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Our Personal Experience in the 2024 Hui Kapili Cohort Group

 

Written by Liana Hilweh in Collaboration with Chad Hilweh, Hilweh Builders

 

What is the Hui Kapili Accelerator Group?

The Hui Kapili Business Accelerator aims to strengthen Hawaii's construction industry by providing training and support to small- to mid-sized businesses. This initiative addresses the industry's challenges, such as labor shortages and high failure rates, and promotes sustainability and community engagement. It is sponsored by Hawaii Home + Remodeling Magazine (HH+R) and American Savings Bank (ASB). It was also promoted by the Building Industry of Hawaii (BIA), further highlighting its importance to the local construction landscape.

 

Learn More About the Hui Kapili Accelerator

 

Members

Kris Baptist, Aina Lani Pacific (Maui)

Richie Breaux, All Things New Construction

Tiffanie Gardner and Chino Haynes, Top Priority, Inc.

Chad Hilweh and Liana Hilweh, Hilweh Builders

Brandon Jarnesky and Jesse Alverio, Elite Construction Management

Ramona Lariosa, Damien Lariosa, and Austin Lariosa, Haloa Construction

Loida Levinthol, PICS, Inc. (Kauai)

J.R. Moorhead, Moorhead & Company, Inc.

James Sims, All-Build Construction

Mark Wasden and Victor Rodriguez, TradeMark Construction

 

The Kickoff Event

September 21, 2024

 

From the moment we applied to the cohort to where we are today, it has felt a bit like a dream. As a small business, we’re constantly looking for all types of ways to improve and market ourselves, and opportunities like this don’t come often. So, when we saw the chance to apply to the Hui Kapili cohort, we were stoked! 

 

From the start, we worked closely with Cyd from HH+R and Billy from ASB. While we’ve met others involved, we consider them the ones “running the show,” guiding us step by step through the process. Both have been fantastic. Fun fact: Cyd is part of a band called The Vitals 808! Little did we know we were already fans of her music.

 

Before diving in, we want to note that the world may be small, but the island is tiny! A lot of this began when Chad was having coffee with a local architect, Kris Powers of Powers Design Studio, and happened to sit down and randomly meet Darlene and Cody from HH+R Magazine. That one meeting expanded our network, and we’ll forever be grateful to Darlene and Cody for taking that first step to connect with Chad and Kris. Mahalo!

 

Who are the Other Members?

As for the cohort itself, being the first year, we weren’t sure what to expect. It’s a diverse group, with members focusing on everything from large custom homes and commercial projects to development and government contracting. Some businesses are like ours, providing mostly residential remodeling services. The best part has been the easygoing, collaborative nature of the group—everyone is eager to learn from and support each other.

 

Kickoff Reception at ASB

The kickoff reception at the ASB Main Campus wasn’t just about the stunning surroundings—it was about fostering meaningful conversations and sharing knowledge.

 

The evening started with drinks, pupus, and plenty of opportunities to network. Meeting other business owners, from small startups to established large-scale companies, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the cohort. Whether we were speaking with leaders of large construction firms or exchanging ideas with fellow small contractors, we found that the real value lies in the shared experiences and learning from one another, regardless of business size. It reminded us that anyone, no matter how big or small their business, has something valuable to contribute.

 

As the reception drew to a close, we took part in some candid video shoots with Delo, the photographer. We hope to see those clips shared in the future, but what we really wanted to convey in those moments was a sense of gratitude—gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this incredible cohort and for the chance to learn from and contribute to this community.

 

Liana and Chad Hilweh, Hilweh Builders at Reception

 

Why Did We Join Hui Kapili?

For me, the decision to join the cohort came from a business standpoint. But for Chad, it was about community. Having grown up in Kaaawa and with deep ties to Oahu, he feels a responsibility to give back. It’s not just about networking for him; it’s about building community. One of his favorite sayings is, “Let’s not compete, but complete each other.” It’s a little cheesy, but that’s Chad—genuine and community-focused.

 

Volunteer Day at Paepae o He'eia

Chad and Tama joined the group at Paepae o He'eia. Paepae o He'eia is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and maintaining He'eia Fishpond, an ancient Hawaiian fishpond located on the windward side of Oahu. The organization focuses on cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community education, working to restore traditional fish farming practices and promote sustainability within the local ecosystem.

