Chaminade University of Honolulu

Business & Communication

Eco-Minded World Traveler and ‘Gearhead’ Max Karg Lands in Business School

Undergraduate Max Karg, an ecologically minded world traveler who buys, rebuilds and sells vehicles to make ends meet, eventually touched down on Oahu and found his way to Chaminade University. Max Karg (Business Administration)A Business Administration major who’s minoring in Environmental Studies, Karg developed a taste for domestic and international travel as a teenager and hasn’t slowed down since. “I have gone to different countries in Europe for both leisure and on a foreign exchange trip with my high school as I was growing up,” said Karg, a native of North Manchester, Indiana. “When I turned 16 and got my driver’s license, I took a 10,000-plus-mile solo road trip across the United States, exploring many different states and regions in doing so. “This winter, I plan to visit Cuba and the Bahamas,” Karg continued. “In the future I hope to visit Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, South Korea and Japan in one trip, Australia and New Zealand in another trip, and Spain, Italy, Greece, Austria and Switzerland in another trip.” Max Karg (Business Administration)To fund his travels and help pay for college, Karg – a self-described “gearhead” – has bought, repaired and sold nearly 70 cars, trucks and motorcycles to date. “I did this back home beginning at age 15, not thinking much of it,” Karg said. “But it has gained me very valuable business and sales skills that allow me to make practical connections in class.” Karg said he set his sights on Honolulu after applying to colleges nationwide and receiving a scholarship offer from a university in Hawaii. “Having never been to Hawaii, I booked a ticket to check out the school and island over the winter,” Karg said. “I fell in love with the island’s rich culture, lush greenery and tropical sun. “Since I was on the island, I checked out other schools,” Karg said. “I stepped on Chaminade’s campus and something just felt right. I took a tour of the campus and knew that this was somewhere I’d love to attend. I got home, applied and got in with a substantial academic scholarship that made it possible to come out here for my education.” Chaminade’s small class sizes and friendly atmosphere immediately appealed to Karg. “I would say my favorite part of Chaminade is the student/faculty ratio,” he said. “This has enabled me to make deep connections with the staff and faculty here that I likely wouldn’t be able to accomplish at larger institutions.” Karg praised all his Chaminade professors for being “incredibly helpful,” but said two of them “have really stuck out.” “The first being Dr. (Gail) Grabowsky in the science department, who got me thinking about an environmental science minor,” Karg said. “She’s very passionate about what she does, which clearly shows in her classes. “The second is Dr. (Margaret) Friedman, who is in the business department and specializes in marketing. She also keeps her class very engaging and brings in lots of real-world examples. “I’m glad I’m able to call both of these women not only my professors,” Karg said, “but also my advisors and mentors.” Max Karg (Business Administration)When he’s not in class, Karg participates in numerous extracurricular activities. “I am on the Student Allocations board,” he said, “served as treasurer of the Communications Club my first year, started the Photography Club and serve as Vice President of the Adventure Club. I also went to a leadership conference on Maui last year.” Following graduation, Karg said he plans to buy, improve and sell real estate. “I hope to not only make a property more appealing aesthetically,” he said, “but also more energy efficient and utilize sustainable materials in any reconstruction that may need to be done. “I am also considering a master’s degree in Business Administration – possibly with an emphasis in sustainability- a little bit down the road.” For an adventurous world traveler such as Karg, that road could lead just about anywhere. The Business Administration program offered by Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication helps students become proficient in interpersonal communication and business intelligence through coursework, internships and service-learning opportunities. The Environmental Studies minor offered by the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics focuses on policy and environmental law to prepare students for careers in environmental science, ecology and conservation biology.

To Be Successful: Knowledge and Networking

It was an honor to hear from Mr. Ray Pekowski, Chairman and CEO of The Expo Group, a trusted exhibition and events partner that helps organizations grow their attendance, exhibitor and sponsorship revenue through the design and execution of unique, compelling and memorable experiences. Mr. Pekowski is not only a serial entrepreneur, or a trade show maven, but an author. Earlier this year, he wrote and published his first book Lessons of an Entrepreneur. According to a book review from Amazon.com, “Lessons of an Entrepreneur is written for those who want to create a culture of stewardship and servant leadership.”

