Describe your style in three words.

“Patience and persistence,” my mother always said. With these two qualities, you can achieve anything in life.

What’s something people always ask you for advice on?

“Should I open a restaurant?” It’s a big question and one I don’t take lightly. I usually tell them it must come from passion, not just the idea of owning a business. A restaurant is more than food; it’s about creating a space where people feel something. It takes heart, commitment, and a willingness to ride the ups and downs. I try to be honest about the challenges, but I also share how rewarding it can be when you see your vision come to life and bring joy to others. If someone’s ready to pour themselves into it fully—just like any meaningful relationship—then yes, it can be one of the most fulfilling things they’ll ever do.

How do you express your individuality outside of work?

For me, there’s not much of a difference between how I express myself inside or outside of work—it’s all connected. My restaurants are an extension of who I am. The design, the energy, the way we welcome people all reflects my personality and values.

What motivates you to keep evolving—personally or professionally?

A big part of my motivation comes from family, but there’s also a deep personal drive to build something meaningful and watch it blossom into fruition. My grandfather Yunosuke Aoki started a cafe post-WWII in Japan with the whole intention of bringing people out of war-stricken conditions and creating a space where people could make friends amongst great drinks and food.

This value has then created our mission statement “making friends with food,” which is at the heart of what we believe in at my restaurant group. There’s nothing quite like creating something from the ground up and watching others experience and enjoy it. In the restaurant world, you often start with nothing—just an empty space with concrete floors. Then comes the layout, design, flow, atmosphere—and finally, the community and staff who bring it all to life with their energy and spirit.

It’s a long and challenging process, and you’re never quite sure if it’ll work. But when it does—when people connect with what you’ve created—it’s incredibly rewarding. And when it doesn’t click right away, you have to keep refining and improving. That process mirrors life itself. You keep evolving, keep adjusting, just like we do in our personal relationships or careers.

At the heart of it, I believe in the principle of kaizen—continuous improvement. Whether it’s in family, work, or the spaces we build, it’s about taking thoughtful steps toward something that brings joy and value to the community.

How do you define being a “modern leader” in Hawai‘i?

In Hawai‘i, leadership is all about relationships. In the restaurant business, it starts with connecting one guest at a time—stopping by each table, making sure their experience feels personal and meaningful. It’s through these one-on-one moments that I’ve built real connections, and those connections have helped shape and grow my business.

What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?

Traveling to different countries ignites my creativity as the architecture—both old and new— from different countries sets the inspirational blueprint for some of my restaurant concepts. Wandering in antique shops, observing old fixtures and designs serve as a creative catalyst, allowing me to blend modern concepts while paying homage to the past.

A story that captures your hobby/passion?

The easiest way to experience my passion is to visit one of my restaurants—especially 1938 Indochine. It’s more than just a dining space; it’s a living gallery of my travels through Southeast Asia. Over 80 percent of the pieces you see inside—furniture, fixtures, and decor—were sourced or repurposed from villages throughout Southeast Asia. Each item tells a story: A statue turned into a waterfall; old shutters repurposed into walls. Collecting these pieces has become a hobby that blends design, history, and culture. It’s more than a hobby—it’s about bringing those experiences to life for others.

What is the greatest lesson you learned from this side passion?

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned has come from my grandfather and father, who have both been immense sources of inspiration in everything I do. Each of them, in their own way, has been a passionate collector and innovator—constantly seeking inspiration beyond Japan. Benihana itself was born from this vision: Deconstructing an old Japanese barn and transforming it into a restaurant, which today is known as Aoki Teppanyaki at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The ability to build something from nothing is often overlooked, and I’m incredibly proud to come from such lineage of individuals.

What’s one decision that completely changed the course of your career?

The decision that completely changed my career was choosing to stay with the company after my dad sold the business to the employees and transitioned it into an ESOP. At that point, I wasn’t obligated to remain—ESOPs typically don’t retain members of the founding family. But I chose to stay because I genuinely love what I do. The daily challenges push me to grow and keep the company moving forward. Ultimately, it was our customers, our vendors, and—most importantly—our employees who inspired me to stay in the business.