 

Chad and Tama arrived early in the morning to discover a group of keiki tending to the fish pond and learning about the history. Which Chad found inspiring as the keiki were speaking Hawaiian Olelo. From there, the group met and achieved the goals for the day - build planter boxes and extend a walkway. Working together they accomlished this goal and spent some time learning about the history of the Paepae o He'eia. Some of the key highlights was that the area was actually on the brink of becoming a tourist spot but local advocates stopped this from happening and brought back a Hawaiian cultural site to grow food to grow the people. 

 

Tama Volunteering at Paepae o He'eia

 

2024 Hui Kapili Cohort Volunteering

 

Week 2: Learning and Networking

 

Following the volunteer day, we returned for the next week of training, eager to deepen our understanding of the industry and strengthen the connections we were building.

 

The session, first led by ProService, covered topics like HIOSH vs. OSHA and safety checklists, especially for jobs requiring permits. One of the highlights was meeting the owner of Nan, Inc., the largest general contractor in Oahu. It’s not every day you get to meet someone like him, and Chad found him approachable, full of stories, and clearly passionate about his work.

 

Cyd Rosa and Chad Hilweh

 

"Grateful and Genuine"

September 25, 2024

 

This week was lead by Abe Lee and Stanford Carr. Abe Lee is the founder of Abe Lee Seminars, a well-known provider of real estate education and licensing courses in Hawaii. With decades of experience as a real estate broker and educator, Abe Lee specializes in training real estate professionals through pre-licensing and continuing education programs. Stanford Carr is the founder and president of Stanford Carr Development, a leading real estate development company in Hawaii. He is known for his role in creating residential, commercial, and affordable housing projects throughout the islands, with a focus on community-driven and sustainable developments.

 

For Chad, the two key takeaways were "Gratitude" and "Genuineness." It's clear that successful leaders in the construction industry have grown their businesses by building strong, authentic relationships. These connections not only contributed to their professional growth but also allowed them to add value to others' lives.

 

By being genuine and practicing gratitude, you create an environment where collaboration thrives—where people want to work with you, and you want to work with them. It all comes back to being thankful for the connections we have and being sincere about that gratitude. While this might sound obvious, it's often easier said than done. As business owners, it’s easy to focus on wanting more, and to some extent, that's natural. However, regularly reminding ourselves to be grateful during the journey helps us maintain a positive outlook on the entrepreneurial path.

 

That positive energy draws people in, creating a reciprocal relationship where we can help others, and they can help us. Ultimately, it's about building people up, even though we’re in the business of building things.

 

Stanford Carr and Chad Hilweh

 

"Work in Process"

October 1, 2024

 

This session, we had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by Redhammer, Alliant, and Housing Hawaii’s Future. The insightful discussion covered essential aspects of job costing, bonding, and affordable housing—topics that resonate deeply with us as general contractors in Hawaii. Here’s what we learned and how it applies to our business and values.

 

Managing Job Costs and Work in Process

One of the key takeaways for us was a reminder of the importance of managing job costs effectively. We’ve developed best practices that help us stay organized and efficient in this area. For instance, we use QuickBooks Online and track all of our costs by customer-projects, ensuring that we categorize expenses correctly and consistently. Running the Profit & Loss by Customer report has become a vital part of our routine, allowing us to compare actual job costs with our initial estimates.

 

The bank feed function in QuickBooks also gives us real-time updates, which is crucial for keeping our job costing accurate. We can track expenses and receipts easily, helping us monitor costs throughout the project. In addition to QuickBooks, we also rely on Excel to create our estimates, so when we pull reports from QuickBooks, we can quickly compare our estimates with actual costs. This level of oversight helps us maintain precision and transparency with our clients.

 

Our historical data has become an invaluable resource, especially for subcontracted work like electrical, plumbing, tile, or large painting projects. By looking at what similar jobs have cost in the past, we can create accurate pricing ranges for our clients. However, we always keep in mind that no two homes are alike, so while historical data guides us, we customize every estimate to the specific details of the project.

 

When it comes to Work in Process (WIP), it’s not something we actively track right now due to the smaller scale of most of our projects. Typically, we complete jobs within 3 months or less, so WIP calculations aren’t required. However, we do anticipate that WIP tracking may become necessary as we take on larger projects, such as new home construction, which tend to span longer timeframes.

 

Bonding and Financial Preparedness

At the event, Alliant offered valuable insights into what bonding companies look for in financial statements when approving performance bonds. While we already have a Surety Bond through the Hawaii State Contractor’s Board, a Performance Bond is something we’ll consider as we take on more extensive projects like new home construction.

