1975-1979: Oregon State University, College of Engineering
Hal’s professional interests as Chairman are in design, quality assurance and as advisor to the Hockema management team. Collaboration with clients and the Hockema team during preliminary and detail design phases are especially interesting, as those phases are where the best performance and aesthetic features are usually applied. Hal’s personal interests include bicycling, skiing, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Julie Hockema - Business Manager / Owner
1997-Present: Hockema Group, Inc.
1979: BS Early Childhood Education, Oregon State University
As co-owner of the company, Julie has worked as the business manager since its founding in 1997. She is responsible for overseeing business operations and managing the firm’s financials.
Julie’s personal interests include road and mountain biking, swimming, hiking, skiing, and triathlon (Aqua Bike) competition.
John Myers, P.E. - President & Managing Principal
2005-Present: Hockema Group, Inc.
1999-2005: Jack Sarin Naval Architects – Naval Architect
1993-1999: Rodney E. Lay & Associates – Naval Architect
1988-1992: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory – Science Aid
1993: BS Ocean Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology
John’s professional interests include the development of new workboat designs and the application of modern design and technological tools for improving vessel efficiency and safety. John also teaches fishing vessel stability courses through the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association. His personal interests include mountain rescue, hiking, kayaking and travelling with family.
Michael Whalen, P.E. - Senior Principal
2004-Present: Hockema Group, Inc.
1992-2004: Fisker-Andersen & Whalen, Inc. – Principal Naval Architect / President
1983-1992: Marine I/O – Owner / Naval Architect
1979-1983: Nickum & Spaulding Associates, Inc. – Naval Architect
1979: BS Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Webb Institute of Naval Architecture
Mike enjoys collaborating with clients to produce a well-thought-out design. He likes the challenge of hull form design to improve fuel efficiency and sea kindliness, particularly utilizing CFD analysis. He also enjoys working on vessel arrangements and structural design. Mike’s personal interests include skiing, swimming, trail running, biking and playing music with friends.
Paul Monical, P.E. - Associate Naval Architect
2010-Present: Hockema Group, Inc.
2001-2010: Fred Wahl Marine Construction – Marine Designer
2000-2001: Yacht Design Program, The Landing School
1996-1999: Crest Audio – Design Engineer
1994-1996: Platinum Island Studios – Chief Technical Engineer
1991: BS Electrical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo
Paul’s professional interests include as he put it “most of what Naval Architecture has to offer” but is particularly interested in hull form and structural design and it’s detailing for production. His personal interests include hiking, woodworking and trying to play the banjo.
Craig Pomeroy, P.E. - Principal Naval Architect
2011-Present: Hockema Group, Inc.
2008-2011: Palmer Johnson Yachts – Senior Naval Architect
1983: BS Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Webb Institute of Naval Architecture
Craig’s main professional interests are ship resistance and propulsion with a particular emphasis on efficiency and economics, stability, and regulatory issues. Craig’s personal interests include sailing, biking, hiking and other outdoor activities along with history and genealogy research.
Stephen Gatz, P.E. - Associate Marine Engineer
2014-Present: Hockema Group, Inc.
2013-2014: Art Anderson Associates – Senior Naval Architect
2006-2008: Elliott Bay Design Group – Naval Architect
2007:BS Mechanical Engineering with Naval Architecture option, University of British Columbia
2000: Associates of Engineering with Honors, Pima County Community College
1996: BA Geology & Geography, State University of New York at Buffalo
Steve’s true interest lies in increasing the efficiency of any system, including mechanical operations such as the typical pump and exhaust systems, as well as analysis of hull, power, and equipment interactions to achieve the most efficient transit possible.
Craig Mork - Principal Marine Designer & CAD Manager
1981-1986: Marine Power and Equipment Company – Marine Draftsman
1980-1981: Propulsion Systems – Mechanical Draftsman
1980: Operating Marine Engineering, Seattle Central Community College, Seattle, WA
1979: AA Mechanical Engineering Technology, Shoreline Community College, Seattle, WA
Craig’s professional interests are in developing practical and efficient vessel arrangements and hull forms. Craig’s personal interests are wood boat building & repair, rowing & sailing.
Eric Blumhagen, P.E. - Associate Naval Architect
2017-Present: Hockema Group, Inc.
1997-2017: Jensen Maritime Consultants – Chief Naval Architect / Director of Vessel Engineering
1997: BS Civil Engineering University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Eric’s main professional interests are in efficient structural design and stability calculations. His personal interests include hiking and hobby rocketry.
2012: BS Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Webb Institute of Naval Architecture
Lee finds great satisfaction in bridging the understanding gap between owners, operators, regulators, and engineers; and in expanding the public knowledge of engineering through his client interactions. In his spare time Lee is interested in programing and electronics, as well as gaming and exploring the great outdoors.
Michael Minnig, P.E. - Vice President & Senior Principal
2018-Present: Hockema Group, Inc.
2012-2018: Foss Maritime Company – Director of Engineering
2010-2012: WSDOT Washington State Ferries – Senior Naval Architect
2008-2010: Guido Perla and Associates – Project Manager
2007-2008: WSDOT Washington State Ferries – Senior Naval Architect
2001-2007: Elliott Bay Design Group – Technical Manager
1998-2001: Northrup Grumman Ship Systems – Advanced Technologies Analyst
2001: MS Ocean Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
1998: BS Maritime Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University
In addition to vessel design work, Mike enjoys helping customers with their maintenance, repair, and fleet replacement programs. He appreciates the challenge of combining engineering methods with fleet operational data to project long term cost savings. Mike’s personal interests include running, soccer, skiing, and home landscaping projects.