What’s the first job that taught you real responsibility?
One of the first jobs that truly taught me responsibility was working in customer-facing sales and service. I learned early that people aren’t just buying a product or service—they’re trusting you with their time, their money, and often a major decision in their life. That lesson taught me that responsibility is about follow-through, clear communication, and honoring your word.
What’s a decision that changed the direction of your career?
A defining decision in my career was choosing to focus less on transactions and more on the overall experience. Real estate has always been my foundation because it allows me to guide people through some of the most important decisions of their lives. Whether it’s a first home, an investment property, a relocation to Hawaiʻi, or a major life transition, it’s never just about real estate—it’s about helping people move forward with clarity and confidence. That mindset shaped the way I stepped into my role at Velocity Honolulu as an Experience Manager, where the focus is not just on a product, but on creating a premium, memorable journey for the client.
What’s one skill you’re still actively working on to improve?
One skill I’m always working to improve is intentional leadership. As my responsibilities grow, I’ve learned that leadership is not just about being productive or driven—it’s about being present, clear, and consistent for the people around you. I’m always working to become better at communication, delegation, and creating opportunities for others to grow.
How do you handle pressure when the stakes are high?
High-pressure moments are part of both real estate and business, and I’ve learned that people need calm leadership more than anything. In real estate especially, clients are often making emotional and financial decisions that can affect their family for years. There can be negotiations, deadlines, uncertainty, and a lot happening all at once. My job is to stay steady and help people move through it with trust. Living and working in Hawaiʻi has taught me the value of patience, perspective, and intention. There’s a rhythm here that reminds you not to react too quickly, but to stay grounded and focused on what matters.
What’s a daily habit you can’t live without?
Whether that’s prayer, gratitude, quiet reflection, or simply getting centered before the calls and meetings start, I’ve learned that how I begin the day affects everything. In a business where so much can change quickly, that moment of intention matters. It helps me stay grounded, focused, and aligned with what really matters—serving people well, leading with integrity, and making sure my actions reflect the life I’m building both professionally and personally.
What’s something you once feared in business but now embrace?
Early on, I think I feared outgrowing old versions of myself. In business, growth often requires you to let go of comfort, certainty, and even the way people used to know you. I’ve come to embrace that. Growth means evolving. It means stepping into bigger rooms, bigger responsibilities, and bigger opportunities to lead. Today, I welcome the challenge of becoming more visible, more accountable, and more intentional. I’ve learned that discomfort is often a sign you’re building the next version of yourself.
How do you stay focused in a world full of distractions?
I stay focused by reminding myself what actually matters. In today’s world, it’s easy to get pulled in too many directions, especially when you’re building in multiple spaces. For me, focus comes from being clear about my priorities: serve my clients well, lead with excellence, build meaningful relationships, and create a legacy I can be proud of. Not every opportunity is the right opportunity.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate a win?
My favorite way to celebrate a win is with gratitude and reflection. I enjoy taking a moment to appreciate the people involved, because no meaningful win happens alone. Sometimes it’s a great meal, time with people I care about, or a round of golf with good company.
What’s a piece of advice you ignored—but later realized was right?
A piece of advice I understand much better now is: slow down and build the foundation first. Earlier in my career, like a lot of driven people, I wanted momentum fast. I wanted the next opportunity, the next result, the next level. But over time, I realized that lasting success is built on systems, relationships, discipline, and reputation.
How do you stay grounded as your responsibilities grow?
For me, that starts with faith, gratitude, and remembering why I do what I do. Hawaiʻi has a way of keeping you centered. The people, the culture, the ocean, the land—it reminds you that life is bigger than deadlines and deals. Fatherhood also keeps me grounded in a powerful way. Having a 9-year-old daughter changes how you define success. It reminds me that the most important thing I’m building isn’t just a business—it’s an example. I want her to see a man who leads with integrity, works hard, gives back, and stays true to his values.
What excites you most about the future?
What excites me most about the future is the opportunity to continue building a life and business that reflects where Hawaiʻi is headed—more connected, more experience-driven, and more intentional. I see incredible opportunity in real estate as more people continue to view Hawaiʻi not only as a destination, but as a place to build a home, a lifestyle, and long-term wealth. I also have the privilege of working closely with ultra-luxury clientele through Velocity Honolulu. With brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, the interaction is deeply personal, highly emotional, and built around trust, discretion, timing, and attention to detail.
