Partners Charles Jury and Brandon Ventura are both long-time bartenders at a resort on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaʻi. In thousands of hours of mixology over the years they have made probably thousands of mai tai’s, and so recognized that a great mai tai needed great ingredients. But they were dissatisfied with the quality of a basic, but crucial, mai tai ingredient, orgeat, a syrup made from almonds. They knew they could do better than this and wanted to do so with a local ingredient, so they developed a process to make orgeat from macadamia nuts. With their product perfected, they approached the HISBDC seeking advice on how to scale up production as their employer had expressed interest in taking the product to the company’s properties across the islands.

The HISBDC Advisor worked with them on sourcing supplies (although truly these two are wizards in their niche and did a lot of the sleuthing themselves), refining their business plan, and locating a funding source to help them finance their expansion, with the Kohala Center eventually coming through with a micro-financing product that fit their needs.

Today the duo has expanded their product offerings, now also providing ube, lilikoʻ, and simple syrups for drinks and desserts. They have a killer website and sell online, and have self-distributed throughout the island. They recently signed a distribution agreement with a major in-state beverage distributor, which has resulted in an exponential increase in orders. Their struggles now are less about getting their products sold than about obtaining the supplies they need to satisfy demand. Truly a good problem to have as these local bartenders quench the thirst of the world, one mai tai at a time.

Mark and Amanda Hurtado are on a mission! This dynamite couple has found a way to work together to make a positive impact in their community! Their service is junk removal and hauling from homes and businesses on the Big Island. Their mission is to reuse more and dump less into landfills. Junk Authority Hawaiʻi turns one person’s junk into another person’s treasure! To the Hurtado’s being able to provide a valuable service to the Big Island is the cake but being able to help those in need is the icing!

Junk Authority Hawaiʻi, LLC registered their business in August 2020 with the help of the HISBDC. The HISBDC has been an ongoing resource for them when it came to hiring more help, reviewing a web-site, or connecting them to other local resources and opportunities. When Amanda was asked what advice she would give to new entrepreneurs she said, “Call the HISBDC, to get all set up and doing it the right way!”

Junk Authority Hawaiʻi is growing and working hard to keep up with the demand. They often post items for sale on their website, Facebook, and Instagram but still run out of space for the amount of “treasure” they get. Junk Authority Hawaiʻi is in the process of finding a commercial space to relocate to keep up with the growth and demand for items waiting to be re-homed.

Amanda’s vision is to increasingly improve the diversion rates of items going to the landfill. She wants to create a space to teach re-use strategies to kids and adults! She also envisions a place where people can up-cycle their own items in workshops. By providing tools and awareness to the community and visitors she will be able to exponentially fulfill her mission:

REUSE MORE AND DUMP LESS!

Lynnett Tohara’s story epitomizes the path from skilled employee to business owner that the SBDC sees so often in its work with startups. For 12 years Lynnett was General Manager for a large irrigation supply company located in Kailua Kona, and, uniquely, a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her expertise and familiarity with the industry and the customers grew over the years, but she grew increasingly dissatisfied with the way the business was operated as it was purchased first by one national company, and then shortly thereafter by another.

With each purchase, the company moved further from the customer-centric way of doing business that fits so well with Lynnett’s mindset to what she characterizes as a “corporate mentality” that put sales and profits first, and customers second. Lynnett knew there was a better way to run a company, and she wanted a chance to try, so she approached the SBDC to help her create a business plan and financial projections so she could secure financing. The financial aspect was especially crucial to her business as this industry requires very large and expensive product orders and here in Hawaiʻi we are faced with long lead shipping times for bulky products, so cash flow was key in the plan.

Success, for Lynnett, is less of a goal and more of “a work in process, heading in the right direction, with a few walls and hills to climb in the meantime,” she says. Diamond Sprinkler is indeed climbing that hill, guided by what Lynnett calls her three guiding business principles: providing customers with what they need, pricing it advantageously for them and the company, and being the one-stop service shop for all her customers’ needs, whether product or expert advice. It’s all about the customer for Lynnett: “You need to give the customer 100 reasons why they want you in their corner.”

