TREVOR THOMPSON has worked in the construction industry since 2006. He graduated from Hawai‘i Pacific University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and received an MBA in marketing and management in May 2002. Prior to joining Pono Stone, Thompson worked for one of Hawai‘i’s top advertising agencies and also in television.
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?
Work hard, play hard and have fun.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO FUTURE ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS, DESIGNERS OR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS?
Learn about new and innovative products that are coming out in the marketplace. Attend expos and conferences and keep up with what’s going on around the world, not just in the United States or Hawai‘i.
ARE THERE DESIGN/BUILD CHALLENGES SPECIFIC TO HAWAI‘I?
Our products are the last to be installed, so when it comes time for the client to purchase, they are often scrambling because there is no money left for finishes. We try to offer alternatives at a cheaper price. Most of the time our pricing is already rock bottom, so it’s a challenge to find something even cheaper. It can have adverse affects because the cheaper the material, the worse the quality.
WHAT IS SOME ADVICE THAT GOT YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
For me, it’s all about customer service. We always need to be ready to help our clients at anytime and provide a quick response to a request. Whether we are awarded a job or not, it’s all about helping our clients as efficiently and as fast as possible. There’s always the next project down the road.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE CHANGING HONOLULU SKYLINE? DO MORE CRANES AND TOWERS EQUAL A HEALTHY BUILDING INDUSTRY?
I think it’s great to build the metropolitan concrete jungle area and build high rises, so long as the roads and infrastructure can handle the construction. Maintaining residential areas like Kaka‘ako will keep us from building out in the country. We need to keep Hawai‘i as beautiful and natural as we can and preserve what is left in this awesome state.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SUCCEED IN HAWAI‘I IN YOUR LINE OF WORK?
It takes a commitment to perform and do things the right away. If there is a problem, then own up to it and don’t throw anyone under the bus. If I make a mistake, I will own up to it right away and deal with it—it’s just the right thing to do. This builds trust with the client and promotes repeat business. We are never completely satisfied with a project until the client is super happy.
