Hawaii's Fastest 50 Companies 2011
These are Hawaii’s 50 fastest-growing companies, based on percentage growth in revenue between 2008 and 2010. PBN asked the top executive of each company two questions about the past two years and the year ahead. Here are their answers.
1 Pelatron Inc.
Honolulu – Engineering, technical services and management specialist company specializing in research and development, systems integration, broadband telecommunications and programming.
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 392.34%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We are fortunate to employ very productive, reliable and dedicated employees. Our employees are responsive to the needs of our customers. The more productive and responsive we are, the more work comes to us.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We will probably add another 20 people to our staff for manufacturing and engineering and another 20 or so to respond to new I.T. support contracts that we expect to bring in over the next few months.
Thomas Aimoku McClellan, Chairman and CEO
2 The Delivery People
Aiea – Providing a range of transportation services: delivery, air freight and ocean freight
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 277.73%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Our focus on customer service, solution-driven sales and strategic partnerships has allowed us to grow both our services and revenue. We also have been aggressive — while others were scaling back, we continued to expand our investment in equipment and technology and continue to invest in customer service to support and sustain growth.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Our business continues to grow and our staffing levels will need to grow to maintain a high level of customer support. We expect to add both administrative and customer support personnel in Honolulu and our new Los Angeles office. We are also adding another service for Hawaii starting in September that will require additional personnel.
John Fisher, President
3 Hawaii Energy Connection
Waipahu – KumuKit residential photovoltaic systems, commercial renewable-energy systems and other sustainable-energy solutions.
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 194.81%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Our growing industry gets much of the credit, but growth brings competition. We stay focused on simple and proven principles. We have a team of amazing people with talent, integrity and a passion for what they do. We keep products and marketing simple, keep overhead and prices low, and keep customers happy. Approximately 40 percent of new business comes from existing customer referrals.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We anticipate adding between six and 15 new employees. They would include office, sales, system design, electrician installers and customer support people.
Steve Godmere, Managing Partner
4 DYC Electric Services LLC
Honolulu – Commercial electric contracting work, maintenance
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 187.09%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We established new relationships in new markets within my industry — renewable energy. The company has seen tremendous growth especially in the photovoltaic market. We controlled and reduced operating expenses. We maintained margin levels related to direct cost.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: I added two employees. As the demand in renewable energy still continues we expect revenues to increase.
Demetrio Constantino, President
5 R & L Ohana Insulation Inc.
Aiea –Installation of insulation and fire-stopping materials
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 181.49%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: It’s a whole ingredient of combinations — good family foundation, good mentors, good customers, good associates and definitely a good staff. Since inception we created a business plan and tried to stay focused. We have empowered and trained our staff to make decisions that are beneficial to our customers with limited liability exposure to the company.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Probably a controller to help our current administration staff.
Ronald Labanon Jr., President & Owner
6 Kaanapali Beach Properties Inc.
Lahaina –Luxury vacation rentals, real estate sales and property management in the area in and around the Kaanapali Resort on Maui.
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 174.10%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Preparation and positioning allowed my vacation rental division to grow so rapidly. We had 10 years to fine-tune our system and service model, and our location is almost adjacent to a brand-new beachfront resort. We adapted and hired quickly. We look at the current market values and continually adjust pricing when warranted. We do everything possible to exceed the expectations of our clients, both our owners and our visitors.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We hire and continually adapt our system to provide even better service whenever possible. Our list of employees tripled in the past 24 months. Our system will only require the addition of a few employees in the next 12 months even though we are experiencing a continuation of our rapid growth.
Ken Rothman, President
7 H Nu Photonics
Wailuku – Renewable energy, defense photonics, specialized optics, and medical imaging technologies
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 173.19%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Over the past five years, H Nu has created a number of cutting-edge technologies and products, including development of the highest-resolution microscope technology for nanoscale imaging, U.S. Air Force contracts to develop a hyperdimensional imaging system, a lightweight pod-mounted aircraft telescope, and a proprietary sensor for use aboard U.S. Navy ships.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: H Nu is currently doing innovative energy projects for buildings at the Maui Tech Park, for the 150,000-square-foot Piilani Shopping Village, University of Hawaii Maui College, and University of Hawaii Hilo. H Nu is also working on an energy farm that will be the largest feed-in-tariff venture to date on Maui. To support this growth, H Nu is currently recruiting top talent for all areas of the business.
