JoAnna Sudbeck
President, Mother, Cruise Director of this ship
JoAnna Sudbeck, our founder, grew up in a small town in Iowa with her large Italian family. Growing up three blocks from her great grandparents and grandparents meant she had the largest cheering section at any life event. At age ten she hosted her first dinner party. A Valentine's dinner party for twelve friends and family. She served cornish hens with heart shaped jello molds for dessert.
With her family cheering her on she moved to Texas to start her dream job at JCPenney. For fifteen years she designed trendy yet relatable and affordable fashion for women. But the best part about working at JCP was the creative team that surrounded her. Together they would plan OVER THE TOP parties from birthdays and holidays to bridal and baby showers.
After a lifetime of planning countless events, she was tired of being on the hunt for a theme that didn’t exist yet or not being able to find the perfect party game. Wanting to share her passion for parties Hoopla was born. But she could not do it without her own cheering squad-- Peter, Ava and Aubrey.
Peter Sudbeck
Head Cheerleader of the strong women in his life
Peter Sudbeck, husband, father and financial wizard. Peter also grew up in Iowa with his five siblings. Even though his house was full of love, sports, and kids, Peter learned at a young age the importance of saving his paper route money. A prime example is Peter started his first retirement fund at age nineteen.
Peter and JoAnna met in 2000 at Iowa State University. Even though he was a mechanical engineer and JoAnna was a fashion designer major, they bonded over large families and their love of parties. One of their first Halloweens together JoAnna made them and their six friends Halloween costumes. They all went as the Flintstones. Now, eighteen years later, Peter still loves Halloween, mainly because he cannot wait to see what JoAnna will come up with next.
Peter has given JoAnna the greatest gift, two beautiful daughters and confidence to start Hoopla. Without his support and business knowledge Hoopla would still be just a dream.
Ava Sudbeck
VP of Hoopla Kids
Ava Sudbeck was born with the heart of an artist. Kind, soulful, and compassionate, Ava finds the beauty in everything. She is known for hoarding things normal people would throw out, and spending hours in her room taping, hot gluing, painting, coloring until an entire castle fort is finished. Complete with a full costume for her and her sister. Ava shares her mother's passion for crafting and party planning. Crafting is a sport to her, and trust me when I say she can do a craft marathon in her sleep.
A few years ago, Ava was diagnosed with Dyslexia. Dyslexic students write in cursive because they learn more effectively when they do not pick up the pencil and all of the letters are distinctly different. She helped JoAnna design the Hoopla logo.
Aubrey Sudbeck
VP of Party Games
Aubrey, aka Bubbles, is the youngest member in the family. Bubbles loves to make people laugh, play games, and do anything her sister does. She also LOVES makeup. At five years old, she spent two hours at the makeup counter with her mom. She still thinks the makeup artist is her best friend. They go often to visit and she gets as many samples as she can.
Aubrey was born with a competitive spirit, she got that from her dad. She will beat anyone in a mean game of Go Fish. She is the perfect person to test all of our party games. All of our games are Bubbles approved.
