What’s the first job that taught you real responsibility?

The first role that truly taught me responsibility was becoming part of Maunakea Marketplace in Chinatown. I was responsible for 107 tenants from all walks of life. The property is a unique mixed-use community that brings together 69 retail businesses and 38 units of affordable housing under one roof. That meant I wasn’t just managing a building—I was supporting an entire ecosystem.

I had to understand how each business was performing, whether it was a produce vendor trying to improve sales or a food vendor struggling with cost control while keeping prices fair for customers. At the same time, I worked closely with our marketing team to increase foot traffic and strengthen the marketplace’s visibility.

Equally important was ensuring residents felt safe, comfortable, and proud to call it home. Balancing the needs of both business owners and residents required leadership, accountability, and constant communication.

That experience taught me what real responsibility means: When your decisions directly impact people’s livelihoods and daily lives, you must lead with care, fairness, and long-term vision.

What’s a decision that changed the direction of your career?

I have always considered myself an entrepreneur. Instead of changing careers, I chose to focus on transforming the industries I’m involved in and improving the way business is done.

One defining decision was stepping into the landlord business in Chinatown—an environment that was challenging and highly competitive, where many people were focused only on their own interests. I worked on improving safety, maintaining cleanliness, increasing foot traffic, and diversifying retail and dining concepts.

The goal was to make Chinatown more attractive and friendly for both local residents and tourists, so that visiting would be a memorable experience—one that draws people back again and again.

What’s one skill you’re still actively working on to improve?

The greatest strength we can develop is the ability to let good overcome evil within ourselves. I believe every person carries both sides inside them. One side is discipline, growth, patience, and steady wealth-building. It is consistent, responsible, and sometimes even repetitive or boring but it creates something lasting.

The other side is temptation: the desire for quick success, easy money, recognition, and self-centered gain. It feels exciting and powerful in the moment, but it often leads to damaged relationships, poor decisions, and a reputation that is hard to rebuild. I face this battle every day—when to choose, what to choose, and how to choose.

There was a turning point in my life when I realized success is not about eliminating temptation, but about controlling it. I had to learn how to consciously turn on the good—discipline, patience, integrity—and shut off the destructive impulses.

How do you handle pressure when the stakes are high?

When the stakes are high, I first calm myself down. I take a deep breath and give myself a moment to think clearly. This helps me reduce stress and avoid panic. Then I focus on one step at a time instead of thinking about the whole problem. I remind myself to stay confident and do my best. I also make sure to take breaks during the week, especially on Saturday. Resting helps me recharge, so when high-pressure situations come, I can handle them better.

What’s a daily habit you can’t live without?

Every morning, I write down the three most important tasks I want to finish. When I complete them, I cross them off my list. This helps me stay focused and organized. During the day, I also spend a few minutes reading or sitting quietly without my phone. It helps me clear my mind and reduce stress. At night, I think about what I did well and what I can improve.

What’s something you once feared in business but now embrace?

I used to think small details didn’t really matter and focused only on big tasks. Over time, I realized that learning from small things every day can make a big difference. Now, I pay attention to little lessons, daily tasks, and small mistakes, and I use them to improve my work.

What’s one moment that reminded you why you love what you do?

It was when I helped provide affordable housing to a family and support for an elderly couple. Seeing people finally have a safe place to live is incredibly moving. A home doesn’t just protect—it transforms people, helping them feel cared for and secure. When I saw the family’s gratitude and the elderly couple’s relief and joy, I felt tears well up. Their smiles and appreciation reminded me my work isn’t just about building houses—it’s about giving hope, dignity, and a better life.

What’s a personal rule you follow in business?

I work to improve a little every day. Even just 1 percent growth daily compounds into huge results—falling behind 1 percent each day adds up fast. This rule keeps me disciplined, focused, and helps me turn every challenge into an opportunity to grow. By the end of the year, consistent 1 percent improvements make you over 1260 times better than when you started.

What’s one thing you’ve learned about failure?

