What was your very first job, and what did it teach you about people?
My first job was when I was 15, working on the beach in Waikīkī as a beach boy for Hawaiian Oceans. I was setting up umbrellas, helping guests, renting surfboards, and learning how to work with people from all over the world.
That job taught me early that people respect effort. You do not have to have everything figured out, but if you show up, work hard, treat people right, and keep a good attitude, people remember that. I also learned that hospitality can happen in simple moments. Sometimes it is helping someone feel comfortable, welcomed, and taken care of.
How has growing up in Hawai‘i influenced the way you serve others?
Growing up in Hawai‘i taught me respect. It taught me that how you treat people matters, but so does how you represent this place.
Hospitality in Hawai‘i is different because this is not just a destination. This is home. People come here for the beauty, the ocean, the culture, and the feeling of aloha, but there is a responsibility that comes with sharing that. You cannot just sell Hawai‘i. You have to respect it.
For me, that means welcoming people the right way, supporting local businesses when you can, telling stories the right way, and remembering that the guest experience should never come at the expense of the community.
Who was an early mentor that shaped your leadership style?
There have been a lot of people who have shaped me, but two that really stand out are Eke, our founder, and Andres, our CEO.
I was hired at Go Tours Hawaii when I was 17, and I have been with the company for almost 11 years. During that time, I have learned so much from both of them, not just about business, but about leadership, people, and what it takes to build something real.
Eke taught me creativity, how to think outside the box, and how to not be afraid to try something new. He always says, “If you’re green, you’re growing. If you’re ripe, you’re rotten.” That stuck with me because it keeps you humble and hungry.
Andres taught me the other side of leadership: structure, accountability, organization, and execution. So my leadership style is a mix of both of them: big energy, creative thinking, and making sure we actually execute.
