What was your very first job, and what did it teach you about people?
My first real job out of college was working as an auditor for PricewaterhouseCoopers. Being an auditor taught me that you can learn so much when you surround yourself with brilliant and hardworking people. That group inspired me to put in the work and also how to work with all types of people. My favorite clients were in the hospitality industry as the properties and the people working there seemed to make magic, bringing the aloha spirit to their guests.
What is something you once feared in your career that you now embrace?
I used to fear change, and change is still scary. However, I learned that embracing change and challenges creates experiences and opportunities that I would never have imagined possible.
Outside of your title, who are you at your core?
Outside of my title, I am a connector at the core and love to see good people connect with other good people and resources.
When all is said and done, what do you hope people remember about the way you made them feel?
I hope people remember that I made them feel cared for and special as I believe we are all connected to each other in one way or another. To lift others up is a way to honor that connection that we all have to each other.
What is your connection to the hospitality industry?
Being in the building, construction, and facility services industry, I am a partner in the hospitality industry. As a full service mechanical contractor, our company helps build, renovate, and maintain properties in the hospitality industry. On behalf of our company, I support hospitality industry organizations such as Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association (HLTA) and Skål International.
I am active in HLTA’s Engineers Advisory Council, a member of Hawaii Women in Lodging, and I also volunteer with the O‘ahu Chapter and Golf Committees as they need assistance. I currently serve on the SKÅL Hawaii board. I am a strong believer in industry associations as they create valuable connections, relationships, and resources that help the hospitality industry thrive.
As they say, teamwork makes the dream work. I am very grateful for HLTA and Skål Hawaii for the platforms they provide for the industry. I am also grateful for businesses such as Pacific Edge Magazine and Trade Media Hui (Hawaii Hospitality Magazine) for providing important spaces to shine a light on the hospitality industry.