Dan O’Connell, CEO
8 Pacific Instruments Inc.
Honolulu – Contract manufacturer and procurement source for orthopedic surgical instruments
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 168.03%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Pacific Instruments grew by stepping up its company profile, by undergoing a stringent quality assurance certification, by auditing its suppliers and manufacturers overseas, by streamlining its in-house production with state-of-the-art equipment, all which contributed to increased sales and marketing efforts. Also, we tripled sales to our No. 1 customer in 2010.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Pacific Instruments anticipates that it will increase its national sales force by two people. The salespersons will be located in or near the cities of our customers and will be independent contractors. Travel will be an integral part of the job. And as a result of increased sales, we could add one or two employees to the corporate office here in Hawaii.
Holger Gruenert, President
9 21st Century Technologies Hawaii
Honolulu – Installer of solar systems
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 165.03%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Although it has been challenging, we have managed to continue to grow because we have really good staff. We pride ourselves in being professional and work hard at keeping our standards high with sales, design, engineering, installation and customer support. It is because of this that we grew in spite of these tough times.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We just started our new marketing campaign. We have rebranded our company as Smart Energy Hawaii, a division of 21st Century Technologies Hawaii LLC. This campaign is part of our expansion plan. We have already started to hire more sales professionals, and as the sales ramp up we will also be hiring more installation personnel as well as office support staff.
Myron Thompson, President & CEO
10 Leather Soul
Honolulu –Retailer of exclusive men’s shoes and accessories
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 135.20%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We were able to grow by continuing our commitment to customer service and being trend setters versus trend followers. Additionally, the worldwide awareness of Leather Soul increased tremendously due to magazine articles and mentions, word of mouth, and online blogs and forums. Also, the yen exchange rate dipped below 90, which was a major factor in a higher dollar-per-transaction average in-store.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: I plan to hire an intern from Japan to help us with our daily tasks so that my sales and management staff can focus on improving store sales and service. There are so many people in Japan who are extremely passionate about men’s fashion and it would not only be a great opportunity for them to intern with us, it would be a great chance for us add young, passionate energy to our team.
Thomas Park, Owner
11 Pacific Boats & Yachts
Kailua-Kona –New and used boat sales, yacht brokerage and ocean recreation business development consulting.
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 134.28%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We grew by continuing to do what we have always done well: serve our clients with integrity, with a broad knowledge of the industry and with persistence. We maintained our advertising schedule even when sales faltered a little, and we are experimenting with social media to spread our marketing footprint. We are honest with our clients about market values in the current economy and we work hard for both buyers and sellers to be sure all of their needs are met. We also maintain close ties with the manufacturers of the new boat product lines we represent.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We may add one staff member in boat sales if our growth continues at the current pace, and I’m considering hiring a social media contractor to be sure we are reaching the entire market.
Rick Gaffney, Member
12 Aloha Coast Realty LLC
Hilo – Real estate sales and service
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 131.48%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Aloha Coast Realty created a successful integrated business model with real estate sales and property management and we acquired a vacation rental business in September 2010. This model diversifies our revenue streams, creates business dynamics up and across sales opportunities, as well as a geographical expansion to the island of Maui.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We are expanding our operations on the Big Island by growing the property management and vacation rental units, which will require the addition of two or three persons (bookkeeping, management and reservations) and we are also opening a branch office in Maui in fourth-quarter 2011 that will require an additional two to three recruits for the same or similar positions.
John Dirgo, Broker-In-Charge
13 Bubble Shack Hawaiian Soap Co.
Pearl City – Local manufacturer of natural and organic bath and body products, soy candles and dog shampoos
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 128.76%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: By staying innovative and producing products that the market wants along with keeping a hands-on approach with our accounts, we have been able to grow our current accounts as well as gain new ones. We never stop prospecting, and once our products are in the stores we closely monitor sales and make sure only the fastest-moving items occupy shelf space.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We plan to add one to two more production employees over the next year with Bubble Shack. Our newest venture, “Hawaii BiO Clean,” an all-purpose cleaner made from biodiesel glycerin processing, a first of its kind, will require an additional four employees over the next three to six months.
