What part of your personality makes you especially suited for this industry?
I simply LOVE the hospitality industry. I came to Hawai‘i when I was a teenager and got the chance to experience the magic of Waikīkī Beach. Needless to say, it was transformative and I was totally hooked. I then went on to study Hotel Management.
How do you inspire your team when morale feels low?
I do my best to lead by example, at all times. I am always available to my team. I make it a priority to walk my properties throughout the day and to get to know our people, celebrating their skills, inspiring their growth, listening to their concerns, getting to know their families and what motivates them beyond work. I lead with high standards while being both relatable and reliable. I hope that consistency steadies the demands of this industry.
How do you balance family, personal life, and the demands of hospitality?
That’s a really tough one for me as I come from the adage of Hotel Management where work was a commitment of lifestyle, not a 9-5 job. I grew up working all the time and when you love what you do, it shouldn’t feel like work. That said, I really try to add daily balance into my life, for my family, and for my personal wellness. I start my days very early so that I can reset in the evenings with loved ones. I love giving back to the community and a great round of golf.
What legacy do you hope to leave within Hawai‘i’s hospitality community?
I have dedicated almost my entire career to Hawai‘i and the hospitality business because I believe in its value and impact both globally but even more so within the community. This industry thrives because of the people in this community who work with aloha. I love serving local causes, volunteering on boards, partnering with aligned opportunities to share what I have learned over the past 40 years with the hope that my contributions can also help better Hawai‘i as the preferred travel destination, and the best state in the U.S.
Who was an early mentor that shaped your leadership style?
While I have had the honor of working with numerous inspiring people, three mentors in particular helped shape my career and leadership style.
My first job came as a Management Trainee out of college at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Noel Trainor was my boss and as a true master of Hospitality and F&B, he influenced a foundational understanding of the industry and leadership acumen that I carry today.
Next is Chris Tatum at Marriott who helped me in the middle of my career, which is a pivotal chapter in every career as it can determine the trajectory of your growth. He always gave me opportunities that equipped me with skillsets beyond F&B. Understanding hotel operations in totality is invaluable and I am grateful to have been challenged with the hands-on experience that I use today.
And my current boss, the amazing Kelly Sanders, Group President of Highgate and the Hawai‘i Region, who has been instrumental in allowing me to grow as a General Manager and Area Managing Director. I oversee more than eight hotels and resorts with unique distinctions and lead amazing teams that collectively affirm Highgate’s growth in the market.
What daily habit keeps you grounded?
One habit that continually keeps me on track is going to work early. This allows me to do several things that most don’t see. First, I walk the property in the morning before guests arrive to make sure that our premise looks great, and to make sure the first impression and experience is excellent. I use both common sense and our natural senses—sight, sound, and smell.
Secondly, an early start allows me to focus uninterrupted and catch up on what transpired since I left the day prior—emails, voicemails, deadlines. Once the day starts it moves fast so an early start is essential for efficiency. When the team arrives, I feel ready to invest in them, our guests, and to execute the key priorities of the day with clear foresight for the future.
