Q&A with Maddie Hackett-Daughter of Rich Hackett
By: Megan Loheed
What was your initial reaction to your dad’s idea to do Sea Mercy?
M: My dad has always been a big dreamer. I was used to hearing his ideas, but sometimes it was hard to wrap my mind around such huge endeavors. I could see that he was always dreaming about it. We used to sail a lot, and I knew he had a passion for the South Pacific. I thought it would take a lot longer to accomplish, but God has really blessed it and opened up a lot of doors.
How was it seeing your Dad’s dream come to fruition?
M: Crazy. My dad has so much ambition to see things come true. He is definitely a go-getter. Even when some people doubt, if it might be possible, he’ll fight for it. It was unbelievable seeing him in Tonga, talking to Tongan royalty and all these important people to make this all happen. Making huge steps. He wasn’t just another guy on a boat. It’s been amazing seeing so many people want to get involved too, people that want to impact the world and have a greater purpose than simply making money.
How has your dad’s courage to dream big inspired you?
M: My dad has always worked or owned a successful company, but it has never been about the money. I feel like he taught me that: life is more than just making money. I want to have a greater purpose for myself and my career and not just make it about personal gain. Even how my dad took such a leap of faith by investing so much of our savings into Sea Mercy- something despite that it may or may not have succeeded. He was willing to because he knew it could benefit so many more people than just himself. He is a big reason why I am majoring in international studies with a focus on non-profit. I really want to get involved with non-profits and make the world a better place, and I don’t care about how much money I’ll make doing it.