About Us

Built by Enthusiasts, for Workshop Owners

A small Kiwi team building modern workshop software because we saw an industry stuck in the past - and knew we could do better.

Upper Hutt, New Zealand

100% Kiwi owned & operated

Meet the Team

The people behind Hoist - passionate about cars and great software.

Jess Ross - Co-Founder & CEO at Hoist

Jess Ross

Co-Founder & CEO

I'm driven by a simple goal: helping Kiwi businesses succeed. I enjoy building strong relationships and working alongside people who are passionate about what they do. I'm honoured to work directly with incredible Kiwi businesses to create a software that truly brings them value.

Alex Snyman - Co-Founder & CTO at Hoist

Alex Snyman

Co-Founder & CTO

A passionate off-roader with a background in systems and software engineering across the medical and defence industries. Now channelling that expertise into building powerful, reliable workshop software.

Our Story

Hoist started in 2023 after we kept hearing the same frustrations from workshop owners: their software was expensive, overly complicated, and stuck in the past.

We knew there had to be a better way, modern software built specifically for how Kiwi workshops actually operate.

Our goal is simple: empower the automotive industry, help workshops maximise their potential, and support long-term success.

We don't just want to build good software, we want to build THE BEST.

The only way to do that is by working closely with the people who use it every day. That means listening to real mechanics doing real work, learning from their feedback, and proving that great software doesn't need to come with a massive price tag.

Our beta is now open, and we're excited to partner with workshops who want to help shape what Hoist becomes.

We're always open to feedback, especially the tough stuff. That's how we improve.

Our Values

These principles guide everything we do at Hoist.

1

Customer-First

Every decision starts with the question: "How does this help workshop owners succeed?"

2

Simplicity

Powerful features that are easy to use. We hide complexity so you can focus on your business.

3

Reliability

Your business depends on us. We take that responsibility seriously with 99.9% uptime.

4

Continuous Improvement

We ship improvements every week based on customer feedback and evolving needs.

5

Local Focus

Built in New Zealand, for New Zealand. We understand the Kiwi workshop environment.

6

Transparency

Honest pricing, public roadmap, and open communication. No surprises, ever.

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

Microsoft for Startups

Startup tools and founder support.

AWS Activate

AWS Activate

Startup resources and tools.

Ministry of Awesome

Ministry of Awesome

Startup accelerator and founder community.

Google for Startups

Google for Startups

Startup resources and mentorship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hoist and our team.

Where is Hoist based?
Hoist is based in Upper Hutt, New Zealand. We're a proudly Kiwi company building software specifically designed for New Zealand automotive workshops.
When was Hoist founded?
Hoist was founded in 2023. We started as Netspace, a web design company, before pivoting to focus entirely on workshop management software after seeing the need in the industry.
Is Hoist only for New Zealand workshops?
Yes, Hoist is built specifically for New Zealand workshops. We integrate with NZ-specific services like NZTA vehicle lookups, Xero NZ, and local parts suppliers to provide the best experience for Kiwi businesses.
How is Hoist different from other workshop software?
Hoist is modern, affordable, and built by people who understand the NZ automotive industry. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, genuine local support, and features designed specifically for how Kiwi workshops operate.
Can I try Hoist before committing?
Yes! We offer a 14-day free trial with full access to all features. No credit card required to start, and you can cancel anytime with no penalties.

Become an Early Adopter

Lock in $60/month before our April 2026 public launch at $99/month. Limited early adopter slots available - reach out today to secure yours.

$60/month early adopter pricing
Limited slots available
iOS & Android mobile app included
No credit card required