 

What gives us confidence is knowing that we’re prepared for this step. My background as a CPA with experience in tax and accounting, we have a solid foundation when it comes to maintaining clean, organized financials. This is crucial when the time comes to apply for performance bonds. We learned that some bonding companies may require reviewed financials, which could add costs, but the importance of having well-structured financial statements will help us remain competitive.

 

Housing Hawaii’s Future

We were also inspired by Sterling Higa’s presentation on Housing Hawaii’s Future, a nonprofit organization focused on affordable housing in our state. It sparked an ongoing conversation between Chad and me, raising critical questions like: Who is the affordable housing for? How can we, as a business, directly contribute to making housing more accessible in Hawaii?

 

One area where we believe we can make an impact is through our employees. By creating a financially rewarding environment—whether through competitive wages, bonus incentive plans, or health benefits—we help our team members afford housing. We understand that we’re not solving the entire housing crisis, but if we can make a difference for our employees and their families, that’s a start.

 

Additionally, we believe that by providing fair and accurate pricing to our clients, we contribute to housing affordability in a more indirect way. We don’t “underbid” just to win a job and then surprise clients with change orders. We focus on transparency and honesty in our estimates, so homeowners know the true cost upfront. This approach, combined with our Aloha Values, sets us apart. Our qualifications, low overhead, and focus on employee well-being all allow us to be competitive in our pricing without compromising quality. Learn more about our pricing here: Pricing. 

 

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, we’re excited to learn more from the Hui Kapili Accelerator program. We’re particularly interested in exploring how we can further improve our business processes, manage larger projects, and support affordable housing initiatives in Hawaii. Sterling Higa’s presentation also piqued our interest in his organization, and we hope to find ways to partner with or support Housing Hawaii’s Future in the coming years.

 

In the meantime, we’re committed to applying what we’ve learned—from managing job costs effectively to creating a positive impact on housing affordability, even if our contribution starts small. If you’re interested in discussing your next project or exploring how we can make housing more accessible, we’d love to hear from you.

 

There’s more to come in the cohort, and we’re eager to continue learning how we can improve our business and contribute to our community.

 

Photo of Co-Hort Group - Credit to ASB and HH+R Magazine

 

Connection

So far, the takeaway has been clear: building meaningful relationships and being open to new opportunities is something every business can do. You don’t have to be at a big event or meet industry leaders to make an impact—sometimes it’s the everyday conversations, whether with clients, colleagues, or other local business owners, that lead to the most growth.

 

"Halfway Through and Full of Insights"

October 8, 2024

 

We’re halfway through the Hui Kapili Accelerator program! It’s a little bittersweet because, after spending these weeks together, we’ve really gotten to know everyone and built some great connections. But that’s also motivation to make the most of what’s left—asking as many questions as possible and soaking up all the lessons while we can!

 

Accounting: “Did We Make a Profit?”

This week kicked off with Roseann Freitas from the Building Industry Association (BIA). Roseann shared how her background in accounting started in an interior design business, where she quickly learned the value of detailed bookkeeping. Her biggest takeaway? If you don’t keep your books in order, you’ll never know, “Did we make a profit?”

 

Since the room was full of contractors, her talk sparked a lot of discussion about how each of us handles cost estimating and markups. Everyone does things a little differently, and that’s totally okay—the important thing is finding a system that works for you.

 

For example, we had a great conversation with Richie from All Things New (ATN) about the software he uses—BuilderTrend. Richie swears by it for keeping things organized, but he also warned that timing of implementation is everything. Our takeaway? Technology can quickly turn into a headache. It reminded me of the phrase, “Garbage in, garbage out.” The key is to implement the right tools at the right time—especially when you’re growing and the owners aren’t the only ones who need access to that data.

 

Right now, being small is our competitive advantage. Since it’s just us, we can keep overhead low and pass the savings on to our customers. That helps us offer fair prices without sacrificing quality—a win-win for everyone.

 

Roseann Frietas from the BIA Presenting on Accounting "What is Profit"

 

Electronic Payments: Credit Cards Have a Cost

Next up was Clover Capital, who talked about the importance of accepting electronic payments. Luckily, this is something we’ve already got covered.