I love failure. It gives me valuable learning experiences, helps me recognize mistakes faster, and keeps me humble. Experiencing failure builds toughness and makes me stronger.

How do you stay focused in a world full of distractions?

I’m deeply aware of the most valuable thing we have: time. The average human life is about 30,000 days. By the time you’re in your 40s or 50s, most of those days are already behind you. What may be left is only around 8,000 days.

When I truly understood that, time became sacred. I no longer want to waste my remaining days scrolling endlessly on social media, getting caught up in meaningless conversations, or chasing things that don’t truly matter. I want to contribute to others and leave something meaningful behind.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate a win?

Quietly. Every win is built on failures, setbacks, and persistence. I stay humble and don’t celebrate for long because comfort creates ceilings. The moment you relax too much, you stop growing. To me, winning is about outgrowing who I was yesterday. The real win is creating so much distance that no one can catch you. Win. Reset. Climb. Repeat.

What’s a piece of advice you ignored but later realized was right?

I used to ignore the power of staying quiet. I thought talking with good reasoning meant I was confident. If I had the answers, I wanted to show them off. I believed speaking up proved strength. Over time, I realized the real advantage is the opposite: listening. When you listen, you notice what others miss. You understand motivations, spot opportunities, and see risks early. You build trust—and trust creates leverage. Now, I do 10 percent talking and 90 percent listening. The results have been incredible.

What’s one leadership quality you admire in others?

I admire leaders who genuinely understand their team’s perspectives. They don’t just talk—they listen. They give honest, constructive feedback and create an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued. That kind of empathy isn’t soft; it drives loyalty, trust, and performance. For me, the best leaders care deeply about their people while still holding them to high standards.

How do you stay grounded as your responsibilities grow?

I stay grounded by surrounding myself with people who always tell me the truth and challenge me. The higher you rise, the easier it is to think you know everything, but honest feedback keeps me aware of my blind spots and humble. I also take time to reflect on my mistakes and wins, so I never forget where I started.

What’s one thing you want to be known for outside of work?

I want to be known as someone who lifts others up and helps them grow, not just professionally but personally. Whether it’s sharing knowledge, offering guidance, or encouraging someone to push past their limits, I aim to make a real, positive impact. Seeing others gain confidence, develop new skills, or achieve goals because of a small nudge or advice from me is incredibly rewarding.

What excites you most about the future?

I feel incredibly confident about Hawai‘i’s future, the place I proudly call home.

Living in this paradise opens endless opportunities to create, grow, and thrive. Hawai‘i rewards those who work hard, with its vibrant multicultural community, world-class cuisine, breathtaking scenery, thriving tourism, and the unmatched spirit of Aloha.

What’s a decision that changed the direction of your career?

The hardest decision I had to make in my life was to leave my family business Loco Boutique and leave the bikini line I created (Kaimana Beachwear) in order to become a real estate agent. It was scary and the only job I ever had at the time, but I knew I would regret it if I never tried other careers in my life before I got older.

The next hardest decision was to leave my first brokerage where I was very comfortable to become one of the founding agents of Compass Hawaii.

No one knew about Compass at that time and they didn’t have anything set up in Hawai‘i, but I believed in the company, its vision, and technology, and took a leap of faith to help kickstart Compass in Hawai‘i. We had a say on who got to join our new agency and in our first year we sold over $2.2 billion in real estate statewide.

What’s one moment that reminded you why you love what you do?

I really enjoy working with first-time homebuyers. Their emotions are high and they are really nervous, but after they take that leap of faith and buy their first home, they send me photos after they move in. These new owners talk about how happy they are living there. Then I get to follow up with them years later and show them how much their property value has increased, and sometimes they make more money from just being a homeowner than they do in their jobs. Providing financial security and helping local people build wealth, equity, and appreciation through real estate is why I love what I do.

What’s a personal rule you follow in business?

I always conduct my business with honor and integrity and always tell the truth. I have my client’s best interest at heart and focus on making win-win deals.

