When news broke that Hawaii ranked as best for work environments in the country, Human Resources Manager Mandy Woulfe expressed excitement. “It all goes back to doing the work you enjoy doing,” Woulfe said about why our state may have scored an overall 71.1 in a recent Gallup Poll. “People here look for the positive […]
Tag Archives | business
Goodfellow Bros builds pride in giving back
March 27, 2013
Whether it’s building communities or battling fires, Goodfellow Bros has maintained an ongoing commitment to social responsibility, according to President Chad Goodfellow. “Our mission is to be the contractor of choice by our clients, employees and the communities in which we live and work,” he said. You’ve likely seen Goodfellow Bros trucks and equipment working […]
Interior Designer Succeeds by Elevating People
November 21, 2012
Teamwork, fairness and the motivation to serve its clients are all factors in the success of Swan Interiors, which has been in business for more than nearly 30 years, according to owner Kristin Holmes. “The driving force of our success is to have clients appreciate a beautiful environment and how one feels in a space […]
Big Risk Sparks Colorful Business
May 2, 2012
Before the late Bob Nakasone got his start in politics, winning seats on the Maui County Council and State House of Representatives, he took a risk. Nakasone and his wife, Ruth, used their new family home in 1973 as collateral for a loan to purchase the hardware division of MDG Supply Inc., where Bob worked […]
Store Strives for Better Family Value
March 21, 2012
In a time when businesses are struggling, VIP Cash N’ Carry continues to increase sales according to Store Manager, Leila Maddela. The store in Kahului recently updated its digs, expanded its space, increased staff to 30 employees and added more retail to serve the needs of Maui families. The success comes from a commitment to […]
Life is Sweet for a Fourth-Generation Family Business
January 25, 2012
A family business with nearly 100 years of history lives on today in Cindy Tasaka-Ing and her sister, Gail Saito. The two are the owners and operators of Tasaka Guri-Guri, a homegrown snack shop founded by their greatgrandfather Jokichi Tasaka. He created the store’s hallmark guri-guri, a frozen dessert featuring a cross between sherbert and […]
A Successful Small Business Serving the Community for 67 Years
December 14, 2011
Day in and day out, the family-owned and operated Tasty Crust restaurant aims at providing meals that give Maui families a reprieve in the kitchen. “You can get a meal here that you can cook at home,” Tasty Crust President Curtis Takaoka. “We’re just giving moms a break from having to cook it themselves.” That […]
One Veteran’s Technology Business Serving the Community
November 23, 2011
As we recently celebrated Veterans Day and are mindful of the service given to our nation by members of our armed forces, disabled Iraq veteran and entrepreneur, Chelsea Ann K.E. Fernandez, is fulfilling a dream of serving the disabled community of Maui. The president and co-founder of FernanTECH Inc., Fernandez and her husband, Joey, are […]
A Small Business Vaulting its Way to Success
November 16, 2011
Valley Isle Gymnastics is not just Maui’s longest-lived gymnastics training center offering wholesome and healthy activities for young athletes of all skill levels in a fun and safe atmosphere. Once again this September, the gym hosted the Special Olympics Cartwheel Festival, which has raised $26,500 for Special Olympics Maui over the last eight years. Being […]
A Business That Thrives By Adapting… And Doing Things the Same
December 15, 2010
Focus Maui Nui participants have consistently cited the value of small businesses in our community as an important economic asset. One small business that has survived successfully in a changing marketplace is Hamai Appliance, in large part because it has adapted to the change. But a business also survives by doing what it does best. […]