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.