How do you bring aloha into your leadership style?

I don’t use the word Aloha often enough, but I strive to live it every day through my team. I believe everyone on my team is my customer, and it’s my responsibility to treat my internal customers even better than our external ones because when our team feels valued, they’ll pass that same care on to our clients. I encourage everyone to treat both internal and external customers like they’re our “Number One Customer.” By embracing that mindset, I believe the spirit of Aloha is reflected in my daily actions and interactions with the team.

Where’s your “secret spot” to disconnect and reset?

My secret spot to disconnect and reset is the Kaneohe Sandbar. Even when I’m there with friends and family, I feel a deep sense of disconnection from the daily grind. I love being in the water, surrounded by the stunning views of the Ko‘olaus. Every time I leave, I may feel physically drained but I’m always mentally refreshed.

What does leaving a legacy mean to you?

Leaving a legacy means everything to me. My dad founded our company and has successfully kept it going for 51 years. Now, it’s my turn to carry it forward for the next 50. To me, preserving our legacy means staying true to the core values and corporate principles my dad instilled in the business while also bringing my own vision and energy to help it grow. I now have two children, and if one of them decides to join the company one day, I want them to clearly see the foundation their grandfather built and how I’ve built upon it—so they’re set up for even greater success.

What motivates you to keep evolving—personally or professionally?

My dad, my wife, and my kids are my biggest motivators, constantly pushing me to grow both personally and professionally. My dad challenges me in his old-school way, always pointing out what I could be doing better and what I need to improve. My wife, an ER doctor, keeps me grounded with her honest and blunt feedback, whether it’s about work or my health. And my kids inspire me to build a better future—for them and for myself. They push me to be healthier, more present, and prepared to support them through every milestone. I don’t want to let them down, and they give me the inner drive to keep reaching for my goals.

What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?

Traveling the world is my creative outlet. While I often travel for work, I truly enjoy traveling with my family. Experiencing new and unfamiliar places helps me think differently and see things from fresh perspectives. I love observing how other cultures live and how businesses operate around the world. I often take inspiration from their cultural values and business practices and adapt them into our own company.

I feel like a boss when…

I’m able to come up with solutions that others in the organization can’t. As President—and a leader—you carry the responsibility of being the go-to problem solver when no one else has the answer. It doesn’t happen often because my team is highly skilled and well-trained, but when it does, and I’m able to step in with a solid solution, it feels great to know I can support my team in that way.

What is it that you created that you are most proud of?

Last year, we launched a program called We Love Local, focused on giving back to local businesses. We partnered with 50 local companies, purchasing their products or services and then giving them away to their customers for free. The response was incredible. Almost every event drew long lines and helped raise awareness about these businesses within their communities. The best part was seeing the gratitude from the business owners and the smiles on customers’ faces as they received something for free.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received in business?

The best compliment I’ve ever received was something that occurred recently actually.  I was talking with our ownership team, and it was mentioned that several of our employees had mentioned how awesome it is to work for Aloha Freight.

The reason why I think this is such a great compliment is because you basically need to be doing everything right for an employee to have that viewpoint. It goes without saying you first must be profitable as a company. Without being profitable, you can’t afford to have the right equipment, supplies, facilities, pay, and perks. Assuming, of course, the company has ownership willing to invest in all those things.

Secondly, you must have a positive company culture. At Aloha Freight, we work hard on making our company an enjoyable place to work. To clarify, that doesn’t mean we are simply just nice people. We have a culture of productivity. With that mindset, the people who are high producers will stay and the others will leave. The happiest places to work are places where people are held accountable, but at the same time also want to be held accountable.

The last reason why I think this was such a great compliment is it means we are doing something different than our competition. The employees who made these remarks all came from our competitors, which is why I was so happy to hear this. Our company is built off of our employees’ hard work, so it means the world to me that they love working hard for Aloha Freight.

What’s one decision that completely changed the course of your career?