SBDC is proud to have gotten the chance to be in Lynnett’s corner!

Erin Boyle has a passion to see people set free from pain. She knows from personal experience how debilitating pain can be. She tried doctor after doctor to get relief from an injury and she credits massage and acupuncture for her recovery. Erin stated, “Massage has come to mean a lot to me and helping the people that I meet means even more.”

As the owner of Head to Sole Massage, she started practicing massage in Kailua-Kona. She had the opportunity to open a brick and mortar operation to support her growing business. She sees clients both in her business location and in the community. Erin has the only mobile massage chair in the area, and she is happy to service employees at their places of business. Erin provides a great service of convenience and wellness in the workplace to reduce stress and prevent injury.

Erin came to SBDC with a desire to get a business loan. She worked with her advisor to create her business plan, establish her LLC and provide the bank with their required documentation to qualify for a loan. She appreciates having the support and encouragement she’s received from working with the SBDC.

What do you get when you combine Kona’s diversity, years of experience with a family restaurant business, a New Orleans vibe, and a dog loving couple who want to open a restaurant? Why Poi Dog Deli, what else.

The owners of Poi Dog Deli get asked about the name of their establishment “a lot”, says Taylor Cline, who with partner Celeste Cline, opened the restaurant in April 2018. “here are hundreds of different backgrounds and cultures getting along here in Kona side by side, and we wanted to celebrate that in our name.”

Taylor and Celeste are SBDC clients who came to the West Hawaiʻi Center early on in their planning stages for advice, went through a long ramp up getting ready to open with multiple build out and permitting challenges, and
then came back to us when they were closer to opening for assistance with employee procedures and documentation.

The restaurant has quickly gone from being busy only at lunch hour to a daylong hum of steady business. It features a sort of indoor beer garden, physically separated from the purchasing area, which allowed Poi Dog, working with a very helpful Liquor Commission, to operate under a retail beer and wine license.

“We’ve experienced both the joy and the pain of opening a business out here in the middle of nowhere”, says Taylor. “The joy is that it’s the middle of nowhere; the pain is that it’s the middle of nowhere. But we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. No matter where they really come from, everyone here comes from a place of aloha.”

Cheryl Valle took pictures at her daughter’s karate tournaments in 2010 and from that moment she was hooked! She spent the next several years growing in her skills and developing her own unique style.

Cheryl was a 911 dispatcher and crisis negotiator until 2016 when she retired after 26 years of service. She says she went from talking to people on the most difficult day of their life to photographing people on the happiest days of their lives.

Cheryl is a Certified Professional Photographer. She is currently the only CPP on Hawaiʻi Island. She is also certified as a PADI Underwater Photographer. She has found a niche that resonates with her clientele whether in the water, in her studio, or on a scenic location on the Big Island. She has the skill to create dramatic and dynamic images while incorporating the beauty of each location.

Cheryl reached out to the SBDC for help. We assisted her with filing her first GET tax return. Later, we worked with her on developing a business plan, and creating a budget, marketing plan, and negotiating a commercial lease. Cheryl states that her relationship with the SBDC gave her the confidence to move forward with her studio, knowing we were there to assist when she needed us.

Her studio is open for business. When you walk in, you see the reflection of her unique style that brings a fun, party atmosphere to her clients. She looks forward to providing everything from professional head shots and family portraits to hosting parties in her studio, utilizing interesting props to create fun and lifelong memories.

Kristine is a bright and accomplished young entrepreneur and artist who had been producing her jewelry and selling it on line and offering jewelry making classes in a local bead store for two years when she approached the SBDC. She had outgrown her home work space and decided she needed to ‘”up her game” and take her business to a new level, and to do that wanted to open a bricks and mortar location, refine her business plan and locate financing for shop modifications for a location she had in mind. Her plan for her new business approach included turning her shop into an artists’ center where she could showcase local artists and have expanded teaching space. She also wanted assistance in changing her business from a sole proprietorship to an LLC.

