squamish Marine Service Ltd. His experience in project management and production scheduling will be invaluable in this role, as he works to ensure that all operations run smoothly and efficiently. With his extensive skillset and passion for learning, Mr. Mast is poised to make a significant impact on the success of Hodder Group.

Caroline is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in the marine industry. She started her career at Hodder Tugboat in May 2003, where she has established herself as a valuable asset to the company’s growth and success.

Throughout her tenure, Caroline has developed a deep understanding of the business, which has enabled her to contribute significantly to the company’s bottom line. Her strong work ethic and dedication have made her an integral part of the team, and she takes pride in collaborating with her colleagues to achieve the company’s objectives.

Caroline’s passion for her job is evident in her ability to build strong relationships with customers and industry counterparts. She believes in delivering excellent customer service, which has earned her a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner.

As Caroline looks to the future, she is excited about the opportunities ahead and remains committed to contributing to the company’s continued success. She is proud to be part of the Hodder Group team and looks forward to leveraging her skills and expertise to drive the company’s growth in the years to come.

Lynne is a highly methodical and detail-oriented professional, driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, excellence, and success. She is adept at striking the perfect balance between various aspects of life, particularly in the realms of finance and payroll management.

Possessing an exceptional ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, Lynne ensures the seamless coordination and execution of diverse duties, tasks, and reporting requirements. Her unique talent for identifying and resolving complex payroll and accounting challenges results in consistently optimized outcomes. Lynne places great emphasis on professionalism, striving to exceed expectations in the services she provides.

Lynne’s adaptability and unwavering confidence contribute to her efficacy, proficiency, and expertise across her current and past roles. Her extensive experience in academia, spanning both private and government sectors in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, is particularly noteworthy. Lynne was instrumental in expanding the college’s academic programs, leading it to become the university’s top revenue-generating arm within two years.

A proud alumnus of the esteemed Adamson University in the Philippines, Lynne holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).

My life story is charting its course, powered by the strength of a tugboat. It’ll be here before you know it!

Dave Petrunia is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the commercial marine industry, boasting an impressive career spanning over five decades.

Starting at the young age of 12, Mr. Petrunia began his journey in the industry as a commercial fisherman, laying the foundation for his remarkable career.
In 1971, Mr. Petrunia joined North Arm Boat Works as a shipwright, where he specialized in building wooden seiners.

After honing his craft for five years, he moved on to Celtic Shipyards in 1976. During his 12-year tenure at Celtic Shipyards, Dave was appointed as shipwright foreman, taking charge of the maintenance of BC Packers’ fishing fleet vessels ranging from 50 to 150 feet.

In 1988, Mr. Petrunia founded Target Marine, where he expanded his expertise in building aluminum and fiberglass gillnetters, refitting river tugs, and constructing small steel barges. Demonstrating his versatility, he also completely rebuilt a 37-foot gillnetter and returned to commercial fishing.

By 1998, Dave shifted his focus to building and refitting tugs on the river. In 2000, Riverside Towing contracted Mr. Petrunia to maintain their fleet of nine tugs, handling refits and repowers. This partnership continued through to 2019, with Amix contracting him to maintain their tug fleet.

In recent years, Dave has been working with Hodder Group, refitting and repairing their expanding fleet of tugs. Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Petrunia has achieved several notable milestones. Among these is the construction of the Nellie Irene for Forrest Marine, which boasted an impressive sea trial speed of 29.9 knots, powered by twin 892 TA engines with 600 horsepower per side. Another noteworthy accomplishment is his design and rebuilding of the small twin screw tug IronHorse, featuring a Ballard pull of 10,000 pounds, a 500-gallon fuel capacity, and a 5-foot draft, measuring 21 feet by 10 feet and weighing under 5 tons.

Dave Petrunia’s extensive experience and unwavering dedication to his craft have earned him a distinguished reputation in the commercial marine industry. His passion for innovation and commitment to excellence continue to drive him forward, as he remains a vital force in the world of marine engineering and construction.

Hold on tight, my biography is approaching like a determined tugboat. It’ll be worth the wait, trust me!

My life story is charting its course, powered by the strength of a tugboat. It’ll be here before you know it!

My life story is charting its course, powered by the strength of a tugboat. It’ll be here before you know it!