In 2013, I made the decision to start Landmark Logistics with my now business partner Corey Corea. Looking back, it was the stupidest but also best business decision of my life. I’m glad at the time I made this decision. I was young and naïve enough to make that decision because it was one rough ride in the beginning. Super long and stressful hours for two to three years straight while we built a business from nothing.

I don’t think I could do it now, especially with a family. But we were young enough and didn’t have much to lose. We knew we could always figure out something else in a worst-case scenario situation. I remember vividly the many talks about pulling the plug because it didn’t seem like we would make it those few times when things got really tough. But in the end, through a lot of hard work and a boat load of luck, we managed to pull through and ultimately land the deal of our lifetime, which was to partner with Tradewind Capital to purchase our competitor Aloha Freight. I would put the decision to partner with Tradewind Capital in very close second place because that decision changed my life the most. But the decision to start Landmark Logistics is still number one because without that, nothing else would have been possible.   

What’s one thing you think every man should know how to do?

Sell. I got lucky with a business partner who can sell anything in a way that transcends just the sale. I’ve learned that a great salesperson doesn’t just sell ice to Eskimos.  That’s cool and all but isn’t sustainable as a reputation, which is the most important thing for sustained success as a salesperson.

Great salespeople really care about what they are doing and have the ability to critically think about ways to improve their clients’ businesses. They care about how and why their product can help the client’s business and add value to their company. It truly takes a person who not just understands their product but also their client’s business. I’ve sat in many meetings where we have changed the way our clients do business because we came up with creative, cost-saving ideas, which also usually results in them being more efficient.

By taking this approach, you will not just save customers money that almost any competitor can do, but rather you will have a relationship that will be hard to break.   Lastly, a great salesperson will have a high level of trust with their client—the ultimate goal. This skill takes time and effort to develop as it’s far more than just having the “gift of gab”. In my opinion, it’s one of the greatest skills to possess for long-term success but, most importantly, success that comes with a positive reputation.

What does leaving a legacy mean to you?

I suppose you can have a legacy that is positive or negative but I only think it counts if it’s positive. What it means to me is you have left a positive impression in people’s mind about you and what you meant to them. To me, a real legacy is more of a feeling than anything else.

Who’s a local role model that helped shape your mindset?

He’s no longer here, but I would have to say my dad. He helped me in so many ways that I only now realize. I’d give anything to be able to tell him how grateful and thankful I am for everything he taught me growing up and in my early business career. I wouldn’t be here today if not for his guidance and support. He was my biggest fan and I can say I am now his. I just wish he knew that while he was still here.   

What’s a non-negotiable in your daily routine?

Morning coffee.

What do you do when you want to get out of “work mode”?

Go to the gym.

Who or what keeps you grounded when life gets hectic?

My wife, Karen.

What’s one decision that completely changed the course of your career?

Returning to Hawai‘i in 2002.

Favorite pau hana spot on the island?

Mangos at The Pacific Club.

How do you bring aloha into your leadership style?

Respect EVERYONE!

Plate lunch order: What’s on it?

Two scoops rice, hamburger steak, mac salad, extra gravy.

Describe your style in three words.

Authentic, passionate, consistent.

What’s something people always ask you for advice on?

Career decisions.

What’s one thing you think every man should know how to do?

Love his wife the way she deserves to be loved.

What’s one scent, sound, or song that instantly puts you in a good mood?

Any song by Henry Kapono.

What’s one community initiative you’re passionate about?

Being Mayor.

What motivates you to keep evolving—personally or professionally?

I want to be “used up” when I die.

Who’s a local role model that helped shape your mindset?

Larry Price.

How do you define being a “modern leader” in Hawai‘i?

Having the courage to make the tough decisions.

Do you want to retire or live to retire?

I am still working on the definition of the word “retirement”.

What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?

Mentoring young professionals.

How did you first get into it? Was it intentional or accidental?

After years in leadership positions, it just naturally evolved.

What’s your dream scenario for this passion—keep it on the side, or see it grow into something more?

To see them reach their full leadership potential.

What’s one decision that completely changed the course of your career?

