What’s a decision that changed the direction of your career?
In 2013, I made the decision to move back home to Hawaiʻi from Los Angeles. At the time, I had just earned my architecture degree and was doing what many young professionals do, follow the traditional path. I had a steady job in corporate architecture, worked on conceptual designs and drafting, and was learning the ropes in a structured environment. On paper, it all made sense.
Then my father suggested something that, at the time, felt slightly insane: quit my job and invest in a multi-home development project back home.
I was 23 years old, fresh out of college, and had no real-world experience in finance, construction administration, or development risk. The project itself wasn’t massive by industry standards, but it was large enough to be terrifying for someone my age. I went from drawing buildings to being responsible for budgets, timelines, lenders, contractors, and decisions that had very real consequences.
The transition from controlled, theoretical work to high-stakes execution was the hardest education I’ve ever received and one I could barely afford at the time. But it forced me to grow quickly, ask uncomfortable questions, and learn humility. That leap became the foundation of my real estate development career and shaped how I approach risk, leadership, and responsibility today.
What’s one skill you’re still actively working on to improve?
Communication. Specifically, how I communicate during moments of frustration.
As responsibilities grow, pressure tends to show up in tone before intention. I’ve learned that even when frustration is valid, how it’s delivered can either create progress or shut people down. I’m actively working on being more even-keeled with employees and middle management, especially in challenging situations.
My goal isn’t to avoid hard conversations. But it’s to make sure those conversations lead to clarity, improvement, and growth rather than defensiveness. I want to be the type of leader who pushes people toward their potential through encouragement and accountability, not fear of failure. It’s a work in progress, but one I take seriously because leadership is felt long after the conversation ends.
How do you stay focused in a world full of distractions?
I keep my life simple. Some might say it’s almost boring by design.
First, I try to get a morning workout in. The first half of my day is spent on site, checking in with teams and employees, walking projects, and staying connected to what’s actually happening. The second half of the day is office-focused, making sure the administrative side of the business is running smoothly.
Most importantly, I’m not on social media. I don’t have any accounts. It’s not a statement to any social agenda. It’s just my own self-awareness. I know I don’t have the mental bandwidth to be constantly plugged in and still show up as the best version of myself. Removing that noise helps me think clearly, stay present, and focus on what actually matters in front of me.
What’s one leadership quality you admire in others?
The ability to communicate in a way that makes people want to show up.
I deeply admire leaders who can engage their teams using empathy, encouragement, and genuine enthusiasm. People who create environments where employees feel seen, energized, and motivated not because they have to be there, but because they want to contribute.
Being a positive beacon of energy isn’t about being loud or charismatic all the time. It’s about consistency, emotional intelligence, and presence. That kind of leadership sticks with people, and it’s something I continue striving to embody more fully.
How do you stay grounded as your responsibilities grow?
As my responsibilities have grown, sometimes exponentially, the most grounding force in my life has been my wife-to-be, Jamie.
Having a stable, supportive home and a partner I can talk things through with makes an enormous difference. Whether it’s bouncing ideas around, venting after a long day, or simply doing something fun and unrelated to work, she helps me compartmentalize and reset.
Knowing someone truly has your back at home creates clarity and balance in everything else. Jamie has been one of the greatest blessings in my life and, without question, a major contributor to my ability to stay focused, productive, and grounded as the demands of work continue to grow.