Hawai‘i is a small town. Word travels fast and my reputation is everything so I try my hardest to protect that and do right by people no matter the situation. In turn, I have been rewarded with referrals and that’s how I’ve been able to scale my business so quickly.

How do you stay focused in a world filled with distractions?

I like to time block throughout my day and utilize technology to help me stay focused. I’m very organized and set up my iPhone focuses to minimize distractions. I do one task at a time instead of bouncing all over the place. I start my day with a massage, a 10-minute meditation, do my gratitude journal, push-ups and situps, and stretch while listening to The Daily Jay.

Then I try to do something family oriented before I start work or walk the dogs or play with my daughter. When I’m working, I focus on proactive activities that will further my business and try to win the day before noon. After noon, I respond to inquiries and do the other reactive busy work. I also try to exercise a lot, spend time with friends and family, and go to a lot of events to help balance out my life. I’m grateful for the life I’ve been given!

What excites you most about the future?

In the future, I hope to do more development to further my career. This could be property flipping, buy and holds, CPRs, and even getting more involved in the commercial side.

I’ve always wanted to build out my own strip mall, condominium, or entertainment space. There’s so much opportunity in real estate and I want to help create a nice landscape for us in Hawai‘i to enjoy.

Building a family has given me the most joy recently and I want to make sure they have a safe and vibrant place to grow up in. I’m so grateful to have been born and raised in Hawai‘i and blessed to have my children enjoy the same opportunities as I have been given.

What’s a decision that changed the direction of your career?

Saying yes to an internship in the architecture and engineering industry changed the direction of my career more than anything.

At the time, I was working for Red Bull and seriously considering switching my major toward marketing and business. Then I got introduced to estimating, and honestly, I did not even know that kind of work existed. What grabbed me was how important it was. Architects and engineers can design what a client needs, but one of the final questions is always, “How much is it going to cost?” I realized quickly that estimating helps shape decisions.

It was difficult right away because there was so much to learn. You have to build proficiency across multiple disciplines, and that can feel daunting when you do not even know where to start. But I stayed interested because it felt unique, fast-paced, and challenging. The work felt like math and art at the same time. It was not just counting and pricing. It was problem-solving, understanding constructability and feasibility, and thinking through surrounding factors.

What’s something you once feared in business but now embrace?

Failure, and if I am being honest, the feeling of not being enough.

A lot of that came from the pressure I always put on myself. I always felt like I had to be the best I could be. I wanted to be someone others could be proud of, especially my parents. That translated into work as a fear of letting down my team, my clients, and my family.

Earlier in my career, that fear showed up as paralysis by analysis. I wanted to understand every angle and prepare for every outcome. Over time, I learned you cannot prepare for everything. You will make good decisions and bad ones. What matters is how you respond. “Pressure is a privilege” changed my perspective. It helped me see stress not only as something heavy, but also as an opportunity to work through something hard, learn, and come out better than before.

How do you stay grounded as your responsibilities grow?

For me, staying grounded means having ways to clear my head and keep perspective.

Golf helps, but surfing is the biggest one. Surfing is a total brain detox. Once I am out there, everything else gets quiet. The stress, the noise, and the weight of decisions all fall away for a while.

I am also part of a strong business group, and that has helped me a lot. Learning through other people’s experiences and talking through challenges with people who understand that level of responsibility has been huge.

But more than anything, my wife keeps me grounded. She is my anchor. She is the reason I get up in the morning and do what I do. I want to build a life we enjoy and create opportunities together. I only really feel at home when we are together.

What’s one moment that reminded you why you love what you do?

It is not one big moment; it is a lot of small moments over time.

What keeps reminding me why I love what I do is my team. Work means different things to different people. For some it is passion, and for others it is how they provide for their family and create the life they want.

What means the most to me is seeing people grow in their judgment and confidence, then turn around and help others grow too. Seeing that “put me in, coach” mindset, or hearing someone ask, “How can I help?” says a lot. Culture plays a major role in that. When people have a safe space to ask questions, ask for help, learn, and teach, growth happens. Learning helps you understand. Teaching helps solidify what you learned and makes you a multiplier.