I’m a sales guy. I’ve always been. That’s my strong suit. I’ve worked for a handful of my competitors over the course of my career and eventually became the top salesperson at every company I worked for. However, I never felt truly appreciated. So, instead of begging for pay increases or commissions, which I believed were warranted at the time, I decided to create a company with a good friend of mine and control my own destiny. This was early August 2013. Since that day, my life and future have changed forever.

What local business do you admire—and why?

There are so many great local businesses and many talented entrepreneurs in the islands. But the one I personally admire has a lot to do with their story, how they treat their employees and how much they give back to the community. It’s Donavan and Devina Maples, owners of 604 Restaurants.

Several years ago, not long after both were working at Outback Steakhouse, they were given an opportunity to open a restaurant / bar concept. Their understanding of that industry, coupled with great work ethic and knowledge of the local culture, blossomed into the openings of eight locations in seven years. Today they employ over 400 local residents, donate a lot to the community and give local musicians a place to showcase their talents. It’s the true American dream!

What’s something people always ask you for advice on?

The one question I get asked is: “How did I get where I am today?” It’s usually a long answer, but the short of it is, I know it wasn’t something I could’ve done without God leading the way. Overnight success isn’t what you think. I started in this industry back in 2001 and the first half of it was a daily grind. I only found true success 10 or so years later, so although it looks that way, I’m definitely not an overnight success story. I am a hustler, I work very hard and have a relentless appetite to succeed. At the end of the day, I’m the “C” student who became business partners with the “A” student.

What does that mean? I was smart enough to understand that I’m not that smart. I needed smart people around me to help bring me to the next level. I credit a lot of my success to my surroundings and starting with the right business partner. There is a saying, “You’re just one person away from a lifetime of success.” I truly believe that to be the case in my situation. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.

What chance encounter changed your life forever?

Sometime around 2008 or so, I was introduced to Seiji Aspengren through a friend of mine, and former House of Representatives member, Kika Bukoski. We were having an afternoon pau hana and because we were in a similar industry, Kika thought we should meet. At the time, I was the top sales guy for a leading ocean freight forwarding company and Seiji owned and operated a local courier company that had warehouses, trucks, and staffing. Less than five years later, we would bring our strengths together to become business partners. Today, we have the largest locally owned ocean freight consolidation company, servicing Hawai‘i, Alaska, and Guam, and we do business with the biggest brands in the world.

What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?

I don’t have a real creative outlet, but my passion outside of work is in the wellness space. I do contrast therapy daily (ice baths and dry sauna) as well as red light, pulsed electromagnetic, and oxygen therapy several times weekly.

How did you first get into it? Was it intentional or accidental?

It started during Covid-19. The uncertainty of how it could affect us gave me the push to become healthier. I started contrast therapy almost right away as well as running the beach, boxing, and kickboxing to keep my cardio strong.

Who do you share this part of your life with? (or is it a solo thing?)

Over the years, we have built a small community in Hawai‘i that started personally doing wellness programs and living healthier lifestyles. I have a handful of friends, Kelii Heen, Zak Noyle, Makua Rothman, and others who share this same passion.

What have you created that you are most proud of?

I was what people would describe today as an underprivileged child, whose amazing parents had him at the tender age of 16. I grew up in rural Waimanalo in government funded housing. My highest form of education came from watching Jeopardy at 5 p.m. every afternoon as a teenager. What I am most proud of is that I was able to parlay my strengths into a multimillion-dollar business that employs close to 200 people throughout Hawai‘i, Alaska, California, and Washington.

I never allowed my circumstances to dictate my future. I say this only because there is no road map to success. My advice to anyone looking to rise through the ranks and get noticed in their selected field: WORK HARD and don’t be lazy! Be the absolute very best at what you do and make yourself so valuable that your company cannot afford to lose you.

What’s one decision that completely changed the course of your career?

Starting Pono Potions was the turning point that changed everything. I had no guarantee it would work, but I knew in my gut that Hawaiʻi needed a company that could celebrate local flavors, community, and identity in a modern way. I left behind the comfort of conventional work to build something that felt aligned with my values–-and in doing so, found a deeper purpose I didn’t even know I was searching for.