Holly Harding, Co-owner
14 Yogi Kwong Engineers
Honolulu – Consulting engineering firm specializing in geotechnical/soils engineering, trenchless technologies and construction management services
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 123.78%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Since our founding in 2005, Yogi Kwong Engineers has been truly blessed with great clients and employees, and the opportunities to serve on challenging projects. Clients have remained loyal to us and we have been fortunate to recruit and develop an excellent staff.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Since the beginning of 2011, we have hired two full-time geotechnical engineers, one full-time CADD operator, and three part-time engineering interns. A senior engineer and a geotechnical engineer will be joining our staff in August, and one full-time geologist will be hired in September, bringing our total staff to 43.
David Yogi Jr., Principal
15 Mac Made Easy Inc.
Kailua – Apple computer specialist providing repair service, retail sales and training
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 115.82%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We expanded to the Outer Islands.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We do plan to add staff to our company as we expand our company stores.
Betty Markowski, President
16 ZR Systems Group LLC
Honolulu – Managed I.T. services, equipment sales and procurement, network design and management, security consulting, and systems integration.
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 110.12%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Continue to build mutually beneficial relationships with our clients, partners and vendors. Stay flexible, remain determined but always have patience. Innovation drives success but consistency is what will keep you there.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Having and hiring the right individuals will be the key to our success. To better serve the needs of our growing client base, we hope to hire four more staff members within the next 12 months, which will be a mix of technical and administrative talent.
Ricky Zheng, Member
17 Crown Pacific International Inc.
Hilo –Wholesaler of Hawaii-grown fruits and vegetables to U.S. Mainland
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 103.93%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Our company grew over the past two years as we had an increase in all of our products.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: At this time we are unsure if we will add staff during the next 12 months. We recently added another staff member.
Minh Voss, President
18 Kauai Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Inc.
Kapaa –HVAC; commercial refrigeration sales, service, repairs and installation
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 96.09%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Our focus has been holistic, efficient design and operating systems for air-conditoning and ventilation needs. Technology in efficient equipment and software is constantly growing and evolving — this is where we have been concentrating our efforts and passing this valuable information onto our customers with the intention of helping them to be more energy conscious and efficient. Building automation systems enhance operational cost and customer comfort. Along with the installation of these types of systems comes periodic maintenance and support, which in turn creates continuous work for our employees. One thing we have learned throughout this growing process is that energy management is not something you buy, but something you do.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: As we explore new opportunities and possibilities for our company we plan to add two HVAC technicians and one building automation controller.
Colby Ayonon, General Manager
19 Will Kill Termites & Pests LLC
Mountain View – Termite and pest extermination
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 93.95%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We attribute the majority of our growth to honest hard work and our local grassroots approach to quality customer service. In a small town, getting to know each customer is important. By providing good workmanship and efficient service, we are able to maintain our existing customer base and network to expand to new customers. Reputable service is key.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Quality efficient service is a top priority. To help us maintain our high standards, Will Kill Termites and Pests will be adding one to two field technicians in the next 12 months.
William Lee, Co-owner
20 James Krueger, Attorney At Law
Wailuku – Trial attorney specializing in personal injury cases
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 91.64%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We have recognized that lawyer-needing citizens required prompt reply and assistance. Nothing is more important to a client than returned communication. Local knowledge that we are available at most times, and always responsive, has enabled the public to know that we can be trusted with their issues.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Although size may count, [when expansion] prevents us from maintaining the quality of work presently generated by existing staff we will avoid expansion and maintain the level of desired performance expected by those whom we presently care for.
James Krueger, Attorney
21 Makaha Studios LLC
Waianae – Production studio offering commercials, websites, films and digital media services
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 88.45%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We were able to position/network our marketing services on a national base to generate our sales and revenue for 2010-2011. By doing this it created opportunities to market with other clients that are based here in Hawaii.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We don’t plan on adding staff soon, but restructure what we have internally within the company to create new ventures and enterprises under the company to grow our business. We plan to add staff in 2012 to 2013. This would be sub-companies under the Makaha Studios umbrella, to generate job opportunities and revenue in the company.