I also learned from my own experience that I cannot assume “I’m fine” always means everything is fine. Earlier in my career, I mostly just powered through. That grit helped me, but it also cost me in stress, burnout, fatigue, and even relationships. Because of that, I want my team to know that asking for help is not weakness, and success is not worth sacrificing everything around you.

What excites you most about the future?

What excites me most about the future is the chance to keep building something meaningful while also enjoying life.

To me, meaningful work can look different for different people, and it can change over time. For me, the common thread is positive impact.

That starts with my wife and family, then my team, then clients, then the next generation, and then the broader community. The kind of future I want is one where success is shared, not just personal. The most meaningful picture of that for me is seeing people enjoy life more because of what the work made possible: more freedom, more confidence, more stability, and more experiences together.

At the end of the day, if people can learn from my experiences and take something from them that helps them build a fulfilling life of their own, that would mean a lot to me.

What’s a defining moment that shaped how you lead today?

Early in my career, I had the opportunity to help build something from the ground up here in Hawai‘i—growing a church New Hope Oahu from zero to 6,000 people in just a few years. It wasn’t driven by perfect strategy or polished systems but by people, purpose, and trust.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned came from managing and leading hundreds of volunteers. That’s the purest form of leadership. You can’t rely on compensation—you have to lead through purpose.

That same principle applies to employees, no matter how much you pay them. People are driven by meaning. They need clarity in their roles and measurable goals, but more importantly, they need to know their work contributes to something bigger than themselves.

In Hawai‘i, we talk about ‘ohana. When people feel connected to a shared mission—when they know they’re making a real difference—ownership becomes natural and performance follows. That experience shaped everything I believe about leadership today: alignment, purpose, and ownership drive results.

What do most CEOs and business owners get wrong about scaling a business?

Most CEOs and business owners believe scaling requires doing more—more strategy, more oversight, more control.

That’s exactly what holds them back.

Scaling requires letting go. If the CEO/owner remains at the center of every decision, the business will plateau. The real shift is moving from being the driver to becoming the architect of a SYSTEM.

Most businesses don’t have a strategy problem—they have a people and structure problem. They don’t have the right people in the right seats, supported by a system that creates ongoing renewal and performance year after year.

When leaders get that right, growth becomes sustainable—and scalable.

What’s something you once feared in business but now embrace?

I used to avoid crucial conversations, especially with high performers who weren’t fully aligned with the team. But avoiding the conversation doesn’t protect the team—it protects the problem.

In Hawai‘i, we value harmony, but leadership isn’t about keeping things comfortable. It’s about creating clarity. Today, I embrace crucial conversations—especially when the stakes and emotions are high—because they build trust, raise standards, and move organizations forward.

Handled well, they don’t divide teams. They strengthen them.

What’s a principle you live by in your work with leaders?

Clarity creates confidence. Accountability drives results.

In Hawai‘i, outrigger canoe paddling offers a powerful picture of leadership. Everyone in the canoe has a role. Seat 1 sets the pace. Seat 2 mirrors and calls the change. Seats 3 through 6 generate power. Seat 6 steers and guides direction.

You don’t win because one person is strong—you win because everyone is in sync.

Great organizations work the same way. When every leader understands their role, is aligned to the same rhythm, and is pulling in the same direction, performance accelerates. And like the ocean, conditions are always changing. The best teams adjust in real time without losing alignment.

When clarity and accountability are in place, businesses don’t just move. They move together. That’s where real momentum comes from.

What’s one result or transformation you’re most proud of?

One of the transformations I’m most proud of was our work with Hawaiian Electric Company during a pivotal moment in their history.

We were brought in by then-CEO Alan Oshima to invest in the executive team and develop multiple layers of leaders during the proposed NextEra Energy merger—a period marked by uncertainty and pressure.

What stands out isn’t just what we built, but what we preserved. Through that entire process, not a single executive was lost. Instead, the leadership team grew stronger.