 

That said, most of our customers avoid paying by credit card because of the admin fee we pass on to cover the credit card processing fees. (In case you didn’t know—those fees are a real thing!) For example, if a customer pays $10,000 with a credit card, we could be hit with a $250 to $400 processing fee. Most contractors, like us, pass those fees on to the customer because it’s just not practical to absorb them on high-ticket jobs.

 

By the way, if you’re curious about Our Process, check out our FAQs or Our Process.

 

Marketing and Advertising: Aloha in Every Detail

The marketing session was led by Cyd Rosa from Hawaii Home + Remodeling. But the conversation got even better when the Director of Marketing at American Savings Bank (ASB) joined in from the back of the room. His insights into how ASB handles branding gave us a lot to think about.

 

One thing that really stuck with us: the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all. It’s about telling your story in a way that resonates with customers, so they naturally connect with your message.

 

At Hilweh Builders, everything we do is rooted in ALOHA Values, and that’s reflected in how we communicate who we are. If you want to learn more about what inspired our brand, check out the story behind our logo here. 

 

We also talked about using keywords in our website content to attract the right customers. It’s not just about throwing terms like “Hawaii contractor” or “Oahu remodeling” onto every page—it’s about weaving them in naturally, so they’re helpful for people searching online. 

 

The Real Value: Learning from Each Other

One of the best parts of this week wasn’t even part of the official sessions—it was the chance to talk with other contractors after hours. We’ve been lucky to get to know JR Moorhead from Moorhead & Co. From the start, JR has been so open and humble, sharing his experiences to help others in the industry.

 

His mindset really captures what this cohort is all about—we’re here to support each other, not compete. When contractors help one another succeed, we can all do better work, build better homes, and serve our Hawaii community in more meaningful ways.

 

Looking Ahead

This week was definitely one of my favorites so far! But we’re only halfway through the program, so there’s a lot more to learn and share. Stay tuned for more updates as we keep growing, learning, and connecting.

 

Chad, Liana and Cyd at the Hui Kapili Cohort Session

 

"Government Contractors and Housing Solutions"

October 15, 2024

 

This week’s Hui Kapili Accelerator session gave us some invaluable insights, helping us think differently about government contracting and housing initiatives in Hawaii. It felt like a turning point as we dig deeper into what it takes to grow the business sustainably—and with a long-term strategy in mind.

 

Government Contracting Demystified

 

The session kicked off with Michael Youth from the Small Business Association (SBA), introduced by Billy from American Savings Bank. Michael is clearly a subject-matter expert in government contracting, and it was refreshing to have someone break down the basics in a way that felt approachable.

 

Government contracting has always felt like a bit of a mystery to us—something we’ve toyed with but never fully explored. This session was a real eye-opener. Michael emphasized that contracting isn’t just about picking up small projects here and there; it’s a serious investment that requires preparation and planning.

 

One of the major highlights was learning about the 8(a) Business Development Program. Michael explained that this program allows small businesses to compete for certain government contracts over nine years, giving them the chance to grow and establish themselves through government work. What stood out to us was how many successful construction businesses seem to have started through programs like this, building momentum slowly over time until they could handle larger projects.

 

For those considering government contracting, our takeaway is: It’s not a casual endeavor. You need more than just ambition—you’ll need:

 

• Strong financial statements
• The right certifications and bonding in place
• Business plan including how to staff the projects
• A solid cash flow to handle gaps between payments

 

If this is something you’re curious about, talk to the SBA or the Hawaii Small Business Development Center (HSBDC). There’s a lot to unpack, and working with experts could save you time and help you determine if this path is right for you.

 

Learn more about the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program.

 

Taking Notes and Asking Many Questions

 

Housing and Hawaii’s Bill 7: Insights from Denise Iseri-Matsubara

 

The second part of the session featured Denise Iseri-Matsubara, the Executive Director of the Office of Housing and Homelessness. Her presentation shed light on Bill 7, a measure we weren’t familiar with before but are now excited to learn more about.

 

At a high level, Bill 7 aims to increase the availability of affordable rental housing by offering incentives for property owners and developers to build small apartment complexes. The bill relaxes zoning and building restrictions to encourage development on smaller lots, especially in urban areas, making it easier for projects to move forward with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

 

Some of the key aspects of Bill 7 include:

 

• Allowing small apartment buildings of up to 10 units on urban lots previously not zoned for them.
• Speeding up permitting processes by simplifying the approval system for these developments.
• Providing tax incentives for property owners who create affordable housing units.

