His Side Hustle Became Everyone’s Dream Weekend

Why would a top insurance director start a yacht business during a pandemic?When I met Jake Yu, I thought I was just talking to the founder of Jake Yu Yachts. But his story turned out to be about way more than boats. During the COVID lockdown, Jake bought his first yacht, not to chase profits, but to create memorable experiences for clients, friends, and eventually, the public.He runs one of Singapore’s top AIA agencies by day, and a yacht chartering business with heart on the side. No aggressive sales, just affordable joyrides on the sea, with karaoke, sunsets, and the occasional dolphin sighting.This episode is about making bold moves, learning on the go, and why putting people first is good business!IN THIS EPISODE(01:26) From Insurance Exec to Yacht Boss? Meet Jake Yu(02:26) What Happens When a Pandemic Sparks a Wild Idea?(03:56) No Crew, No Clue—Starting a Yacht Biz From Scratch(05:07) Want to Be Your Own Boss? Jake’s Advice May Surprise You(06:05) Yacht Parties That Don’t Break the Bank (Or Your Ethics)(09:02) Proposals? Parties? Why Everyone’s Booking Yachts Now(10:27) Sorry Restaurants, Yachts Just Do It Better(12:46) Booze, Balloons, Buffets—Everything’s Better at Sea(13:45) Singing, Swimming, Sunset Vibes—The Fun Side of Entrepreneurship(14:50) Can You Run Two Businesses and Still Breathe?(15:50) Is Yacht Life Singapore’s Next Big Thing?(17:07) His Customers Come First—Even Before Profits(20:31) Success Isn’t a Number—It’s a Feeling(21:09) From Childhood Dreams to Dockside Deals(22:38) If You’re a Student With Big Dreams, Watch ThisJake YuAIA Master District Director, JAKEYU GroupMr Jake Yu, AIA Master District Director (Financial Services) founded his Insurance Agency in 1994 and has since recruited & groomed many successful Financial Consultants and Agency Managers. He is the founder of “Gift of Love” project and is the first in Singapore to create the concept of complimentary baby insurance.He has also personally secured tie-ups with 7 private hospitals and several baby-related companies to generate leads for his team of Consultants, thereby boosting their prospecting & sales activities. Jake is also appointed as President of AIA ADC group of 16 Districts for 2020 and 2021, taking on the leadership role to lead a group of more than 400 Consultants & Leaders in their business & career development.Shalima MotialFounder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based online platform that discovers and promotes performing artists from around the world.Connect with Shalima at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalima-motial-44aab331/Dream CatchersDream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in SingaporeDream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 14 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine. Through its diverse initiatives, Dream Catchers continues to inspire and empower individuals across the region.Watch the feature film - DOMINOES | Full Length Feature Film UHD 4K (Watermarked)Connect with Dream Catchers at http://www.dreamcatchersvision.com/homehttps://www.facebook.com/dreamcatchersvision/