Mailani Faniel and Ray Pekowski
Mailani Faniel & Ray Pekowski

His company takes pride in delivering discipline, collaboration, accountability, focus and execution. These are all key concepts that each and every entrepreneur should practice. Mr. Pekowski touched upon the importance of organizational culture and how crucial it is for an employee’s position to fit their expertise. The Expo Group’s mission statement states, “Today. Tomorrow. Together.” This Texas based brand specializes in helping people perform at a higher level within their business.

Although his ultimate dream was to become an NFL football coach, instead, he earned the title of being the youngest manager of a publicly traded company. One of his earliest lessons learned as an entrepreneur was that archaic types of programming are unusual. Therefore, keep up with the revolutionizing advancements in modern technology in order to take the lead against competitors. Mr. Pekowski also emphasized the importance of a skilled decision-making process when a company is faced with a threat. He mentioned how vital it is for entrepreneurs to be visionary and to cater to their passions.

According to Mr. Pekowski, “12.5% of being successful is knowledge and 87.5% is networking.” Networking has repeatedly been the number one focus for most of the speakers that present at our Wednesday night sessions. Mr. Pekowski noted that entrepreneurs must make their networking connections personal and long-term. Lastly, he told us to believe in ourselves, even when others may not believe in us.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Mailani Faniel
Speaker Session with ray Pekowski 11/15/17

Students Learn “Aloha” is a Concept and Movement

Pono Shim and Monique P. Gomes
Pono Shim and Monique P. Gomes

My name is Monique P. Gomes and it was an honor to hear from Mr. Pono Shim, President and CEO of Oahu Economic Development Board.

Mr. Shim began his presentation by elaborating on sustainability. He believes that people often mistake our Hawaiian Ahupua’a as a concept of sustainability when it is truly a concept of prosperity. Hawaiian Ahupua’a was a way of life for our Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian people) where they prosper spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

He also spoke about his career. Mr. Shim was hired, not as an economist, but as a healer. He stressed that the #1 issue across industries is the ineffective engagement with employees. He pointed out that these type of issues are people-centered and cannot be solved with artificial intelligence. Therefore, learning to engage with people and heal relationships is Anonui (of great importance).

Guest Speaker Pono Shim

Mr. Shim learned how to engage people as a child, by observing his father at work. His father, who practiced law, provided meaningful opportunities for the community to Malama (take care) of each other. In particular, his father played a vital role in implementing the Hawaii Law of the Aloha Spirit, drafted in 1985 and passed in 1986, making the state of Hawaii the only state in the United States with a law that is culturally sensitive. According to his father, “one day every law will fail, but we (in Hawaii) have a law that would give us the opportunity to choose relationships over the law.”

Other topics Mr. Shim spoke about include finding the hidden objects, a story about his father’s aunt Pilahi Paki who was the Keeper of Secrets, and the secret meanings of ALOHA.

In conclusion, Mr. Shim’s presentation was extraordinary and it spoke to my Puuwai (heart). We will now be mindful that ALOHA is not just a word but a concept with depth and movement which creates a foundation for relationships. Being aware of how we can find the Aloha Response allows us to build within our community. We must be Maika’i (good people) listening with Aloha in order to give an Aloha Response, with gentle touches and clean gloves. Therefore, no matter where we go, we will always leave this place better than how we found it.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Monique P. Gomes
Speaker Session with Pono Shim 11/1/17
Photos taken by Nathanael Cassion

Choosing One Business Path Over Another

This past Wednesday, Hogan students had the privilege to hear from an amazing, inspiring, young entrepreneur— Ed Schultz, President of Honolulu Coffee Company, Hawaii’s premier roaster and retailer of fine Kona coffee. He brought to class some quality coffee and tea, which was very thoughtful.

Before Ed began his presentation, Dr. John Webster shared with us the last stanza of Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken.