 

It was eye-opening to hear Denise explain the potential impact this bill and we are curious of how this will impact the future housing of Hawaii. 

 

Learn more about Bill 7 with the Honolulu Planning & Permitting. 

 

Final Thoughts

 

This session was packed with useful information, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable experts. Whether it’s government contracting or tackling Hawaii’s housing crisis, it’s clear that big opportunities require thoughtful planning and long-term commitment.

 

For us, this experience with Hui Kapili is proving invaluable—not just in terms of technical knowledge but in helping us reflect on how we want to grow. We’re realizing that some of the most impactful work we can do might lie in these underexplored areas—whether that’s pursuing certification for government projects or participating in community-focused housing initiatives like those supported by Bill 7.

 

If you’re considering either of these paths, our advice? Dive deep, talk to the experts, and be ready for the long haul. Big things are possible, but they take time, energy, and the right partnerships.

 

"EOS and Generation Z"

October 22, 2024

 

This week’s Hui Kapili session was packed with insights into systematizing operations for business growth and understanding the next generation of the workforce. These lessons reminded us how intentional planning can transform a business, and that working with younger generations can provide new perspectives that are key to future success.

 

Systematizing Success with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)

 

The first part of the session, led by Craig Chong of Fresh Leadership, introduced us to the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)—a structured framework designed to help businesses grow with clarity and efficiency. Craig, whose leadership consulting firm you can learn more about through Fresh Leadership, explained that EOS brings maturity to business operations by shifting away from a reactive, “startup” mentality.

 

We were given a copy of "Traction" by Gino Wickman, which delves into how EOS can help business owners create written processes that align goals, values, and metrics. Our biggest takeaway was recognizing the need to document everything—moving ideas from our heads onto paper—so that everyone involved in the business has a clear roadmap. Richie Breax from All Things New emphasized the importance of this, explaining that EOS enables leaders to focus on 'working on the business', not just 'working in the business'. This mindset shift allows owners to step back and operate strategically, ensuring smoother operations.

 

We also found JR Moorhead’s insights particularly valuable. As the founder of Moorhead Build, JR stressed how clearly defined values not only guide day-to-day decisions but also help attract the right clients and employees. His experience in aligning values with operations resonated with us as a small contractor, reinforcing that success isn’t just about completing projects—it’s about building the right partnerships. 

 

Understanding Generation Z: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Workforce

 

The second half of the session was led by the Center for Tomorrow's Leaders (CTL), a nonprofit organization that mentors young individuals preparing to enter the workforce. The team from CTL—whose work you can explore further at CTL Hawaii—offered practical insights on working with Generation Z. Although none of the presenters were Gen Z themselves, their experience working with young people gave us valuable perspectives.

 

We were encouraged to see the potential in Gen Z’s curiosity and coachability. This generation, raised with access to a wealth of information, brings fresh perspectives that can benefit businesses—but they also face unique challenges, like managing the stress of constant connectivity. The takeaway for us is to embrace their curiosity by providing mentorship and opportunities for learning.

 

We also had a few laughs as we learned some Gen Z lingo, including the phrase “OK Boomer.” While often used humorously to push back against outdated views, it’s a reminder that this generation values being heard and understood. We reflected on the fact that this desire isn’t exclusive to Gen Z—when we were in our early 20s, we also wanted our voices to matter. As employers, it’s our responsibility to foster connection, not separation, between generations, so everyone feels respected and valued at work.

 

Final Thoughts

 

This session offered us important tools to grow both internally through structured systems like EOS and externally by engaging with younger generations thoughtfully. Whether it’s creating written processes that clarify goals or embracing the unique strengths of Gen Z employees, intentional growth requires balancing structure with compassion.

 

We are grateful to have learned from Craig Chong, Richie Breax, and JR Moorhead, whose insights are helping us build a more sustainable future for our business. We’re excited to implement these lessons—documenting processes, aligning values, and nurturing intergenerational connections—so that our business can grow with purpose and resilience.

 

We look forward to building a better future together—one intentional step at a time.

 

"Funding Strategies and Bonding Basics"

October 29, 2024

 

Before diving into the session highlights, we want to share a couple of moments from this day that underscore the importance of connection in our small island community. Chad had the honor of being a keynote speaker for the BIA PACT program—a program supporting young professionals in developing valuable construction skills. Having visited the class before, Chad was inspired by their determination to grow and returned with a renewed sense of purpose.