How do you bring aloha into your leadership style?

To me, aloha in leadership means seeing people for who they truly are and creating space for them to thrive. At Pōʻai, we lead with empathy, respect, and intentionality—whether it’s how we interact with our community or the flavors of syrup we create. I believe it’s important to listen first and always lead by example.

What motivates you to keep evolving—personally or professionally?

I’m constantly inspired by the energy of our Chinatown community and the creativity of other local entrepreneurs.It pushes me to keep trying new things, to take risks, and to never settle. Being surrounded by people who are carving out space for themselves and others in Hawaiʻi reminds me that innovation and tradition can exist side by side. On a personal level, I’m motivated to keep evolving so we can stay here in Hawaiʻi and thrive for generations to come.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received in business?

A customer once said, “Thank you for creating such an inviting and welcoming space where everyone feels at home. Your drinks and syrups have been part of so many special memories with our family.” That kind of feedback reminds me why I started all of this. It’s not just about the product—it’s about the feeling people carry with them long after they leave. Knowing that what we create can become part of someone’s joy, daily ritual, or celebration is the highest compliment I could ever receive.

What does leaving a legacy mean to you?

As a Hawaiian business owner, I believe legacy means thinking beyond myself—it’s about what we’re building that will uplift future generations here. We have a responsibility to create with intention, rooted in aloha, culture, and carepeople. For me, legacy isn’t just about what I leave behind—it’s about how our products and spaces made people feel. I hope mine is a legacy of inclusivity, joy, and a sense of belonging where everyone who tastes Potions or visits Pōʻai feels at home.

What’s your dream scenario for this passion—keep it on the side, or see it grow into something more?

Over the years Iʻve had many side gigs! I was a freelance caterer in my 20s while catering graduation parties, wedding showers, and anniversaries out of the kitchen of my studio apartment, incorporating all the tricks I learned while cooking in Portland hotels from when I was 18. Although now I prefer just throwing elaborate parties for my friends and family.

My main “side hustle” or hobby for the past few years has been indulging in my passion for European automobiles mainly from the mid ’90s. I guess it’s true that when you get older you start collecting all the things you loved from your childhood. Since 2018 I’ve purchased about 10 different “classic” and rare cars from all over the United States ranging from tiny 4-cylinder roadsters to 12-cylinder grand touring coupes. I often scour Facebook marketplace and auction sites to find good deals and then enjoy fixing them up and driving them until hopefully selling for a profit. A surprising anecdote is that I partially funded the build out of Pōʻai by selling the 1991 BMW M5 I had purchased in an abandoned warehouse.

What this has taught me about my main career is that when you are truly engaged and passionate about a project, you are relentless and it never feels like a job. I had the same feelings when I started Pono Potions in my grandma’s backyard in Kalihi.

My dream scenario for this side gig would be to have a curated niche car dealership in an industrial warehouse where I would have a revolving inventory of classic cars that interest me: BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati and Porsche to name a few. I would also incorporate a cafe space, co-working space, and Pono Potions bar for the vibes.

How do you bring aloha into your leadership style?

By being 100 percent authentic and always open to change. No games, no masks—just being real. Aloha isn’t just a word; it’s respect, humility, and connection. It means owning who you are, admitting when you’re wrong, and being ready to adapt when the game changes. That’s how I build trust. Without authenticity and flexibility, leadership falls. Aloha keeps it real and keeps it moving forward.

Describe your style in three words.

Connector, collaborator, visionary. I believe if you want to win big, you gotta be all three. Connect with the right people. Collaborate like your success depends on it—because it does. And cast a vision so big not only will it pull others towards it, but they’ll fit their vision inside of yours. Having these three things will enable you to walk through every challenge.

What’s one thing you think every man should know how to do?

Know how to change a spare tire! Seriously. Too many guys today are getting soft, relying on someone else to handle the basics. It’s about being self-reliant and ready for anything. If you can’t do the simple stuff like that, how do you expect to handle the big stuff? Step up, take responsibility, and get your hands dirty.