We focused on building trust, alignment, and the ability to engage in healthy conflict while intentionally developing the next generation of leaders, including future CEOs for Hawaiian Electric Industries and Hawaiian Electric Company.

During that time, Hawaiian Electric Industries’ stock value grew from $25 to $50, reflecting stronger leadership alignment and execution. Nearly a decade later, they continue to operate with those same principles.

That’s what I’m most proud of—helping build a leadership culture that lasts.

How do you stay grounded as your responsibilities grow?

Living in Hawai‘i makes it easier to stay connected to what matters.

Every morning, I start my day in the water—jumping into the pool, then the hot tub, taking in the view of the city. I follow that with a cold plunge. It’s in those moments that I reset, letting go of negative thinking and grounding myself before the day begins.

In the evening, I return to that same rhythm—pool, hot tub, sauna and reflection. It’s a time to process the day, pray for my family and clients, and stay centered.

Our golden doodle, Meli, plays a big role, too. Walking her daily at the park or beach gives me space to think, connect with neighbors, and learn through podcasts and audiobooks. Her energy and constant joy are a daily reminder not to take life too seriously.

What excites you most about the future of leadership?

We’re entering a new era where leadership is less about control and more about building strong, healthy, high-performing teams.

The leaders who will thrive aren’t just the most knowledgeable—they’re the ones who can create alignment, develop people, and execute consistently.

That’s what drives me—helping leaders multiply their impact. Because at the end of the day, my work is about one thing: Investing in tomorrow’s leaders today.

What’s the first job that taught you real responsibility?

The first job that taught me real responsibility was my time at CD Peacock Jewelers in Northbrook, Illinois. As a sales professional, I wasn’t just selling jewelry, I was entrusted with high-value pieces and meaningful moments in people’s lives. Helping customers with purchases and managing jewelry repairs taught me accountability, attention to detail, and the importance of building trust.

What’s one skill you’re actively working on to improve?

One skill I am actively working to improve is stewardship. When I first opened Island Glazed, my focus was primarily on building a successful business and expanding it to create larger opportunities. Over time, my perspective has evolved. I’ve come to understand that leadership carries a greater responsibility than simply scaling a company.

It requires investing in the people who make Island Glazed what it is. Today, my priority is not only building the business but intentionally developing my team by creating opportunities for them to grow in confidence, integrity, and character.

What’s something you once feared in business but now embrace?

One thing I used to fear in business was dealing with problems: operational issues, equipment failures, staffing challenges, and technical setbacks. Early on, they felt overwhelming. As I gained experience, I have learned that problems are indicators.

They expose weak systems, highlight gaps in leadership, and reveal areas where I need to grow. Every challenge at Island Glazed has sharpened my decision making, strengthened our processes, and stretched me as a leader. I don’t seek out problems, but when they arise, I see them as opportunities to improve, adapt, and elevate the business.

What’s one leadership quality you admire in others?

One leadership quality I admire most in others is empathy. I’ve always respected leaders who take the time to understand their team and make others feel secure while still challenging them to grow. That balance isn’t easy.

To me, empathy means listening before speaking and seeking to understand before correcting. Especially leading a young team, I’ve seen that people perform at their best when they feel valued, not just evaluated. When someone feels supported and understood, they’re more willing to step up, take ownership, and stretch beyond what’s comfortable.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate a win?

My favorite way to celebrate a win is to first give God the glory. I truly believe that every opportunity and every success comes from Him. Taking a moment to pause and acknowledge that keeps me grounded and reminds me that none of this is just by my own effort.

After that, I celebrate with my team. At Island Glazed, no win belongs to one person. If the business is doing well, it’s because of the people who show up every day, work hard, and care about what we’re building. Success is never individual; it is meant to be shared.

I think it’s important to recognize those moments together. Celebrating as a team reinforces that we’re in this together and that every contribution matters.

What’s a piece of advice you ignored, but later realized was right?