 

As Chad arrived, we saw a familiar face from the Hui Kapili cohort: Haloa Construction was there to support their team members graduating from the program. This connection showed us how deep and interconnected our community truly is. Later, while sharing this story with Chad’s mother-in-law, we discovered a surprising connection to JR Moorhead, another cohort mentor. It turns out Chad’s mother-in-law was once mentored by JR’s mother! We now feel even more grateful for the support and guidance that JR provides, knowing this connection spans generations. These experiences remind us that while technical training is invaluable, it’s the relationships and support that make all the difference in this journey.

 

Session 1: Funding Growth with American Savings Bank

 

Our first session, presented by Steven Nakahara and Jeb Bassett of American Savings Bank (ASB), focused on strategies for funding growth. Steven, ASB’s Director of Credit, shared an inside perspective on the credit analysis process, emphasizing that clean, up-to-date financials and transparent explanations of any anomalies are essential when seeking funding. For example, being able to explain variations in quarterly earnings can give lenders a better understanding of the business’s financial health.

 

For contractors, cash flow stability is critical, especially for projects where cash outflows may precede billable milestones. ASB discussed the benefits of a line of credit to manage these cash flow gaps, particularly helpful when expenses arise before receiving customer payments. At Hilweh Builders, we have a rigorous approach to cash management, tracking weekly cash reports to stay aligned with our financial projections. This session was a welcome reminder of the importance of disciplined cash management as a fundamental practice for growth.

 

Session 2: Bonding Essentials with HPM and Alliant

 

The second session focused on bonding options for contractors and was presented by Darlene Yoshida from HPM and Mike Grossi from Alliant. While bonding isn’t always required for smaller residential projects, it’s essential to understand when and how bonds are necessary, especially as we consider potential growth into larger commercial contracts.

 

Darlene introduced us to an option through HPM, where bonding can be available with no fee if contractors source a minimum of 20% of project materials from HPM and provide 30% collateral. For projects that require bonds, this can be a valuable solution, especially in residential settings.

Mike from Alliant provided insight into bonding requirements for commercial and government contracts, where performance bonds are standard practice. He emphasized that working closely with bonding companies early on can help ensure all details align across the contract, from contractor to customer to bonding agency. For general contractors like us, maintaining ready and detailed financials and job costing helps us fulfill bonding requirements with ease when necessary. While bonding is often tied to project size and scope, our company is bonded in accordance with all Hawaii state general contracting licensing requirements, so we’re prepared when opportunities arise.

 

Session 3: Building Culture with ASB’s HR Lead

 

The final session, led by ASB’s HR lead, was a lively discussion on building and sustaining company culture. Through a mix of stories and examples, we explored how culture is defined not just by words but by actions. Haloa Construction shared that “ohana” (family) is central to their company values, which we’ve seen firsthand as they supported their team at the PACT graduation. This conversation underscored that creating and sustaining a strong culture requires actions that consistently reflect those values.

 

For us at Hilweh Builders, this session reaffirmed our commitment to building a culture rooted in ALOHA values. We’re excited to shape these values further so that our team feels supported and encouraged every day.

 

Preparing for Future Opportunities

 

Today’s sessions gave us essential insights into funding, bonding, and fostering a strong workplace culture—all crucial as we look toward future growth. Hui Kapili has provided us with the tools to support this growth, from cash management to bonding knowledge and team-building essentials. And while we’re nearing the end of the cohort, we’re taking in all that we can, knowing these insights, paired with the network we’re building, will be invaluable for the future of Hilweh Builders.

 

"Leadership, Legacy, and Networking"

November 5, 2024

 

The November 5th Hui Kapili session was a memorable day, as it was hosted at the Hawaii Leadership Forum in Topa Tower—a location that holds a special place for us. Before the forum, we took the opportunity to visit my old office in the building and reconnect with my former boss Matt and some colleagues. It felt great to catch up and see familiar faces in such a meaningful setting. Then, Chad and I headed upstairs to join the forum and contribute cream puffs from Liliha Bakery—a personal favorite—for the potluck gathering.

 

This session was originally intended to feature four panelists, but only Michael Young from Albert C. Kobayashi Inc. could attend. Michael’s perspective was invaluable as he shared stories about his journey through the company, which is deeply rooted in family legacy. Hearing him describe the significance of the positive reputation his father left behind was a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity. Michael noted that while financial stability and a solid customer base are essential, a respected reputation within the community, with employees, and among clients is often the hardest-earned asset in the construction business.