What does leaving a legacy mean to you?

It means building something bigger than yourself—something that outlasts you when you’re gone. It’s about impact, not just income or business. The legacy you leave is the lives you’ve changed, the people you’ve lifted up, and the example you set. All material things eventually fade. But how do you want to be remembered? Your influence and character? That’s forever. Legacy is earned, not given.

What motivates you to keep evolving—personally or professionally?

The idea of not evolving is what scares the hell outta me. I don’t want to be the same person next year that I am today. Growth is the game. Personally and professionally, if you’re not learning, improving, or leveling up—you’re dying. I’m motivated by impact, legacy, and knowing that every version of me can be better than the last to help my ‘ohana and the community. Comfort kills potential. So I stay uncomfortable.

Who’s a local role model that helped shape your mindset?

It’s got to be Cory Nemoto from KÉCŌ Capital. I’ve known this guy since high school, and his character has never changed—solid from the start. He was actually the first interview I ever did back in 2019. Since then, I’ve spoken with a lot of entrepreneurs, but Cory was the first one who actually did what he said he was going to do. He went from a two-man operation flipping homes to running one of the largest real estate funding companies in Hawai‘i. And the best part? He told me years ago this was the plan—then he executed.

He’s not some corporate lender hiding behind spreadsheets. He is out there making smart moves: Funding real estate projects, creating other businesses, and staying true to integrity and relationships. That’s impact. That’s leadership. That’s legacy—Hawaiian style.

What’s a non-negotiable in your daily routine?

I start every morning with hydrotherapy to get my mind and body going. I get into the sauna for about 10 minutes followed by a cold rinse and do that two to three times. I’m also a coffee connoisseur and can’t start my day without a cup of coffee. I do this routine even when I’m traveling.

Who or what keeps you grounded when life gets hectic?

My family, close friends, and living in Hawai‘i keeps me grounded. Even when life gets hectic, I try to remind myself how fortunate I am to be able to go home to my wife, Taylor, to have the best parents and siblings, solid friendships and be able to live in paradise. Life is a journey, we have our ups and we have our downs so it’s a good practice to put things in perspective.

What motivates you to keep evolving personally or professionally?

I’ve always had constant curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. I’ve never had to force myself to get motivated for that. I think that the process of continuously learning naturally leads to personal and professional evolution.

How do you define being a “modern leader” in Hawai‘i?

The modern leader has the ability to inspire others to become the best version of themselves and help them find their true purpose. Everyone’s path is different but how can we as leaders use our success and influence to pay it forward, whether it’s connecting them with a job interview, guiding them through school, or helping them to become leaders in their own right.

What chance encounter changed your life forever?

In August 2019, I read the book “Pursuit of Happiness” by former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh on a flight to the mainland. I was fascinated by his journey as an entrepreneur and the culture he built in the company. During this time, I was looking for inspiration to draw on as I was contemplating my career. A month later in September 2019, I launched our parent company, Guardian Senior Care, after being inspired by the book.

What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?

I love playing golf. I grew up playing tennis all the way through college, so playing individual sports is naturally my creative outlet. Both sports are similar when it comes to self expression—choosing your own style or outfit, developing certain cadences, and getting into character when it’s time to compete.

Has it changed the way you approach your main career or life in general?

The same discipline, openness to learn, and ability to recover when things aren’t going right are the same approaches I use in business or other aspects of my life. I think that’s the beauty of sports, whether it’s tennis, golf, or basketball. The lessons learned can be applicable to everything we do.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through this side passion?

Your mind is your greatest weapon. Control what you can control, which are your thoughts and emotions. Don’t let ego, mistakes, or other distractions get in the way. Nothing else matters but executing the shot that’s in front of you.

What do you do when you want to get out of “work mode”?

