Guest Speakers

The Hogan Program had another memorable evening! This time, with guest speaker Anton Krucky, co-founder, President and General Manager of Tissue Genesis (TG), leading authority in adipose cell therapy and delivery systems.

TG’s technologies have flown on 18 space shuttle missions for NASA and are currently being used to treat patients in 6 human clinical trials here on Earth. TG strives to provide wealth within the community and to change lives through clinical trials such as muscle regeneration, cosmetics, and even research of the behavior of live tissues in a microgravity environment. TG also creates opportunity for Hawaii’s brightest.

The clear philanthropic values that underlie TG are phenomenal examples of the Hogan Entrepreneurs’ motto of “doing business things that make social sense, and doing social things that make business sense.”

Anton’s presentation was full of valuable life lessons and anecdotes. A few of which includes:

1. Thinking outside the box—create something outside of this world even if it’s something microscopically smaller than the world. Create rules that people want to play in.
2. Avoiding the paradigm blocker—don’t think you know it all. Keep your eyes open. Otherwise, you limit your potential to learn great things.
3. Finding your why—when you think of an idea, think of something that will give you energy.
4. Understanding servant leadership—leaders who push people up are the ones to follow. Sincerity sells. Listen well and care for your people.

He also shared with us the key elements to TG’s business plan which includes participating in high growth industry, choosing location that requires an institute of higher learning, protecting investments, and having sufficient capital.

Anton ended the session with the three steps to embarking into a new venture. First is to ask yourself, “what is it that you want to do?” Then, figure out what it is that you are willing to give up, and lastly, just do it!

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Bonita Dydasco
Speaker Session with Anton Krucky

It was an honor to hear from Shelley Wilson, President of Wilson Care Group, Hawaii’s largest private-duty home health care service provider.

Having grown up from a farm in Iowa, Shelley wanted more out of life and joined the U.S. Army after graduating from high school. Shortly after joining the military, she was involved in a car accident that broke bones in many parts of her body. She was only 18 years old and was hospitalized for a year.

Time is precious and with a second chance in life, Shelley wanted to make an impact. It is through her journey to recovery when she realized how important good quality home care can change the course of someone’s life. She finished her recovery at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. The bond in Hawaii and the Ohana spirit inspired Shelley to start her first company, Wilson Homecare. Now, Wilson Homecare and Wilson Senior Living comprise Wilson Care Group.

Shelley also spoke about her company’s mission and culture. Everyone who works at Wilson Care Group must have the passion in taking care of others. In Wilson Care Group, everyone has a voice. Shelley listens to her employees and welcomes different perspective and ideas. She also encourages her employees to have fun and at the same time, taking the job seriously.

Shelley closed the session with a few Keys to Success:
1. Find your passion as it will drive your mission in life.
2. Create your own journey/story, and be your own person even if you have to start at the bottom.
3. Be optimistic. Whatever you do in life, have a mindset that you will be 100% successful. Be open to failure . This is when you gain knowledge about yourself and grow.
4. Don’t listen to the naysayers. You are the only cheerleader that you need. You cannot count on others to determine if you are going to be successful or not.
5. Hustle to make things happen and be resourceful. Life is a grind.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Kalei Ehlers
Speaker Session with Shelley Wilson

This past Wednesday’s Hogan speaker session was a memorable one! We heard from a successful entrepreneur who found motivation and a more positive outlook in life when he broke his neck and was paralyzed at a young age. He lifted weights, participated in marathons, and continued to risk it all.

This inspirational individual was Mr. Mike Irish, Hawaii’s “kim chee king,” and CEO of Halm’s Enterprises and Diamond Head Seafood Company.

As a businessman, Mr. Irish is always driven to succeed. He has found success in real estate, the hotel industry, and in his latest pursuit of the kim chee industry. His path in entrepreneurship began with his father’s business ventures in real estate.

His presentation was focused on his personal accounts of the value of sticking to business fundamentals. Many of the local products that the people of Hawaii had grown up with were run by family owned businesses. Family members who had grown and moved on to other things approached Mr. Irish to hopefully sell their business and perpetuate their products.

The majority of his successes were founded upon the creation and maintenance of demand for his products and services, as well as the network he was able to build.

We had an amazing time with Mr. Irish. He provided us with an enlightening look into how business is done well in Hawaii. His motto is “the harder you work, the luckier you get!”

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Clarke Velasco
Speaker Session with Mike Irish 2/14/18

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.”

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

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.”

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

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.

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