Chaminade University of Honolulu

Hogan Entrepreneurs Program

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.

Hawaii Entrepreneurs Share Advice and Lessons with Hogan Students

Rechung Fujihira
Rechung Fujihira

The Hogan Entrepreneurial Program kicked off its first speaker session for the Fall 2017 semester at The BoxJelly. Students and guests had the privilege to hear from three Hawaii-based entrepreneurs, who all shared valuable advice and lessons.

Our first speaker was Rechung Fujihira, co-founder and CEO of The BoxJelly, Hawaii’s first co-working space. Its mission is to make Hawaii the best place to work and the best place to live. Rechung was a graduate of the Hogan Program and a member of its Advisory Board. He reminded students to be “Aloha first and Aloha always.” He also stressed the importance of disrupting oneself by taking risks because all great things are achieved by leaving one’s comfort zone.

Dan Mangum, Laurie Foster and Marc Gallow
Dan Mangum, Laurie Foster and Marc Gallow

Rechung’s talk was followed by Laurie Foster, Senior Consultant, and Marc Gallow, Associate Consultant of Business Consulting Resources, Inc. Laurie and Marc work with leaders and CEOs on strategic planning and leadership training. Their talk focused on the importance of setting goals and making plans to get to where you want to be in life. We must ask ourselves, “What do we have to do now to get to where we want to be?”

The night was engaging, thought-provoking, and set the tone for the rest of the semester for the Hogan Program.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Dan Magnum
Speaker Session with Rechung Fujihira, Laurie Foster and Marc Gallow 9/6/17

Hogan Students Experience ‘Raw Glory’ of Entrepreneurism on Missions to China, India

Study missions to China and India gave Chaminade University students in the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program in-person looks at two of the world’s largest economies.

This was the 13th year of Hogan trips to China and eighth year of India visits. The journeys featured company visits, networking opportunities and tours of historical and cultural sites, plus internships in China.

Students prepared for the missions by attending seminars and other events exploring economic, political and cultural issues in China and India. They also raised funds for airfare.

“These annual trips to China and India are often life-changing experiences for students,” according to Dr. John Webster, Hogan program director. “The places they see, the people they meet and the cultures they encounter give our students invaluable perspectives on the evolving global economy.”

Hogan China and India Trip

Guiding eight students through China from June 10 to July 6 was Dr. Caryn Callahan, a Professor of Finance and International Business and Director of the Hogan International Entrepreneurial Study Missions.

“The major thing our students get out of the internships is an up-close and personal look at entrepreneurship in all of its raw glory,” Dr. Callahan said. “They get a chance to have face-to-face contact, working side by side with the Chinese.”

Jackie McGreal, a senior majoring in International Trade, said her internship shed light on the intricacies of importing and exporting.

“I shadowed a logistics specialist who showed me exactly what she does,” McGreal said. “I learned about how unexpectedly complicated it is to make shipping container measurements, since every inch of that container has to be used. Otherwise, there is a loss of money.”

Leading the India study mission from July 6 to 22 was Ginger Miller, assistant to the Hogan director. Miller and four students met with CEOs and managers at 15 companies while visiting Bangalore, Ooty, Coimbatore, Mysore, New Delhi and Agra.

Hogan China and India Trip

Stops included Titan Industries, the world’s fifth-largest watch manufacturer; Infosys, a global leader in consulting, technology and outsourcing; New Delhi Television, the most-watched news and lifestyle network in India; and the Chhanv Foundation, which rehabilitates and provides employment opportunities for female survivors of acid attacks.

“Our four students were eager to absorb all they saw and did in this country of over one billion people,” Miller said. “They were real troopers when it came to obstacles like delayed flights and long van rides between most cities. But the long haul was well worth it when the end result was opening up doors of their minds to what this part of the world held for them.”

Desiree DePondicchello, a Business Administration major, said the two-and-a-half weeks she spent in India “changed my life for the better.”

“Having the opportunity to visit various businesses in different fields gave me motivation and inspiration to take risks doing what I am most passionate about in life,” DePondicchello said.

Underwriting the entrepreneurial program are Ed and Lynn Hogan, Chair and Vice-Chair of the Hogan Family Foundation. A Freeman Foundation grant helped pay for the China trip, and the India mission was supported by Gulab Watumull (President of Watumull Brothers, Ltd.), his wife Indru Watumull and Hogan advisors Mattson Davis and Rick Tanaka.

The Hogan Entrepreneurs Program is open to all Chaminade undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their majors. This one- or two-year certificate program provides students with tools, skills, business connections and motivation to succeed in entrepreneurial ventures. The program’s motto is: “Doing business things that make social sense. Doing social things that make business sense.” Information: chaminade.edu/hogan/.

MBA Alum Adam Hoffman ‘09 Finds Balance Between Robotics Technology, Consciousness

Chaminade University graduate Adam Hoffman (BS Accounting ‘07, MBA ‘09) doesn’t worry about machines and artificial intelligence subjugating the human race. He’s convinced that as robots and automation become more sophisticated and commonplace, they’ll make our lives better – if we focus on the right things.

Adam Hoffman, MBA '09

Hoffman and his team work with PartnerX Robotics, a manufacturing company in Shanghai, China. PartnerX created buzz at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas by introducing a new line of robots focused on early childhood education and retail markets. These products enable students to build and program robots using easy-to-assemble components.

In his role as Director of Platform Architect, Hoffman identifies new technologies and develops strategic partnerships from his home in Austin, Texas.

“Our mission is to demystify robotics,” Hoffman explained, so parents “have confidence in their child’s ability to adapt to the technology. Our purpose is to make as many people comfortable with the transition as we possibly can.”

Working with PartnerX was a big move for Hoffman, but his Chaminade MBA and a five-week trip to China with the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program gave him the confidence to pursue an international career.

“We are living in a very special time,” Hoffman said. “Exponential growth in hardware, software and connectivity are changing how information and data are being shared.” And these amazing technological advances, he said, are producing “a rise in consciousness.”

“We are becoming more aware, we are moving into our heart space,” Hoffman said. “I believe it is important to live in the present moment and be in alignment with your heart and mind. It is important to feel good!”

Looking back at his college days, Hoffman noted that he won a scholarship to Chaminade while attending Archbishop Riordan High School, a Marianist institution in San Francisco. Chaminade’s intimate atmosphere was a selling point.

“The connection you get with your Chaminade professors in small class settings is truly priceless,” Hoffman said. “From that experience, these are not only my professors and mentors, but my good friends I still stay in contact with.”

Hoffman’s career advice for future graduates? Don’t be afraid of failure.

“Get yourself outside of your comfort zones, be willing to put yourself on the line,” he counseled. “It’s OK not to have all the answers, but just keep pushing, keep innovating, keep evolving.

“We are entering a very interesting space,” he pointed out. “Never settle.”