Snowboarding and cooking…I love when winter comes around and we can spend time in the mountains. I ride in the a.m. and work remotely when I can. It’s both grounding to see a different side of nature and takes my mind off the chaos we sometimes experience. It also makes you appreciate what we all have in Hawai‘i. My favorite food to make to turn off “work” is fresh handmade pasta to perfect my Pasta Carbonara. Pour a nice wine, sift flour on the counter, 100-percent handmade.

What’s one decision that completely changed the course of your career?

Leaving a career I was passionate about that I’d studied and worked towards for years to gamble on starting a business in Hawai‘i. I can’t imagine how life would’ve gone had I not taken that chance. Leaving the safety and security of that life to throw caution to the wind and move across the ocean to stake your claim. Fear wasn’t an option, just the hardest work and grinding it out you could imagine. I’ve been fortunate to build a great team at MBC and together we’ve made it something truly special.

Favorite pau hana spot on the island?

You know I can’t answer this one. Sundowner pau hana at the beach, Kami, Lui, and a good beer (no, not always just mine!).

Plate lunch order: What’s on it?

Easiest question of the day…Bowl of rice, ½ spicy ahi poke and ½ spicy pipikaula and of course a Bikini Blonde and Dragonfruit Seltzer…

Where’s your “secret spot” to disconnect and reset?

If I told you it wouldn’t be my secret so I’m keeping that for myself. I would say that a few months ago I realized how infrequently we’d been hitting the beach. I’d forgotten how healing the sun, ocean, and friends can recharge your being. We try to do a beach day once a week with our friends and Lui (our beloved rescue senior dog) to hit that “reset button”.

Describe your style in three words.

Simple, comfortable, and…branded. I do love a well fitting three-piece suit, however.

What’s something people always ask you for advice about?

Ninety-eight percent of the time I’m asked for advice on building a business like ours. It usually starts with building a brewery, brewing beer, financing, restaurants, etc. I think many believe it’s going to be easy because they’ve got a cool idea (sometimes). I give it to them straight and don’t hold back what it truly takes. I feel I’d be doing a disservice to those seeking advice to give them a false sense of hope. I like to think that if they still want to go forward after speaking to me, they MAY have the beginning of what it takes to succeed in their pursuit.

What does leaving a legacy mean to you?

Beyond my family, I’d like my legacy to be able to point to what we’ve created and say “yeah, we did that,” but more importantly the positive mark we’ve left in doing for others.

What’s one community initiative you’re passionate about?

I’ve been an advocate for real solutions to affordable housing for our people from the beginning. Whether it be affordable purchase or rental, we absolutely must do things differently. It’s been deflating at times to work towards these goals only to get blocked by the very people who’ve run politically on this as a platform. Instead, we now focus on areas that we can directly impact.

Recently we partnered with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to build the Ohana Pilot Project to build ADUs (“ohanas”) on the properties of local families who lost their homes on Maui. The MBC Fire Fund along with Stable Road foundation and GEM so far have built and donated seven ohanas for these families to live in on their property while their main home is rebuilt. This has allowed these families to return to Lahaina and live in close proximity for the first time since the fires.

I believe that we don’t have Maui without its people so a primary focus should be getting people back in homes and re-establishing the greatness of Lahaina.

What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?

I love to fly. Started about 15 years ago as a hobby and got serious about getting my license in 2019.

Tell us a quick story that captures what this hobby/side gig means to you.

This started as a reliable way to travel between the islands to build our business (for a time it was also cheaper) but I realized how peaceful it was flying over our beautiful islands. You see Hawai‘i from a different perspective, the sea life we see from the sky, the formation of the islands. It is a serious skill that takes practice, focus, and continued learning. Your decision-making has profound implications. I love both the seriousness and the freedom that comes with flying.

What is it that you created that you are most proud of?

I’m very proud of what we created in Maui Brewing. Manufacturing, wholesale, and retail/restaurants. We gave Hawai‘i its beer, this was my vision more than 20 years ago. The jobs we’ve created, the impact we’ve had on our industry worldwide, and certainly the environment and our community.

I have to add that Kami and I are expecting our first child, our son later this year. This has dramatically changed my outlook on pretty much everything, so I’d say building a family will be my proudest.