“…I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the ones less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

Ed Schultz and Kaci Dela Cruz
Ed Schultz and Kaci Dela Cruz

This poem is about choice and how one decision can change a person’s entire life. Ed chose one path over another, and made all the difference. He was a former investment banker in New York having worked as Vice President of Merchant Banking Group at BNP Paribas Asset Management, and Analyst of Financial Sponsor Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. His career took off as an entrepreneur, getting into the coffee making industry. His success is driven by the never ending commitment to quality from “farm-to-cup,” having fresh ingredients and product.

Ed is a leader and a mentor to his team. He leads by example by proving that he can do all aspects of his business. He is not afraid of getting his hands dirty. He enjoys talking to customers and sometimes works behind the counter, making coffee.

One of the important things Ed spoke about is that having a business plan is key. You should be able to write down your ideas, review your plan, and determine whether you are moving forward with success. Something to keep in mind as you think about your dreams and aspirations is a quote that Ed mentioned—“Do something that you will want to do and be the best in the world at it!”

Become the successful entrepreneur with the exclusive and desirable product, or the person that understands and embraces the differences. Do not pass up an opportunity to meet someone because that person could be your next successor.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Kaci Dela Cruz
Speaker Session with Ed Schultz 10/25/17

Hogan Students Learn the Importance of Building a Better Community

It was a pleasure to hear from Mr. Stephen Metter, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of MW Group, Ltd. Real Estate Development, founded on a handshake in 1990 with Mr. Michael B. Wood.

Stephen Metter and Sheehan Chase
Stephen Metter & Sheehan Chase

Mr. Metter opened with stories of humble beginnings and how his entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity after having to move out of his home at the age of 17. He then moved on to speak about MW Group, Ltd., its mission statement, financial statement, The Profit Box, and the branches under its umbrella—Pioneer Plaza, Aiea Town Square, and Nimitz Square in Oahu; Kihei Plaza, Azeka Shopping Centers, and Kihei Kalama Village in Maui; Hawaii Self Storage and The Plaza Assisted Living.

He ended his talk by sharing a list of things we should value. This list, which his team put together, included authenticity, integrity, being purposeful, community spirit, and love. In addition, he also shared 12 principles and beliefs that govern their company. Their principles and beliefs included being relationship-centric, valuing strengths and understanding weaknesses, building a great team, and supporting the team in pursuit of a great culture.

What really resonated with me was the importance Mr. Metter placed on making a difference and building a better community, rather than just profits. He devotes his time and resources by serving on a variety of charitable boards. Mr. Metter and the Hogan Program share this same belief—giving back to the community.

The importance of trust and teamwork Mr. Metter have on his company also resonated with me. He formed MW Group, Ltd. on a handshake deal, and he and his team are committed to serving their tenants and community through developing successful leaders and loyal relationships.

Lastly, as a leader in the Hawaii business community for more than 25 years, Mr. Metter reminded us that failure is our friend and resilience is the most important characteristic an entrepreneur can have.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Sheehan Chase
Speaker Session with Stephen Metter

Students with Hogan Entrepreneurs Program Raise Funds for Marianist School in Puerto Rico

The Oct. 11 kickoff event for this year’s Hogan Entrepreneurs Program at Chaminade University raised funds to assist a Marianist school impacted by Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm that caused catastrophic damage and power outages in Puerto Rico.

2017 Kickoff and Fundraiser

Students from the Hogan program’s 16th class collected more than $1,000 in donations for the school, Colegio San José. Established in 1938, this private institution in Rio Piedras educates boys in grades six through 12.

“Helping a Marianist school in its time of need is truly in keeping with our mission of social responsibility,” said Hogan Director John Webster. “After all, our motto is: Doing business things that make social sense. Doing social things that make business sense.”

The Hogan one- or two-year certificate program cultivates the entrepreneurial spirit in students through activities such as lectures, mentorships and study missions to China and India. The program is open to all Chaminade undergraduates and graduates, regardless of their majors.