Keoni Fernandez, Producer/Director
22 Prudential Advantage Realty
Honolulu – Real estate sales
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 76.63%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We recognize that there are still buyers who need to buy and sellers who need to sell properties. We focus on ensuring that our agents are well trained and that quality client service is their highest priority. Maintaining our commitment to training and keeping a client-first approach to our business will enable us to continue to grow in the years to come.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We ramped up our hiring in the last few years to maintain the highest quality of service to our clients. Prudential Advantage Realty plans to continue to hire as needed to support continued growth and to consistently deliver the highest quality of service to valued clients.
Sheri Kajiwara, Marketing Director
23 Day-Lum Inc.
Hilo – Real estate sales and property management of residential houses, apartments and commercial buildings; association management for condominiums and subdivisions; management of HUD-subsidized rentals.
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 71.76%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: There is no secret about how to survive and grow in real estate and property management and that is with lots of hard work from great employees and agents.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We have experienced a lot of growth in our property management division over the past several years. We would like to hire two more property managers to assist with association management and commercial management. We only hesitate to do so because of increasing government regulations and high employee costs.
Nancy Cabral, Owner and President
24 Hawaii Tech Support
Honolulu – I.T. solutions for small to midsized businesses and government organizations in Hawaii
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 66.30%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Hawaii Tech Support experienced growth in sales of computer and network hardware and related technical services. The release of new technology and Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system were good reasons for people to upgrade and transition from older systems they were holding on to. Our growth correlates with our customers who are expecting growth themselves and have been ramping up their technology.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Hawaii Tech Support is looking for an additional account manager and a systems/network administrator to join our team in the next 12 months.
Stanley Lau, President
25 Hawaiian Fresh Seafood Inc.
Honolulu – Fresh seafood wholesaler
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 62.83%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We have been able to grow because of our commitment to quality and service, focusing on the needs of our customers and providing them with the freshest product possible. By holding to these core values, we have been able to keep our existing customer base. Both our reputation and doubling our sales team have had a major impact on growth.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Our plan is to add two to three more sales representatives as well as four to six more production staff to keep up with our projected growth. In addition, we are looking into a number of different seafood products to expand our existing product line.
Frank Porcelli, President
26 PRTech
Honolulu – Web-based services to help clients increase the Asian international traveler portion of their businesses
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 62.27%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: PRTech focused on helping established organizations increase their share and spend in the Asian traveler market. Our team worked hard to clarify our vision, keep our niche tight, and work with the “right fit” clients to continue to build pre-eminence as a leading specialist and strategic partner for integrated Asian language online marketing and e-commerce solutions.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: PRTech plans to add several Chinese and Korean language content managers and web developers, as well as bi-lingual and bi-cultural business development specialists.
Dave Erdman, President & CEO
27 Divine Planet Inc.
Kapaa – Clothing, beads, jewelry, home decor and gifts with a tropical flair.
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 60.76%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We made the decision to open a third store in the depths of the recession. It was a challenge to make it work, but now that things are turning around our numbers are up and we are finding that to be a good choice despite the risks.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We do plan to add some staff. For the past two years, my wife Sonja and I have been working shifts on the retail floor. This worked when things were slower, but now that business is picking up, we plan to focus more on buying and administration. As a result, we plan to add one or two part-timers to cover the vacancies left in the schedule.
Michael McGinnis, President
28 Tropical Dreams Ice Cream
Kamuela – Manufacturer of ice cream, sorbets and butter
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 60.38%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We aquired Big Island Ice Cream in June 2010. We have two new operations on the Mainland and we have had a lot of organic growth here in Hawaii.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We may add one or two people in the next 12 months. We have added three people this past year.
John Edney, President
29 C4 Waterman
Honolulu – First stand-up paddle company in the industry. Introducing SUP equipment and gear for the waterman and waterwoman. First in manufacturing and sales of inflatable SUP boards and rescue equipment.