One piece of advice I ignored at first, but later realized was absolutely right, came from my dad when I was in high school. He told me, “Who you marry is the most important decision you will ever make.”

At the time, I didn’t fully understand the weight of that statement. But looking back now, I understand exactly what he meant. I wouldn’t have what I have today or be the person I am without my wife. She has been my foundation, my support, and my partner through every season.

Thank you, Rachel Lee. I love you!

How do you stay grounded as your responsibilities grow?

I stay grounded by reminding myself that I’m not building this alone. At Island Glazed, I’m surrounded by the right people; individuals who genuinely care and consistently give their best. That trust has been built through accountability, shared standards, and a common vision.

Knowing my team cares allows me to lead with confidence rather than control. It keeps me humble and focused on the bigger picture. Because the foundation is solid, I can think long-term; creating new opportunities and sustainable growth that helps all of us.

Remembering that this is a collective effort keeps me steady and grounded as our responsibilities grow.

What excites you most about the future?

What excites me most about the future is knowing that God has a greater plan for me and for Island Glazed than I could ever imagine. When I look back, I never envisioned living in Hawai‘i, owning a business, or building this life with my family; and that reminds me that His plans are bigger than mine.

My wife and I intentionally pray over Island Glazed. We don’t just pray for growth or success, but for purpose; that if the business prospers, it would be used to further His kingdom in whatever way He leads.

Whether that’s creating opportunities for our team, serving our community, or simply operating with integrity, we want our success to mean something beyond ourselves.

We’re just getting started and believe the best has yet to come!

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.

What is the best way to handle failed attempts?

You never truly fail unless you walk away without reflecting on what went wrong and why. Every mistake carries a lesson—whether it’s about improving your approach, being more prepared, or seeing things from a different perspective. When you take the time to learn from those moments, failure becomes less of a setback and more of a stepping stone. It builds resilience, sharpens your judgment, and ultimately helps you grow into a stronger, more capable version of yourself.

Can you describe a decision that changed the course of your career?

One of the most impactful decisions that changed my career was choosing to go back to the university to finish my business degree and pursue my MBA. At the time, it wasn’t just about earning credentials. It was about learning new things and teaching myself that I could commit to something challenging and see it through. That experience gave me a much stronger sense of confidence in my abilities.

That confidence became a turning point when I decided to start Hubboards LLC. Having completed my education, I felt more prepared to take risks, make informed decisions, and lead with clarity. In the early days of the business, that self-belief played a huge role. It helped me establish strong leadership, communicate effectively, and stay resilient through uncertainty.

Looking back, going back to school wasn’t just an academic decision—it was a mindset shift. It reinforced discipline, strengthened my confidence, and ultimately gave me the foundation I needed to pursue entrepreneurship and guide a business through its early stages.

What is a daily routine you can’t live without?

I can’t live without my stretch routine. It’s something I make time for every day because it keeps me grounded both physically and mentally. Physically, it helps me stay loose, prevent injuries, and perform at my best whether I’m spending long hours in the office or pushing myself out in heavy waves. It’s a simple routine, but it plays a big role in maintaining my overall health and longevity.

Mentally, that time to stretch gives me a chance to reset and focus. It helps clear my head, reduce stress, and set the tone for the day. No matter how busy things get, it’s a constant that keeps me balanced and ready to take on whatever comes next. It’s not just about flexibility—it’s about creating a daily moment of discipline, recovery, and mental clarity that carries over into everything I do.

What’s one skill you’re still actively working on to improve?

One skill I’m actively working to improve is staying present and fully in the moment. A lot of my time is spent planning ahead, thinking through business strategies, and anticipating what’s next. That mindset is important for growth and decision-making, but it can also pull you out of what’s happening right in front of you.

I’ve realized that being able to switch that off—at least at times—is just as important as forward thinking. Whether it’s spending time with family and friends, being out in the water, or even just taking a break during the day, I’m working on giving my full attention to the present moment. It helps me recharge, gain better perspective, and appreciate the process rather than always focusing on the next goal.

