How do you support local businesses?

OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels prides itself on being the home to numerous local retail stores and restaurants at our properties throughout O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island. We partner with various suppliers and service providers to feature local products and activities. And we’re proud to work with some of Hawai‘i’s most renowned artists including Kamea Hadar, Zak Noyle, Marques Marzan and many more to showcase their artwork in our guestrooms and resort spaces to highlight our rich island’s rich culture and sense of place.

Personally, in my advertising agency days, I have worked with many local businesses in helping to craft and tell their unique brand story to differentiate their products and communicate the passion they have for their work. I believe every local business has a compelling story to tell that separates them from being a commodity. And I see my role as helping them to bring that story to life both creatively and commercially.

What makes Hawaii a great place to live and work in?

There is no place on the planet that offers the combination of rich cultural diversity, spectacular scenery and breadth of activities from nature to urban adventures.

What is a cause or purpose you deeply believe in?

I believe that education is the key to solving many of society’s pressing issues. Ensuring that everyone has access to high quality education is critical to building an informed and thoughtful population.

Are there any community programs or initiatives that you find particularly valuable?

I’m proud to be on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Hawaii, which provides financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness education for students across our islands. Unfortunately financial literacy is not something that is a core curriculum in many of our school’s educational programs. So our organization fills this important gap to prepare kids to be financially savvy to lead enriching lives into their adulthood.

What is one piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your life or career?

I believe the key to success in life is in seeking out challenges and obstacles and learning how to overcome them. The easy way out is for “other people.” If you get into the habit of doing what is hard for the right reason, you’ll always succeed.