Whole Story | hookinitcopy

ABOUT

How it all began:

It all began in the summer of 2006 with a simple idea: create a game that could stop people in their tracks.

My wife Wendy and I were preparing for trade shows to promote a line of specialty duct tape dispensers. We needed something fun, interactive, and easy for anyone to play, no instructions required. Just step up and have a good time.

That’s when inspiration struck.

I remembered playing a traditional hook-and-ring game and the endless fun it brought. But instead of recreating something small and simple, I wanted to take it to the next level. Bigger, bolder, and impossible to ignore.

So we did exactly that.

Using a cowboy rope, a roll of duct tape for the ring, a ladder hook for the target, and some 2×4 framing lumber, we built the first oversized version of what would become HooKiNiT Legacy Ring Swing Games.

Rick Steele's the name,

Makin' cool stuff's my game!

Creator, ideator, designer, CAD Designer, engineer, 3D Print guy, CNC Machinist, graphic illustrator, wood craftsman, wood finisher

and so on.

The Moment It Clicked

Our first real test came at a NASCAR event with over 100,000 fans in attendance.

We brought the game to draw attention to our booth, and it worked better than we ever imagined. People didn’t just stop… they lined up.

At one point, the line stretched more than 50 people long and not one of them was thinking about duct tape dispensers! That’s when we knew we had something special.

Taking It to the Next Level

What made the game come alive was the combination of scale and creativity—putting a fresh spin on a classic.

We didn’t stop at making it bigger. We started developing themed versions that added personality, challenge, and a whole new level of fun—opening the door to limitless possibilities.

The first three game themes were:

Shoot the Bull – Swing the ring and hook the bull’s horns
Anchors Aweigh – Swing the ring and hook a boat anchor
Beer Czar – Swing the ring and hook beer bottles in a bucket

Each new version brought more energy, more engagement, and more smiles.

Taking It Over the Top: Scoring & Design

These early designs had two key elements: the ring and the target. But something was still missing.

The breakthrough came with the addition of a custom scoreboard and scoring system.

Now each game had a complete identity. A themed experience where everything worked together. The target, the premium scoreboard graphics and scoring system, and the ring all combined to create something more than just a game… they created a story.

Built without Compromise

In the early years, our goal was to design these games for large-scale production. Every concept was built with high sales volumes in mind, but we constantly ran into one major challenge; cost.

The unique designs and multiple components made the cost of goods difficult to manage, and despite creating many new versions over the years, it never quite made financial sense to move forward at scale.

Then, a few years ago, everything changed when one of our kids asked me to build a “Shoot the Bull” game. That simple request reignited the vision, but this time, I approached it differently. Instead of designing around cost, I focused on building the game the way it was truly meant to be, without compromise.

Using premium wood materials, superior wood finishing, stainless steel components, and integrated LED lighting, the game evolved into something far beyond its original form. These are no longer mass-produced pieces, they are meticulously handcrafted, made-to-order masterpieces.

Whether built from one of my designs or fully custom-themed, each game is designed for those who want something truly unique, a one-of-a-kind centerpiece where cost takes a back seat to quality, craftsmanship, and impact.

The Rest Is History

What started as a simple way to attract attention evolved into something much more. A game that brings people together, sparks competition, and creates unforgettable moments.

And along the way, it has opened the door to endless branding opportunities for businesses, events, and personal enjoyment alike.

Call us and lets talk about what game is right for you!

Below is that very first game using framing lumber, rope, duct tape and a simple scoreboard!