The co-founder of Kō Hana Distillers detailed how he overcame ‘roadblocks’ to go to market
Kō Hana Distillers co-founder Robert Dawson kicked off the fall Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Guest Speaker Series, detailing his journey from a business idea to a successful company.
Speaking to attendees, Dawson said he “didn’t know anything about sugarcane” and “didn’t even like rum” when he moved to Hawaii with his wife and son in 2008. He said his deep appreciation of history led him to Hawaii’s agriculture past and ultimately, “Native Hawaiian sugarcane,” called kō.
He teamed up with a scholar to learn more about Hawaii sugarcane, which was brought by ancient Polynesian seafarers to Hawaii more than 1,000 years ago.
Having spent a time in Brazil, Dawson told attendees at his talk Wednesday he had always been a fan of cachaça, the Brazilian rum made from sugarcane juice. This would be the direction he would take with his new venture, he said, growing and harvesting Hawaiian varietal sugarcane to distill rhum agricole.
Incorporating Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum in 2011, Dawson and business partner Jason Brand introduced their first agricole-style rum made entirely from Hawaii-grown sugarcane in 2014.
“It took time and getting over a lot of roadblocks,” Dawson said.
“But now we’re expanding to grow sugarcane across 1,600 acres on the North Shore, and our goal is to become an international boutique rum distiller.”
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The Hogan Guest Speaker Series is aimed at enriching the educational experience, connecting entrepreneurial-minded students with successful professionals from various industries and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Dr. Roy Panzarella, Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program director, said guest speakers are selected based on the program’s objectives for the year. There are seven speakers on the schedule for the fall, including Better Sour and Shaka Tea co-founder Isabella Hughes, set to speak on Oct. 16.
“For many students, these are delightful opportunities to be exposed to and learn the power and value of networking,” Panzarella said, adding that speakers gives students invaluable real-world insights.
“Our wish is that all Hogan students, including those pursuing an MBA, will walk away from each lecture even more inspired to listen actively, read critically and speak effectively,” Panzarella said.
He also hopes the students leave the lectures, as well as the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, more confident and excited about using their own talent and skills to start something new.
“Sometimes the Wednesday presentations have a long-lasting impact on our Hogan students, but I have found it is the lecturers themselves that have the most influence on them,” Panzarella said.
“Oftentimes, the personal narratives of the lecturers are so powerful they serve to inspire many students who doubt themselves and their capacity to achieve success.”
COMING UP:
An entrepreneurship teacher at Seabury Hall on Maui, Melissa Crounse Kaufman will be the next Hogan guest speaker on Sept. 18. Kaufman is the founding executive director of the Garage at Northwestern University and co-author of “Founded: The No B.S. Guide for Student Entrepreneurs.”
For the complete fall schedule, click here.
