Success stories

Whaler's Fine Jewelry - Rising from the Ashes

Ask Tien Doan about what it is like to start over – and he will likely ask back: which time? Doan’s remarkable life has required several hard re-boots. The most recent one being when he lost nearly...

Hawaii 2022 Small Business Person of the Year

Scott Loomer of Truss Systems Hawaii is Hawaii's 2022 Small Business Person of the Year. Working in the construction industry his entire life, Scott Loomer watched how it evolved from a labor...

Honolulu County 2022 Small Business Person of the Year

Erin Kanno Uehara of Choco le’a is Honolulu County's 2022 Small Business Person of the Year. Now known as everyone’s “chocolate friend”, it was never Erin’s plan to open a chocolate shop. Her dream...

Hawaii 2022 Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Rennell Saro and Danielle Hawxhurst of Kona Crust are Hawaii's 2022 Young Entrepreneurs of the Year. Rennell and Danielle’s journey is a story of grit. Although they were operating several successful...

Kauai County 2022 Family-Owned Business of the Year

Tanaka Hardware is Kauai County's 2022 Family-Owned Business of the Year. Lori Koga is proud to be the fourth generation of leadership in this family-owned business. Established in 1915 in Nawiliwili...

Hawaii 2022 Family-Owned Business of the Year

Commercial Tire Source is Hawaii's 2022 Family-Owned Business of the Year. Commercial Tire Source is a tire dealership founded in 2006 by Anthony Rodrigues. The business started with two employees and...

Maui County 2022 Small Business Person of the Year

Lynn Nalani Solu, Marjorie & David Hunkins, Charlene Hunkins of Kihei Rent A Car are Maui County's 2022 Small Business Persons of the Year. After years of working at a rental car agency, David Hunkins...

Hawaii 2022 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year

Square Barrels owned by Hideo Simon is Hawaii's 2022 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year. Hideo Simon is a serial entrepreneur. Since the young age of 14, he has pursued start-ups in all his...