 

The topic of succession planning resonated with us as we reflected on how long-term trust and community respect can be built only through years of intentional relationship-building. This kind of legacy, combined with financial and operational success, can create a lasting impact.

 

For this session, we invited our two employees to join us, allowing them to meet and network with other contractors in the cohort. The informal potluck and networking gathering afterward was a refreshing way to connect, share experiences, and strengthen our relationships as a group of local construction professionals. It was a fitting and energizing gathering as we near the end of the Hui Kapili program, deepening connections that we know will be long-standing in the industry.

 

We are immensely grateful to Hawaii Home + Remodeling Magazine and American Savings Bank for their dedication to supporting local construction companies. Their efforts are helping us build the relationships, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive as we continue to grow our business on Oahu.

 

Chad Hilweh and Hui Kapili Networking

 

"The Final Session and Graduation Party"

November 12, 2024

 

As we wrapped up the final session of our Hui Kapili cohort, it was a bittersweet moment. After 10 weeks of training, collaboration, and growth, it was hard to say goodbye, but the session was filled with invaluable lessons and key takeaways that will help improve our company, culture, and team.

 

Company Culture & Lessons Learned from Amazon

 

David Hijirida, the newly appointed president of ProService, was our first speaker. It was fascinating to hear about his journey, particularly his transition from the mainland to Hawaii and how he has applied his background in science to improve business processes and leadership. One standout story from David was about how leadership teams at Amazon assess change. Instead of using PowerPoint slides, they write out a 6-page executive summary outlining the proposed changes. This allows leadership to study the idea together and discuss it before moving forward with action steps. David also stressed the importance of clear communication in leadership—you can’t expect your team to know what you want unless you clearly tell them. This approach to coaching resonates deeply with us, as we believe directness is essential to maintaining a strong company culture.

 

David Hijirida Sharing His Expert Insights into Business

 

Leading with Aloha

 

We were also fortunate to hear from Duane Kurisu, the founder of AIO, who shared his inspiring journey as an entrepreneur and his deep commitment to Hawaii. Duane’s passion for supporting local people and giving back to the community was evident. He shared insights into the importance of taking risks and emphasized that the key to successful risk-taking is not the magnitude of the risk, but the commitment to moving forward and doing everything necessary to make it work. This made me reflect on the risks we take as business owners—such as hiring employees—and how our commitment to their success is just as important as the financial commitment.

 

Graduation and Celebration

 

The culmination of our time in the cohort was the graduation party, a perfect way to celebrate the relationships we’ve built and the growth we’ve experienced. The event at the American Savings Bank main campus was filled with food, live entertainment, and a heartfelt ceremony. We were presented with plaques—each thoughtfully designed with raw wood and stamped with our names, as well as the time 2:00 PM, representing when our cohort sessions began every Tuesday. The best part was being able to invite our two employees to join the celebration. It was a great opportunity for them to network and connect with others in the industry.

 

The connections we made in this cohort are ones we will cherish. It was less of a goodbye and more of a “see you later.” We look forward to maintaining these friendships and professional relationships, knowing that we are all here to support each other’s success. We hope to reconnect with American Savings Bank and Hawaii Home + Remodeling Magazine in the future, continuing to be part of this powerful community.

 

As we move forward, we’re excited to take everything we’ve learned and apply it to our business, with a continued commitment to Aloha—building not just a business, but lasting, supportive relationships in the construction industry.

 

At the Graduation Ceremony - Liana and Chad Hilweh

 

Hui Kapili Acclerator Program Graduation Gift

 

The Graduation Party for 2024 Hui Kapili Cohort Group

 

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of Hilweh Builders and do not reflect the official policy or position of any companies, organizations, or individuals mentioned, including American Savings Bank, Hawaii Home + Remodeling Magazine, or the Hui Kapili Accelerator Program.

 

Our content is intended to be fun, casual, and informative—but please note that it should not be taken too seriously or used as professional, legal, or financial advice. We encourage you to seek professional guidance specific to your situation if needed.

 

This blog is meant for entertainment and informational purposes only. Hilweh Builders disclaims all liability from actions taken based on the information provided here. Enjoy reading and have fun!

 

Aloha from the 2024 Hui Kapili Cohort Group!