Built-In Business Partners (And Occasional Survivors)

People often ask how Catherine and Conor from Hookline Syndicate ended up running a content and video production business together - because, like most siblings, it wasn’t exactly part of some grand childhood plan.

We grew up as one of four siblings in a house that was rarely quiet. Catherine is the oldest, Conor is third in line (but the oldest boy), and there are four years between us - which was just enough of a gap for the usual winding each other up, occasional arguments and plenty of noise.

Truthfully, we got on well most of the time. We played together, annoyed each other and like most families, none of us were completely innocent when chaos kicked off.

Although, for the record, Conor did once try to terminate Catherine with a guitar when he was about eight.

We’ve moved on since. Mostly.

Meet Conor

Conor is definitely the calmer one now. He’s happiest watching a good film, playing games, heading out fishing or onto the golf course, or trying somewhere new to eat.

He’s also a loyal Manchester United supporter - which requires patience these days.

Food-wise, he’s open to most things…apart from beetroot. That’s a hard no.

He’s not afraid of flying, but he’s not a fan of packed airplanes and crowds either.

And one thing he’ll always say - you shouldn’t judge someone based on their music taste. So what if he wants to listen to Taylor Swift? Let the man live.

Meet Catherine

Catherine, on the other hand, tends to have a lot going on at once.

She loves cooking (and eating), enjoys a good rom-com, and usually ends up trying to solve problems whether they belong to her or not. Gardening is her version of switching off when time allows, and most days revolve around balancing work, business and mum life without things descending into total chaos.

Two things she won’t entertain:
- Crème caramel - just not for her.
- Dishonesty - life’s complicated enough without it.

What We Share

Something many people don’t realise is that both of us live with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of arthritis affecting the spine and joints. We deal with it in different ways, but it probably adds to the understanding we have of each other now.

Another thing we now share is our focus on creating content that actually connects with people. Through Hookline Syndicate, we work with businesses, organisations and charities across Derry, Strabane and beyond, helping them tell their stories through video and social content that stops people scrolling.

Because good content isn’t just about nice footage - it’s about story, pacing and knowing how to hook people in from the start.

From Siblings to Business Partners

As adults, things shifted. The arguments turned into ideas and the energy that once went into winding each other up now goes into building something together.

We balance each other well. Where one jumps headfirst into an idea, the other steadies things. When one gets stuck, the other finds a solution. And when things get stressful, at least we know exactly how the other works.

We still disagree sometimes - mixing family and business will do that - but now it’s usually about edits, camera angles or how to make the next piece of content even better.

The Takeaway

Sometimes the people you grew up causing chaos with end up being the people you build something with.

Running Hookline Syndicate together and helping others tell their stories through content feels like a pretty good full-circle moment.

Even if Catherine still keeps a cautious distance from guitars.

- Until the next one, Conor & Catherine