What’s a non-negotiable in your daily routine?
I have to start my day in the gym, usually on the treadmill checking e-mails, and then immediately take my dogs, Hali‘i and Teddy, for a walk. It ensures my day and theirs starts off on a high note.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received in business?
I’m a connector everywhere I go. I’m always sharing contacts or connecting people with each other. Hawai‘i is already a small place, but even smaller in the business community. Why not support one another by building bridges? I genuinely want to see everyone succeed.
What do you do when you want to get out of “work mode”?
I try to change it up as much as possible. My partner and I will go to Dave & Buster’s on a whim or book a hotel to a neighbor island for a quick escape. The fastest way? Putting my phone away and not looking at it until I’m in the right space.
Who or what keeps you grounded when life gets hectic?
Just like any other meetings, I have to schedule time to spend with family and friends. Dinner, drinks, weekend vacations, any way we can “disconnect to connect”. Relationships, especially my personal ones, are the most important thing to me and spending time with loved ones helps keep me grounded.
What’s one decision that completely changed the course of your career?
The day that I decided I was going to take control of my future and become a business owner. Having that kind of control is priceless.
Favorite pau hana spot on the island?
Outrigger Canoe Club—nothing like a dirty martini while lounging by the beach.
What local business do you admire—and why?
Olive Branch Hawaii is a business I admire because its owner, Misha Maletta-Awaya, built it from the ground up and started it in her kitchen. Today, it has collaborations with major brands in Hawai‘i and continues to grow rapidly.
How do you bring aloha into your leadership style?
Clear communication and a collaborative plan ensures everyone on the team buys into the vision and has clear deliverables to get to our end goal. As a leader, it’s up to me to be the driving force behind these efforts.
Plate lunch order: What’s on it?
Poke bowls—all day, everyday!
Where’s your “secret spot” to disconnect and reset?
Hilo Yacht Club.
Describe your style in three words.
Understated, smart, intentional. I love when things look effortless but take lots of effort.
What’s something people always ask you for advice on?
I get a lot of questions about real estate or navigating challenges in business.
What’s one thing you think every man should know how to do?
Prioritize your personal life. I think it’s easy to be so focused on success in business that we don’t always give that same effort in our personal lives.
What’s one scent, sound, or song that instantly puts you in a good mood?
The smell of the ocean crashing on the shores of Keaukaha. Nothing more peaceful.
How do you express your individuality outside of work?
Cooking is a passion of mine, especially for friends and family. It’s an opportunity to try new things and create lasting memories.
What does leaving a legacy mean to you?
Leaving a legacy is a form of honoring those who came before you while doing your part to support generations after you.
What’s one community initiative you’re passionate about?
As Director of Philanthropy & Marketing for Project Vision Hawaii, I get to raise funds and advocate for access to health and human services for access-challenged communities and vulnerable populations across our islands. If more people had access to essential services, then I think the world would be a different place.
What motivates you to keep evolving—personally or professionally?
My partner, Kaiwi, continues to push me to be a better person in all areas of my life.
Who’s a local role model that helped shape your mindset?
My Aunty Dale, CEO of Charley’s Taxi, is a mentor of mine who showed me entrepreneurship was a possibility and that risk in life is necessary.
How do you define being a “modern leader” in Hawai‘i?
I see it a lot in Hawai‘i especially where there’s this mindset of, “We’ve always done it this way,” but I think we have to challenge the way things have been done and crave innovation.
Do you want to retire or live to retire?
I can’t see myself ever stopping. I’m too much of a busy body. I need to be involved inmany things and constantly challenged.
What chance encounter changed your life forever?
When I was 21 years old, I was asked to be a part of a gubernatorial campaign in Hawai‘i and it changed the trajectory of my life completely. It’s not something I ever thought I would experience, but talk about being in the right place at the right time.
What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?
I founded American Campaign Finance LLC, which provides compliance and reporting services to political organizations in Hawai‘i.
How did you first get into it? Was it intentional or accidental?
I never imagined that I would ever be in this field, but it all started out of necessity. A friend needed help with compliance when they were running for office and through word of mouth I picked up clients over the years. Today, we work closely with campaigns from State House to Governor.
Tell us a quick story that captures what this hobby/side gig means to you. Has it changed the way you approach your main career or life in general?
This business has complimented my other lines of work, as it has been a way to build connections and meet new people.
