On the rise: 28-year-old receives international award

THE general manager of Moolap-based boat manufacturer, Edencraft International, has achieved international recognition for her work in the boatbuilding industry.

Josie Eastman, 28, received the Rising Star Award at the Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement held in Amsterdam late last year at METSTRADE, the world’s largest marine equipment trade show.

The Rising Star Award celebrates those aged 35 or under, working for a boat builder or shipyard, making a growing impact on any aspect of their business.

Eastman was one of two recipients of the award.

“This year’s shortlist of boat building professionals aged 35 and under once again featured an impressive array of super talented people that deserve the recognition and the encouragement of everyone here,” the judges said.

“In their relatively short careers, both of our recipients have demonstrated amazing potential and continue to really make a difference in their respective businesses.”

The judges highlighted the “indelible mark” Eastman had made “since being appointed as the general manager” of the company.

Eastman said winning the award was a “bizarre” experience.

“I had big imposter syndrome.”

“It’s really nice to be able to get the recognition…but it’s more the whole team.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without all the people that I work around and I wouldn’t enjoy it as much if I didn’t have the people I work with, so I’m pretty fortunate.”

Eastman has been working at Edencraft since her family took over the business in 2016.

She stepped into the general manager role at the beginning of 2022.

“When we bought the business, we only had two workers and we’ve just continued to grow from there.

“Now at Edencraft, we’ve got around 40 workers.

“As we’ve grown, my role has just naturally progressed.”

Part of that growth has included the evolution of the Edencraft group.

Already well-known in the industry for the manufacture of commercial-grade fibreglass fishing boats, in 2019 the business established its service centre, Edencraft Marine.

This was followed by Edencraft Creative, the company’s advanced manufacturing division, last year.

Eastman oversees each of the three divisions.

“It’s always challenging. There’s always something new to do or a way that you can be better,” she said.

“There’s always room for innovation and room to grow.”

“I don’t get to do customer-facing stuff as much as I used to, but I still definitely love it.

“It’s the best part of the job when someone picks up their boat and they’ve worked their whole life to be able to get the boat. It’s their dream and then they finally make it happen.”

She hopes her recognition as one of the industry’s rising stars will enhance Edencraft’s international reputation and aid the expansion of its operations.