The 15 artists at the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery at Ward Center were astonished: December 2010 sales increased by 168 percent over the previous December and broke all their records. While stores were closing around them, the gallery was booming. Their secret: A new marketing campaign, a full Christmas display across the whole front of the store, and a remodeling a…
Coming to a construction site near you: greener bulldozers, road graders and other diesel-powered equipment. Local heavy-equipment sellers say the first of the new-generation machines are arriving here this year as federal clean-air mandates phase in. “It’s all about being green,” says Chris Giannaris, sales operations manager for Hawthorne Cat, which sells the large equipment. “It’s about emissions reduction.” The…
Last year, the state of Hawaii was worth $298 billion – at least as far as the taxman was concerned. That was the total valuation of all the taxable real property in the state, according to the latest figures compiled by the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Altogether, this land generated nearly $1.4 billion in property taxes….
In recent years, Hong has presided over major capital investments at Young Brothers. Here, he talks about long-term vision and what it means to young executives. What’s a good example of how long- and short-term vision differ? Young Brothers recently invested $100 million in new vessels and shore-side equipment. This is our long-term vision. It was a strategic decision to…
What if you could get hundreds, even thousands, of customers with little effort and no upfront costs? That’s the promise of online group buying sites such as Groupon, Play Hawaii, Living Social and Hot Deals Hawaii. Photo: Istock Ken Takahashi, owner of Honolulu Burger Co. on Beretania Street, is a believer. He has offered deals through Play Hawaii and Groupon,…
Sherri Loo and her Hawaiian Electric Co. coworkers have found an easy way to clean out their closets and help other women. For two years, Loo, environmental services manager at HECO, has coordinated a suit drive to benefit Dress for Success Honolulu. “It’s painless. Spring cleaning that helps women in need,” Loo says. Since 2002, Dress for Success has outfitted…
Q. I’m nearing retirement and interested in selling my business. How do I determine the value of my company and maximize its value before selling? A. After all those years building your business, you are finally ready to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. However, believe it or not, selling can be even more complicated than starting the business. Here are six important…
Chinatown Newspaper-Honolulu, published by Nella Media Group, while just 22 monthly issues old, has expanded to Portland, Ore., and Cutinella and Sanchez explain how the early stages are sometimes the best time to grow your business. HB: What did you learn from expanding Chinatown Newspaper to Portland? VS: I’ve learned to be more organized and patient. I anticipate going into a new…
It’s every entrepreneur’s dream: free expert advice for your small business from some of the best specialists in the state on marketing, accounting, HR, cost-cutting and more. A surefire way to take your business to the next level, right? That’s what we thought in March 2010 when Hawaii Business selected John and Shannon Ball, the father and son owners of Wine,…
R.I.P. 1:10 P.M. Thursday Affordable Casket, Honolulu Photography by Olivier Koning >> Affordable Casket sells about 30 caskets each month with an average price tag of $1,695. While the company has built a reputation for providing cheaper funerals and merchandise, owner Claus Hansen says his most expensive casket, a gold one, like the one legendary pop star Michael Jackson…
Medicom Technologies says its Medical I.D. Wristband is the first device with audio-visual capabilities that stores, displays and voices a patient’s complete medical history in up to nine languages for first responders and hospital personnel in an emergency. “This could be the difference between life and death,” says James Klink, CEO of Medicom, a Honolulu-based company. How it works Enter up…
As editor of this magazine, my greatest obligation is to stimulate a discussion about big economic issues in Hawaii and how local businesses can succeed. I am honored to have that duty. The discussion begins with the magazine’s stories, with our writers tapping a broad range of sources to create their articles. The conversation continues when you read the stories…
Q: What’s the secret to running a great pub? I think it’s just enjoying what you do and being around people and understanding what your customer wants. I was a customer for enough time that I think I know! It’s basically to be treated well and be able to enjoy yourself. But customers are always looking for something different, like…
When we select this annual list of emerging leaders, we look for individuals whose intelligence, energy and vision make them people to watch over the next two decades. They come from different backgrounds and serve in various fields, but they share a passion for making a difference in their careers and communities. 1. Randy Baldemor 2. James Bennett 3. Kalei…
Imagine finding these fine foods at your grocery store: Maui-brand olive oil, jars of savory Kula olives and antioxidant-rich olive-leaf tea grown high on Oahu’s slopes. Even better, imagine stopping on your way home to fill your car with biofuel made from olive byproducts. These are the visions dancing in farmers’ heads as a new crop takes root in Hawaii….
Seeds Seeds are Hawaii’s fastest growing major crop. The value of seeds grown in Hawaii has almost tripled from $77.3 million in the 2005-06 season to an estimated $222.6 million in 2009-10. Harvested acreage was 6,630 – up 11 percent from the previous season. The industry employs about 1,800 people on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Molokai because Hawaii’s ideal weather allows for…
K.D., A General contractor on Oahu, has a hint of dismay in his voice when he talks about not yet getting fully paid for a job completed at the end of 2009. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are still owed despite 10 months of back-and-forth calls and e-mails, says K.D., who asked that his real name and initials not be…
Where is THE meeting place? It used to be the Columbia Inn’s bar, but times – and people – have changed, and the “in-the-know” gathering places are now quieter and more sober. You used to be able to find one in any big city: The joint that was a magnet for politicians, business insiders, the press, sports and showbiz stars,…
Sometimes there’s no better way to meet a new client or seal a deal than with your business card in one hand and a drink in the other. Whether it’s at a well-organized networking event or just standing at the bar at one of Honolulu’s hippest spots, young professionals are finding ways to mingle, network and do business. What do…
Critics say The state Public Utilities Commission is slow, inefficient and secretive, but this small agency has a lot on its plate. It regulates: 4 electric utilities; 1 gas company; 176 telecommunication companies; 38 private water and sewer companies; 4 water carriers; 1,272 trucking and bus companies. PHoto: Rae Huo Legislators say they want to reform and properly fund the…