When asked to comment on what the value of the SBDC was for her, Kristine said “You did just about everything, mahalo! You helped me to nail down my finances and my financing, develop my budget and long term plans, clarify my mission and focus on what I do best. People ask me all the time how I was able to open the shop and I am happy to tell them about the SBDC. Do you have some more cards I can hand out?”

With SBDC support, Kristine secured financing from The Kohala Center, using their microloan program, and she opened her shop in late summer 2016. Business has far exceeded her expectations and her sales have almost quadrupled. She is currently in discussions with a large national fashion retailer who wants to feature her jewelry, and is well on the road to sustained business success.

Micah Barkley is about two years into his tree trimming business in North Kohala. He started it because “I was working on high dollar tree trimming projects at a low pay rate, and I was tired of answering to somebody else. I also knew there was more than enough work to go around. I’d thought about this for years, but it took SBDC’s assistance to get me moving on actually doing something about it.”

“The SBDC advisor got me pointed in the right direction, helped me figure out start up costs, connected me with the insurance people I needed to have on board, and just the fact that he took the time to come over and talk to me about my plans got me motivated and made me accountable. It’s been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It’s a huge commitment both in time and in money. But it’s also the best decision I’ve ever made. My workers and I can’t even keep up with the amount of work. I get calls all the time and I’m hesitant to put the jobs on the calendar as we’re so busy. My life has changed dramatically: more responsibility, yet more freedom, and definitely more money. Thanks SBDC.“

Their dreams of owning a salon and day spa in Hawaiʻi became reality for Jason Harsin and Joy Ray on November 1, 2013 as they welcomed their first clients through the doors of Hearts & Stars Salon & Day Spa, located in the Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa on Hawaiʻi Island. Their concept required a floor-to ceiling refresh of a previous salon to achieve the fresh, modern look, vibe and feel for Hearts & Stars.

The salon originally opened with 3 styling stations and 2 spa chairs and 3 employees. Today, 11 employees (8 full-time and 3 part-time), work their transformative magic at Hearts & Stars to the delight of their clients.

The salon features Jason’s Hearts & Stars product line, which was created in 2011, and is professional quality and free of harmful parabens and sulfates. He has recently partnered with Big Island Soap Company to offer its products in the salon. Jason’s latest creation is a men’s line of shaving products to deliver the ultimate shaving experience, all packaged in a cigar box, complete with mirror.

Jason states that “the real motivation for him and Joy is the human touch. Salons are one of the last places to connect with people on the human level.”

Jason identified several keys to the salon’s success. He states that “as in real estate, our salon’s location has contributed to our success. We have the best location at the Queen’s Marketplace, right in the middle of the Waikoloa resorts.” He feels that social and print media have been amazing tools contributing to the success of their business. The biggest media splash for their business occurred in August 2014, when Hearts & Stars was named by ELLE Magazine as one of the top 100 US salons for 2014. The honor was bestowed just 10 months after the salon opened its doors!

He identifies their partnership with the West Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center as the final key to their success. “We would not be where we are today without the guidance and support provided by the SBDC. We look forward to our continuing relationship as we explore expansion opportunities for our brand.”

John Lewandowski is an experienced engraver with over 19 years of experience. In May 2013, John met with the Hawaiʻi SBDC for help finding a business location in Kailua Kona.

Kona Engraving Awards and Promotions opened in Kailua Kona’s Old Industrial Area in September of 2013. John specializes in laser-engraving items such as plaques, name tags, custom-cut wood, acrylic and crystal. Drawing from his experiences growing up in a family business, John, his wife and children are carrying on the tradition in Kailua Kona, Hawaiʻi.

After one year Kona Engraving Awards and Promotions had outgrown their space and moved to a larger space with more visibility. The new space allowed for additional equipment and a larger, more visible retail space. The Hawaiʻi SBDC was there to help with leasing and marketing. John began the business with person-to-person sales calls to generate potential new clients. Hawaiʻi SBDC also assisted in developing a viable marketing plan which Lewandowski put into action.

By September 2014 he was in his new retail location, and a year later his sales had doubled, and he was able to hire a new employee to assist with the new business.