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 49.72%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We have been blessed with growth because of the great people that are involved and the many friends that we have connected with who believe in our vision of the great Hawaiian culture of the waterman, which has its focus on the aloha spirit in its DNA, and we will continue to make these values evident in everything we do as we grow globally.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We have made recent hires and will continue to do so of key people that come from strong outdoor industry backgrounds that enable us to diversify our growth beyond Hawaii and the ocean market, bringing our brand that represents the Polynesian culture globally to the inland water market and industry.
Todd Bradley, CEO
30 Hawaii Pacific Aviation Inc. dba Mauna Loa Helicopters
Kailua-Kona – Helicopter flight school and tour business
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 49.28%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: With the economy having its difficulties, we knew we had to focus on what separates us from the competition. We pushed hard in the international market to get more students from overseas with great success and concentrated on our great island weather and diverse terrain for marketing. Hawaii truly has one of the most incredible environments for the aspiring helicopter pilot.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We are still growing, and do plan to add more helicopter flight instructors. And, with our approval from the Department of Education and Title IV funding now available to students, we expect to add two financial aid administrators in addition to the 20 pilot instructors we pick up annually.
Benjamin Fouts, President
31 K & J Tire Center Inc.
Hilo – Sales and installation of auto tires; owner and manager of four rental warehouse properties
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 44.10%
How our business was able to grow over the past two years: As an independent tire dealer, we are able to purchase tires at competitive prices. Our primary supplier offers us various programs to promote our products through national account programs and advertising promotions. Ironically, we do not advertise in the newspaper or radio. However, because our inventory is purchased from the West Coast, we are constantly challenged to stock so many different tire sizes. Isn’t it a blessing that we own our property fee simple!
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Presently, we have three full-time tire technicians plus our son, who is the operations manager.
Kenneth Tanouye, President
32 Dunhill Professional Staffing of Hawaii
Honolulu – Employment/staffing agency specializing in all types of professionals for full
time, contract, temp-to-hire, temporary and government employment
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 43.56%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Dunhill’s search and staffing employment services have been directed to departments where there are budgets allocated for professionals in specific areas within the government branches. The dedicated and loyal team of Dunhill Hawaii is passionate about their jobs, service our customers with care, and have a genuine concern for all of our employees.
Plan to add staff during the next 12 months: In addition to our current commercial and government business relationships with the military branches, Dunhill was recently awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) involving multiple award contracts from the U.S. Navy. We plan to add hundreds of staff during the next three years, which includes research and development support, engineering support and training support.
Nadine Stollenmaier, President
33 Akamai Pest Solutions
Pahoa – Organic termite treatment for drywood termites — no tenting needed — residential and commercial. Also, ground termite treatments, pest control services, escrow termite inspections, consultation.
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 43.54%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Akamai Pest Solutions was able to grow because we have a great product and a safer alternative to tent fumigation and our customers don’t have to leave their homes and businesses. We also have a group of very hard-working individuals that understand that quality work and good customer service is key to attracting and keeping new customers.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Akamai Pest Solutions is planning to add to our staff in the next 12 months. The bulk of our staff additions will come in Oahu where we are currently expanding. Between three and six employees will be added overall in the next 12 months.
Roger Meints, Owner
34 Wai Kai Inc.
Kailua-Kona – Design, consultation and maintenance of aquatic-living systems
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 39.93%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Wai Kai has been able to grow due to the consistent quality work that we provide to all of our valued clients. Everyone employed at Wai Kai has a can-do attitude with a smile and enjoys their day-to-day duties.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Wai Kai is planning to add one or two part-time staff members within the next 12 months due to the exponential growth that the company is experiencing. The aquatic technician areas of expertise will be expanding.
Melanie Gross, President
35 Koa Architects
Kamuela –Architecture, planning, interior design and LEED documentation services and single-source design-build turnkey projects
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 35.51%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: In a word, diversification. Unlike many small architecture and design firms that tend to specialize in one or two project/client types, we are a full-spectrum firm. We have clients ranging from single-family homes to multimillion-dollar hotels. We work for the state and counties, large commercial clients and individual private clients looking to build their dream home here in Paradise.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We have hired production/documentation staff and most likely will hire several more on the Big Island, Oahu and Maui to handle an ever-expanding and diverse project backlog.