Improving this skill is about creating balance. It allows me to be more intentional with my time, more connected to the people around me, and ultimately more effective when I do step back into planning and leadership mode.

Is there a moment or activity that reminds you of why you love what you do?

Every time I go bodyboarding, just being at the beach surrounded by people in the water who are smiling, catching waves, and enjoying themselves. It brings a real sense of appreciation and perspective about the life I have. It becomes even sweeter when many of these people enjoy their time in the surf on one of many special Hubboards products I created.

What is the first job that taught you real responsibility?

The first job that taught me real responsibility was my apprenticeship. As an apprentice, my chef mentor taught us and trusted us to be responsible to hold a station from the beginning. Because of that, I apply that thought to my career and trust my staff and lead them to better their life.

What is a decision that changed the direction of your career?

Well, I never changed my career. I was eight years old and wanted to be a cook, so at 16 I did an apprenticeship. The major change I am grateful for is coming to Hawai‘i in 1990 and learning about the culture and food.

Name one skill you’re still actively working on to improve?

Haha, I am perfect the way I am as we all are. We are all perfect individuals as much as we do the right things in life and how we use our mind. Yet, I learn every day in order to better myself. I am always working on refining my cooking and developing new ideas.

How do you handle pressure when the stakes are high?

I have learned throughout the years how to work under pressure. You have to stay focused to keep the service moving. There are moments that can be intense because of the volume, but that is part of the job. In our restaurant, the food has to be perfect so there is a lot of pressure you need to be able to handle. I always compare it to being a Navy SEAL—you have to make it or quit.

What is something you once feared in business but now embrace?

Don’t be afraid to take the punches as a leader. Make the right or wrong decision, but keep the business moving.

Tell us about one moment that reminded you why you love what you do?

When I am cooking and making people happy through the food, it is like meditation to me. When you love what you do and do what you love, it is always better. So trust me, I put a lot of love in my food.

How do you stay grounded as your responsibilities grow?

My philosophy is to be like the bamboo tree that is deeply rooted and grounded. Be strong and shoot up to your dreams and direction, but also be very flexible and swing with the way of life.

n that changed the direction of your career?

In 2020, I was happily running my advertising agency, something I had built and led for more than 25 years. Alongside that work, I had been teaching yoga twice a week for eight years and also published Hawaii Yoga Magazine, a local free publication distributed to yoga studios across the islands for five years.

Because of the magazine, I developed close relationships with many studio owners. In April 2020, at the very beginning of COVID, one of those owners called me. She wanted to sell her yoga studio.

At the time, it felt like the world had split into two camps: Those who believed the pandemic would be short-lived, and those who believed we were in it for the long haul. That moment became a crossroads for me, a decision point that would change the course of my career.

With four partners, I chose to move forward. In October 2020, while the entire island was essentially shut down, we opened Yoga Room Hawaii, unsure whether we were making the smartest decision of our lives or the dumbest.

Five years later, the answer is clear. Yoga Room Hawaii is a thriving community with over 800 members. It is where I teach yoga, facilitate breathwork classes, and do work that feels deeply aligned with who I am and how I want to serve others.

What’s a moment that reminded you why you love what you do? 

I’ve been facilitating breathwork classes since 2021 and have led thousands of sessions. After each one, I invite people to share their experience. What’s powerful about breathwork is that it’s different for everyone, and different every time.

When I hear comments like, “I feel like I just had 10 years of therapy,” “That was the best experience of my life,” “I feel completely reset,” or “I now know what to do,” it’s impossible not to feel deep gratitude for this work.

It goes even deeper when people share beautiful breathwork journeys of meeting their younger/older self which increase their self-worth. Or forgiving someone for a long-held hurt to move forward feeling lighter, or reconnecting with an ancestor they miss dearly, flooding their heart with love that couldn’t have been touched consciously. Those moments still give me goosebumps and theirs so more. Each story reminds me why I do this and why I hope to keep sharing this gift for as long as I can.

Is there a secret formula for your success?