What’s one decision that completely changed the course of your career?

The biggest decision that changed the course of my career was choosing to get out of my own way. For years, I was wearing lots of hats—field technician, estimator, project manager, operations manager—and that got us to a certain level. But real growth didn’t begin until I brought in a business coach, embraced systems like Metronomics, and started building a leadership team that could own and drive outcomes. That shift allowed me to step into a true CEO role—and now I help other leaders make that same leap—stepping into clarity and scaling through trust.

Where’s your “secret spot” to disconnect and reset?

My secret spot to disconnect and reset is surfing at “China Walls” in the Portlock area —though I guess it’s not so secret anymore. I love jumping off the wall and being right at the break without a long paddle out. Whether it’s dawn patrol with a few friends, beating the crowd for a quiet morning session, or sunset when the neighborhood surfers come out to share waves and stories, it’s beautiful! The waves at China Walls are steep and fast—just the way I like it. It’s where I reset, stay sharp, and realign.

Who or what keeps you grounded when life gets hectic?

My faith and my family keep me grounded, especially when life gets hectic. I start every morning with prayer and reflection, often followed by a swim workout at UH with other swimmers. It clears my head and sets the tone for the day. In the evenings, I wind down with a hot tub and cold plunge routine and take time to reflect with gratitude naming three things I’m most thankful for from the day.

But the real anchor is my family. My wife and I have three incredible kids. Sitting around the dinner table and hearing about their days—what’s happening at school, what their friends are up to, how swim practice went, or just sharing a laugh together, those are the moments that bring me back to what matters. They remind me why I do what I do.

What does leaving a legacy mean to you?

To me, legacy isn’t about titles or recognition—it’s about impact. It’s about building something that outlives you and investing in people in a way that changes their trajectory. I’ve spent most of my life building businesses, but my true legacy is in the people I’ve helped grow—my team, my kids, the leaders I’ve worked with.

I was raised on hard work, faith, and integrity. They weren’t optional—they were non-negotiables. Those values shaped me early, and they still guide me now. Whether I’m coaching my team, a leader, making a tough decision, or sitting around the dinner table with my family, I want to be the kind of man who helps others rise and live with purpose.

That’s what legacy means to me—leaving behind something good in the lives of those I’ve walked alongside.

Do you want to retire or live to retire?

I don’t believe in retirement the way most people define it. I believe in living with purpose for as long as I can contribute and stay connected to what matters. At some point, I’ll step away from the daily demands of business—but I don’t see myself ever stepping away from a life of meaning, growth, or service.

I want to keep growing, giving, and staying present in the community and in the lives of the people I love. I want to stay engaged. To me, the goal isn’t to retire—it’s to live each day with clarity and intention for as long as I’m given the chance.

Lately, I’ve been reading the biography of Benjamin Franklin by Carl Van Doren, and I admire how Franklin continually reinvented himself throughout his life. He stayed relevant, curious, and useful well into his later years. That’s the kind of life I hope to lead—purposeful, evolving, and filled with great impact.

What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?

Coaching my business leaders and other business leaders through the Metronomics Growth System has become a deeply meaningful pursuit. After years of building companies, there’s something incredibly rewarding about helping other executive teams gain clarity and confidence. I love helping them create alignment—making sure the right people are in the right seats, with a clear rhythm and a shared vision. When that happens, companies don’t just grow—they thrive.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through this side passion?

Growth without alignment doesn’t last. One of the most powerful insights from this work is how structure shapes culture. The daily huddles, weekly check-ins, and quarterly reviews might sound simple, but after these habits have been formed, they’re transformational. Teams start to see what’s working, what’s not, and where they’re headed. It becomes less about guesswork and more about shared accountability and momentum.

What is it that you created that you are most proud of?

Helping leadership teams install a framework that turns good intentions into predictable, values-driven execution and growth has been so rewarding. It’s not just about hitting numbers—it’s about building cultures where clarity, trust, and excellence are part of the everyday rhythm. Watching teams row in the same direction and truly enjoy the journey? That’s what I’m proud of!