Matthew Kilgore, CEO
36 2B Environmental Inc. dba Bob’s Sweetwater Pumping Service
Kamuela – Wastewater transport
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 34.53%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We were able to grow our company by having loyal residential and commercial clients, great employees, and good professional advisers and by providing contractors with quality services at a competitive price. We expanded our services for our customers to include the use of a Vactor truck unit, hydro jetting, video camera inspections, drain field remediation and dewatering of wastewater biosolids.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We plan to add at least two more employees in the next 12 months. Our focus will be to continue expanding our wastewater pumping, transporting and disposal business. We also plan to work with local businesses to do more recycling and reuse of wastewater, especially with kitchen grease trap waste.
Paul Balberde, President
37 Pacific Commercial Services
Honolulu – Hazardous, toxic and radioactive waste management, contaminated site remediation and restoration, environmental construction, industrial and marine cleaning and preservation, and military facility support
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 33.92%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: First, we stuck to our principle of “good service is good business” by providing the best services to our customers. Second, being a debt-free company, we benefit from the poor economy — in other words, the financial crisis creates good opportunities for us.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We are planning to add staff to our firm — three to five in health and safety professional, project manager, and corporate executive.
Jingbo Chang, General Manager
38 Surfing Goat Dairy
Kula – Goat cheese, goat’s milk soap, tours at the dairy, catering
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 32.62%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We were able to grow over the past two years by adding a new product line — our gourmet goat cheese truffles — offering more tours, as well as expanding our gift shop to offer more merchandise. We have also been very active with social media like Facebook and Twitter as well as keeping our customers updated with regular emailed newsletters.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We will need to add to our staff because of the popularity of our goat cheese truffles as well as the tours. Not sure how many we will need right now, but at least two.
Angela Reichert, Office Manager
39 Wilson HomeCare
Honolulu – Agency providing licensed in-home health-care services to clients of all ages
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 30.11%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: The growth of Wilson Homecare is attributed to the dedication, perseverance and hard work from our incredible team. The increased volume of the aging market has helped to boost our business. However, if we didn’t have a solid foundation to deliver the service we wouldn’t have grown at all.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Wilson Homecare plans to open its sister company, Wilson Senior Living Kailua, in the next month. The home will add another 20-plus jobs. The growth of the home-care business is steady and Wilson Homecare will continue to hire more care professionals on a weekly basis. On average, Wilson Homecare is interviewing 20 care professionals a week.
Shelley Wilson, President & CEO
40 Birds in Paradise
Kapaa – Hang gliding lessons and tours
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 27.31%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: I feel that BIP grew due to the fact that I fine-tuned my marketing strategy by adding a television ad on the visitor channel. I also added more aircraft, hired two more instructors and a professional manager to handle field operations. This freed me up to spend more time on the business end.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: I plan to hire more instructors and buy a fifth aircraft. The problem is there are only about 70 of us that hold this ticket in the U.S.
Gerry Charlebois, Owner
41 Integration Technologies Inc.
Honolulu – Help-desk support, network maintenance, network security, spam filtering and network backup
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 25.07%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Focused on our core competencies and reaped the benefits of satisfied customer referrals.
Plan to add staff during the next 12 months: In-network administration and engineering staff.
Joe Massillo, President & CEO
42 Island Slipper Factory Ltd.
Pearl City – Manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of Hawaii-made men’s and women’s sandals and slippers
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 21.40%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: The three components most affecting our growth are fashion, branding, and retail. Our men’s line has maintained a strong fashion presence in Japan for several years and is growing stronger. We began a rebranding process several years ago. This involved a company evaluation to determine the strengths and weaknesses of our position and a plan to evolve the brand. In April of this year we opened our new retail location at Ward Center. This is our first concept store that features the product, company story, and history of Island Slipper. The success of this store has exceeded our projections.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Due to the demand we have increased our manufacturing space from 11,000 to 17,000 square feet. We will purchase new equipment and increase our manufacturing team from 35 to 45 employees and management staff from five to seven.