If there is one, the best way I can describe it is by merging two ideas: “Learn the rules, play by the rules, forget the rules,” and “There is always another way of knowing. Don’t get locked into just one way of knowing.”

Think of a chef (trained and experienced) combining two well-known ingredients that seem like they should never work together. With the right touch, a little heat, a sauté, or a whip, something unexpected and magnificent emerges. That’s how my creative process has always worked. For years, when I owned an advertising agency, I approached making marketing ads this way, blending ideas that didn’t obviously belong together and finding the harmony between them.

I bring that same approach to my breathwork classes. By weaving together different modalities, I create an experience that’s the standard model for breathwork yet distinct. That subtle uniqueness is what elevates the experience and makes it resonate more deeply.

But none of this can happen under stress. Creativity requires a different state of being. To think and process creatively, you need to be in an alpha or theta brainwave state, in the parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode. You can’t create from anxiety.

So take a walk. Meditate. Practice breathwork. Dance. These practices quiet the noise, open space, and allow something original to emerge.

How do you stay focused in a world full of distractions?

In Zen Buddhism there’s a saying: “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.”

Whether we ever reach enlightenment or not, the message is clear to me: Life doesn’t change much on the outside. There will always be distractions, challenges, and dragons to face. What changes is what happens within. It’s choosing clarity over confusion. It’s no longer wishing you were somewhere else, but being fully here, in the present moment, doing the same tasks and movements with more mindful intention. From that inner shift, the outer course begins to change.

Here’s a simple practice: Be the slowest person in the room and watch what happens. Just changing your pace creates a domino effect in how you see, think, and respond. For me, slowing down reduces stress, keeps me grounded, and opens my eyes to things I would normally rush past.

How do you handle pressure when the stakes are high?

Most people breathe unconsciously at about 14–16 breaths per minute. Under stress, that rate can jump to around 21, and when we’re angry it can spike to 40. What many people don’t realize is that breathing works both ways.

By consciously slowing your breath, you can calm your nervous system. One of the simplest methods is heart coherence breathing: six breaths per minute, with a five-second inhale and a five-second exhale. This signals safety to the body and shifts you into a parasympathetic, calm state.

When the mind is calm, problem-solving becomes easier and decisions are clearer. Had I known this when I was younger, many high-pressure situations would have felt far more manageable.

What’s a decision that changed the direction of your career?

In 2000, I was given a National Health Corps assignment to serve as a doctor on the Big Island, and after four years of observing issues faced by those in the community, I chose to run for the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives. This position (followed by three terms in the Senate, four years as Lieutenant Governor, and then ultimately as Governor) has allowed me to work on healthcare and housing for all of the people in our state. As I have often shared, housing is healthcare. While I chose to remain a practicing physician in the ER for all of the years until I became Governor, the rules and demands of this office rightly insist that a person be entirely focused.

What’s a daily habit you can’t live without?

I go to the gym six days a week at 5 a.m. to work out, mostly lifting weights and doing some cardio. I find this to be a really positive way to relieve stress, improve stamina, build a better sense of self, and to be physically fit enough for what the role demands. I am honored to serve Hawaiʻi.

How do you stay focused in a world full of distractions?

My training as a physician and subsequent work for over 20 years in the ER have really helped me to focus on crisis management and what to prioritize in the moment. Skills associated with being a doctor have had a very strong crossover to service as LG and Governor, especially during the COVID pandemic and when the Maui Wildfire struck.

What’s one leadership quality you admire in others?

Whenever I meet a truly humble leader, I have great admiration for them. It’s often hard, and quite rare, to manifest this leadership quality in an era dominated by conflict, social media, and the need for instant gratification. Humble leaders are great leaders because they put others’ needs before their own.

What’s one thing you want to be known for outside of work?

I want to be known as a person who truly cares about the well-being of others. So many people have experienced trauma in recent years and the world is changing faster than we ever imagined it would. This has meant people are really struggling to maintain their identities and stay healthy. We need to set aside our ideological differences and simply care for one another.