What’s one decision that completely changed the course of your career?
Saying yes to an audition changed everything. I wasn’t classically trained, but I brought rhythm (from years of breakdancing), an ear for music (thanks to guitar), and a deep understanding of story. That “yes” led to roles in Miss Saigon, West Side Story, and a Po‘okela Award-winning performance in The Velocity of Autumn. That same instinct—to jump in, listen, adapt—drives how I lead in resort management. You don’t have to be perfect to take the stage or the reins. You just have to show up with intention and heart.
How do you bring aloha into your leadership style?
During the pandemic, resorts everywhere were cutting staff. We didn’t. Instead, we reimagined our budget, preserved jobs, and kept service levels high. Aloha, for me, isn’t just warmth—it’s performance-driven accountability with compassion. It’s knowing your numbers and knowing your people. In 2024, we navigated major capital upgrades across the property, sustained strong guest satisfaction, and closed the year with healthy financials while never losing focus on our people. You can be both people-first and performance-driven when it’s done right, and with aloha.
Describe your style in three words.
Preppy. Island. Story-driven.
I might show up in loafers, but I’m a barefoot creative at heart. My style reflects a mix of structure and soul—clean lines with a bit of local underneath. It’s not about fashion trends; it’s about how you carry your values, your culture, and your story into every space you enter.
What motivates you to keep evolving personally or professionally?
Every system—tech, staffing, financials—has a story. I love uncovering the plot twists that lead to better outcomes. Lately, that’s meant modernizing our digital infrastructure, refining internal processes, and exploring ways to reduce operational waste. At the same time, I’m always learning new songs, scripts, and strategies. To me, evolution isn’t a goal—it’s a mindset. Whether it’s cloud-based tools or clearer communication, I’m always looking for what’s next and what works better for the team, for the operation, and for the people we serve.
What’s something people wouldn’t expect about you—or your leadership style?
People see the preppy shirts and spreadsheets and assume I’m all structure. But I’m an island boy at heart with a creative’s brain and a technologist’s instincts. I’ve acted on NCIS: Hawai‘i, built a guitar collection, and led system-wide upgrades that transformed the way our resort operates. My background in IT helps me leverage technology to streamline operations like optimizing our property management system or implementing energy monitoring tools that saved us tens of thousands.
I believe a strong leader doesn’t need to do every job but they need to understand how it all connects, from the guest experience to the infrastructure behind the scenes. That’s actually something acting taught me too: How to see the whole story, not just your part in it. Whether you’re on stage or running a resort, you have to understand the relationships, the timing, and the ripple effects of every move.
What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?
Acting. Film, TV, and especially theater. Performing keeps me tuned into emotion, expression, and connection—skills that make me a better leader. You learn how to listen. How to command a room. And how to recover if you blow a line. Those lessons show up daily in hospitality. Winning a Po‘okela Award for a two-person play reminded me: Passion and preparation go hand-in-hand.
Tell us a quick story that captures what this hobby means to you.
When I performed in The Velocity of Autumn, a two-person play that dives deep into aging, family, and memory, I had no formal training—just instinct, discipline, and a respect for story. Night after night, I shared the stage with a seasoned veteran and held my own. That role earned me a Po‘okela Award and reminded me that storytelling isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. That’s the gift acting gives me: The ability to fully inhabit a moment and bring truth to the surface.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through this side passion?
That you don’t need permission to pursue what moves you. I wasn’t “supposed” to be an actor. Or a guitarist. Or a resort GM with an IMDb profile. But I said yes anyway. Acting taught me that showing up fully, preparing, and giving your best effort—flaws, nerves, all of it—is more important than being perfect. That’s a lesson I bring into leadership every day: Trust your instincts, prepare deeply, and be bold enough to walk into the unknown.
