What’s the first job that taught you real responsibility?
There used to be a bodyboard shop on Kapahulu where a mentor of mine worked and he got me my first real job. I just assumed that I’d work the floor selling bodyboards. Well, I ended up down in the basement screen printing T-shirts. It was the tough, inconvenient, and less desirable parts of that job that really helped me grow. The directives were clear: the protocol, the quality control, the quantities. It was cut and dry, I either met expectations or I didn’t; it wasn’t vague or open to interpretation. I suppose I needed that more than what I would have learned running the register.
What’s a decision that changed the direction of your career?
In the middle of my career, my brother approached me with the idea to start our own bodyboard brand together. While I loved the idea, it was a scary proposition. Up to that point, my career was punctuated by receiving checks in the mail from the companies I endorsed. This would mean that the success of our idea and its execution would dictate if we could earn a livelihood. There were a lot of unknowns and it was a lot of pressure, but that decision to take a leap of faith with my brother was one of the best decisions of my life. It has far exceeded my expectations and eclipsed all my hopes I had at the time.
What’s a daily habit you can’t live without?
For me, being grounded is critical. I thrive on some quiet time in the morning, free from distractions. An opportunity to awaken slowly and train my focus. Besides light physical movement, the time is primarily dedicated to my relationship with God. Connection, prayer, and meditating on Bible scripture. I am much more likely to remain stable and clear throughout the day when I observe this practice.
What’s a personal rule you follow in business?
Don’t take things personally. It’s not easy to do, but it’s important to remember. I’ve had multiple meetings with an account who took zero product. Great people who I respect and who run a great business. Is a few potential sales worth getting upset or damaging a relationship over? I don’t think so. I’ve been attacked and treated unfairly over business. Is that worth compromising my own values and continuing the cycle? No way! I am one of the faces of my business and I hold to my own code of conduct. I can’t expect everyone else to hold to the same code. Trust and honesty are important in all my relationships, whether it’s personal or business. I can’t control what others do, but I can keep my side of the street clean. If you don’t like me or my company, I don’t have to take that personally.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about failure?
Failure is functional. As an athlete who has had a large share of success, I’ve learned to process failure in a variety of ways. Learning from the situation and analyzing what could have led to different results is, of course, fundamental. But also learning about myself through the experience is important. There are times when failure won’t inspire me to change, instead I may “double down” and trust my process or decision-making and remain elastic.
I also think it can be very helpful to establish what results would constitute failure and success in specific circumstances. For example, when I compete, failure isn’t necessarily the same as losing the competition. If I deviated from my strategy or my values, or if I didn’t take advantage of a clear opportunity, that’s more of what I would consider failure as opposed to the final ranking.
What’s one leadership quality you admire in others?
I love the adage of “leading by example.” I want to see values being lived out, in the day-to-day. I love watching leaders who encourage relationally and bring the best out of those they are leading. The concept of servant-leadership is highly attractive to me. Showing authentic dedication to the cause through sacrifice is the ultimate inspiration. I also am interested in watching how a leader will handle adversity or how they handle making a mistake. I admire those who take responsibility and who are accountable.
What’s one thing you want to be known for outside of work?
I want to be known as a member of the community who took time for people. People naturally allow celebrity to affect the way they perceive and interact, but I don’t translate that into anyone feeling “less than.” I work to put on community events and I volunteer for organizations—not because of the optics but because I want our community to succeed. I value the work done by those older than I, and I value the potential of those younger than I. I hope to be recognized as a humble guy who worked to perpetuate righteousness.