John Carpenter, President
43 Kualoa Ranch Hawaii Inc.
Kaaawa – Outdoor recreational and water activities, outdoor pavilion for parties
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 21.15%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We have been able to grow because we have the right product at the right time that is being promoted effectively to the right markets. For many years, we have been working to develop our brand as Hawaii’s premier destination that offers guests an experiential understanding of true Hawaii. All of this is possible because of the skill and dedication of our employees.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We hope to continue to grow our business by expanding the capacity of our existing outdoor recreational activities, developing new educational programs and agricultural operations. We are also developing a long-range master plan and have submitted a permit application for a new outdoor recreational activity that will employ another 12 to 15 people.
John Morgan, President
44 Bump Networks Inc.
Kahului – Web and app development, creative services, Internet marketing
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 19.97%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We fine-tuned our internal operations, hired some amazing talent, strategically expanded specific products and services, and trimmed the fat where possible.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We are always on the lookout for key players who are the right fit for our company. Project management, sales and marketing are currently on our radar.
Crystal Johnson, CEO
45 808 Electric and Telecom LLC
Keaau – Electrical and telecommunications contractor for commercial, industrial, and residential installations
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 16.68%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We kept our overhead to a minimum and watched our cost of goods. While we concentrated on commercial power and telecommunications we also expanded our services to include photovoltaic installations.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Maybe additional staffing in the field will be added depending on our contract start dates.
Douglas Oki, Member
46 Flagship FastLube Inc.
Wahiawa – One-stop automotive maintenance
and repair facility
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 13.80%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Flagship FastLube has been able to continue its growth over the past two years by remaining focused on customer service. We believe that customer service is the only thing that separates us from anyone else. At Flagship, we are committed to exceeding the customer’s expectations with every opportunity given.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Flagship FastLube will be expanding its operations in the next 12 months and anticipates adding 12 to 15 employees to our staff, mainly from the areas of Pearl City, Aiea and Waipahu.
Chris Price, Owner and General Manager
47 The Shrimp Station
Waimea – Fast-food restaurant serving specialty shrimp dishes
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 12.11%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We just stayed true to our local business style with friendly customer service, casual atmosphere, great shrimp plates and have been blessed with a great location on the main road through Waimea Town. The free ads in books like “The Ultimate Guide Book,” various paid advertisements and online blogs brought visitors to come and try our shrimp.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We will be opening our second restaurant on the east side of Kauai sometime within the next two months and will be adding about six to 10 more staff to our operations, such as cooks, counter and prep workers.
Duelane Rita, President
48 ProVision Solar Inc.
Hilo – Solar electric system design, engineering, service and installation
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 7.92%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Offering the very best customer service that we possibly can as well as marketing and promoting our 13 years in the business doing nothing but solar electric applications.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Rather than go through repeated hire and layoff cycles as others may do, we seek to keep our dedicated core employees as busy as they want to be.
Marco Mangelsdorf, President & Treasurer
49 Drs. Lee & Leong
Kahului – Provider of primary eye care to Maui County
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 7.40%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: We were able to continue growing over the past two years by increasing our customer service by adding more technicians and another doctor, purchasing new diagnostic medical equipment, and continued focus on community service projects.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: We plan on adding more technicians and hopefully another doctor.
Michael Leong, Co-owner
50 Restaurant Destinations Inc. dba Da Kitchen
Kahului – Fast-food restaurant and catering services
Revenue growth 2008-2010: 3.70%
How our company was able to grow over the past two years: Definitely hard work and dedication are the key attributes a business like ours strives for. Our growth comes from paying special attention to details and redirecting our focus back to our core values — good food, big portions and friendly service. Literally going back to our basics has helped bring success on what we consider our overall good product. We believed 2010 was an opportune time to expand our roots to Oahu.
Plans to add staff during the next 12 months: Growth and expansion on Oahu is definitely being discussed. With the opening of our newest restaurant in Moiliili-University on Isenberg Street in 2010, we were able to increase our staff by 30 percent. These additional ventures are being discussed for 2012-2013, which would create jobs and increase our labor force by 50 percent.