Providing essentials for the gourmet chef, The Spoon Shop owner Tracy Ackerman learned first hand that the transition from employee to entrepreneur is challenging. After 2 1/2 years of employment Tracy was informed the business owners were selling, so she and her partner purchased the business, rebranded it, doubled the size and relocated near Costco and Home Depot.

The Hawaiʻi SBDC Network (SBDC) was there to help guide Tracy through the purchase and relocation. Through hard work, marketing and community service The Spoon Shop has completed the first full year of operation in its new location. The SBDC advisor provided Tracy with the tools to understand and manage operating expenses, revenue sources and annual budgeting and forecasting.

Tracy Ackerman and her employees at The Spoon Shop are looking forward to future developments, which include completing a certified kitchen for chefs and vendors to do presentations and demonstrations.

Mike Angel founded a veteran-owned landscape services company in 1999 in Olympia, WA. Over the years, he built the company by providing the best service at an affordable price and providing unparalleled customer service. Then, Hawaiʻi called. His son owned a successful construction company on Big Island. Mike outlined his plan to close his business in Olympia and start a new business in Kona to the Hawaiʻi SBDC Network (SBDC). The SBDC suggested another business model that would capitalize on the excellent performance of his business in Olympia – find someone to manage the business and continue to build it, travel to the mainland monthly or quarterly to maintain relationships with his manager and customers, use technology to manage the business (Skype with his manager) and start a second landscape services business here in Kona.

Mike obtained a private loan to finance his start-up. When it came time to purchase his landscaping equipment, he took it up a notch by investing in a complete line of 36-volt, battery-powered yard care equipment. His equipment is emission-free, very quiet and has next-to-zero impact on the environment. Mike’s goal for year 1 (2013) was to have 12 year-long clients in West Hawaiʻi. He finished the year with 15 clients. His target for growth in the Kona business is to continue to add 1 year-long client per month, projecting to end 2014 with 27 clients. He currently has 7 employees in Kona.

Mike’s next phase is to grow his company in Olympia. His son has taken the helm of the Washington organization, working with Mike to expand the company’s reach in the marketplace.

The owners of Rebel Kitchen met at a corporate run restaurant in San Francisco. Determined to own their own restaurant, savings in hand they relocated to Hawaiʻi Island to make their ideas a realty. The clients came to Hawaiʻi SBDC Network (SBDC) for help while they were looking to purchase an existing business. The SBDC counselor helped the clients evaluate the true value of the business, they presented the offer, it was accepted and Rebel Kitchen opened in June of 2011.

Located on the main street of a small local community Rebel Kitchen came to life. Family members offered up their talents including a brother-in-law who designed their attention getting logo. Personal attention to detail in customer service, the quality of ingredients and of course the delicious food keep locals and tourists coming back. They know most customers names and orders, confirming with them after a warm aloha as they enter.

Facebook and instagram keep customers up to date with current specials and positive reviews on Yelp/Trip Advisor keep new customers coming in. Recently adding a beer and wine license they now offer two locally produced artisan beers. Soon the outside garden will be fenced, offering additional seating for patrons. The SBDC will be there to support Rebel Kitchen with their continued growth into the future.

The Strawberry Patch was the name of the family’s restaurant back on the mainland. After moving to Hawaiʻi, Amelia one of the daughters decided to continue with her love of cooking, the family’s business and opened The Strawberry Patch on Hawaiʻi Island in December of 2010.

The Hawaiʻi SBDC Network (SBDC) offered start-up assistance and helped the client negotiate the lease which has helped the client’s business be profitable. The client has built a successful business through offering a great product with attention to detail, providing quality service and promoting The Strawberry Patch at every opportunity. Small business customer loyalty is rewarded with personal visits and cookie baskets containing menus for referrals. The client continues to visit competition, listen to the customer and offer the best local produce and products the community has to offer like 100% Kona coffee made in a French press.

Growth opportunity to expand is in the horizon and the SBDC will be there to help offer assistance as The Strawberry Patch continues to grow. Congratulations to The Strawberry Patch on beating the odds – 80% of restaurants go out of business in two years, The Strawberry Patch is three years strong.