Chaminade University of Honolulu

Hogan Entrepreneurs Program

Hogan Students Learn About Overcoming Fear, Soft Skills and Leadership

It was an honor to hear from Col. Ray L’Heureux, author of Inside Marine One: Four U.S. Presidents, One Proud Marine, and the World’s Most Amazing Helicopter and former Commander of Marine One. He opened his presentation with a video that shows the daily life of a marine pilot. He then spoke about the importance of overcoming your fear, having soft skills, leadership, and discipline.

Antonio Bonnetty andith Col. Ray L’Heureux1. Overcome your fear—it is okay to fail. Keep aiming high and eventually, you are going to hit.

2. Practice soft skills—hone your beak-to-beak skills and take advantage of the networking opportunities. Col. L’Heureux added that when applying for a job, do not rely heavily on the electronic piece such as your resume. Instead, focus more on the face to face aspect; the interview. How you present yourself and interact is what will get you hired.

3. Leadership and discipline—a great leader is someone who can get people to do what they do not want to do. Encourage teamwork and have good values. You must be able to figure out how to do things. If you are given a mission, get your requirements and find the re-sources to accomplish the mission.

Col. L’Heureux ended his presentation with a story of his mountain bike adventure with former President Bush. His “never say no” demeanor flourished into something one of a kind—a longtime friendship with the former President.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Antonio Bonnetty
Speaker Session with Col. Ray L’Heureux 9/20/17

Moral Code is Part of Running a Successful Business

Gary Hogan, Matt Southard, and Tom Bell
Gary Hogan, Matt Southard and Tom Bell

It was a pleasure to hear from Mr. Gary Hogan, CEO and President of Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts and Royal Pacific Air, and Mr. Tom Bell, President of Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts. Both speakers, equipped with a wealth of information and knowledge of how to run a successful company, reflected on their moral code.

Mr. Hogan began the session with a history and overview of their family’s first business—Pleasant Travel Service. He shared photos of their early sales and marketing campaigns. He also spoke about their mission: “give back to society through education and community-minded programs” such as the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program.

Mr. Bell spoke about the branches of Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts—Royal Lahaina, Royal Kona, Kauai Shores, KOI Kaanapali Ocean, and Lahaina Inn. One of the things that stood out to me was Mr. Bell’s commitment to “value.” He said to always aim for positive value. To get this, experience must always exceed expectations. We must apply this to business and in our daily lives as entrepreneurs. According to Warren Buffett, “price is what you pay, and value is what you get.”

At the end of the evening, Mr. Hogan and Mr. Bell left us with four entrepreneurship insights:

1. Have a vision
2. Stay nimble
3. Give back
4. Prepare to fail

Mr. Hogan and Mr. Bell reminded us all that success in business here in Hawaii is possible. The story of the Hogan family is motivating and one you can learn from to make your company run to the best of its abilities.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Matt Southard
Speaker Session with Gary Hogan and Tom Bell 9/13/17

Alum McDonald Embraces ‘Think Global, Act Local’ Mantra as BEARPAW’s VP of International Sales

For alumnus Kevin McDonald ‘06, one of his biggest takeaways from Chaminade University involves thinking globally and acting locally to make the world a better place. Now he applies that high-minded philosophy in his duties as vice president of international sales for the BEARPAW footwear company.

Kevin McDonald '06“Think global, act local perfectly sums up and applies to business and causes that are important to me,” says McDonald, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. “Instead of focusing outward, we have looked to help the immediate region surrounding our head office just outside of Sacramento.”

BEARPAW charitable activities include donating about 6,000 pairs of girls’ boots to the Ticket to Dream Foundation, which provides services for foster children. BEARPAW also sponsored and participated in the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event supporting WEAVE, a nonprofit group that helps victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking in Sacramento County.

And, yes, McDonald joined other men in completing WEAVE’s playful, mile-long charity walk while teetering on red, high-heeled shoes.

McDonald joined BEARPAW three years ago after receiving a phone call from company founder Tom Romeo and president John Pierce. Now that he manages all global sales outside the USA, McDonald is responsible for product selection, pricing, forecasting, marketing, presentations, customer service “and just about anything you can imagine.”

The alum gained an appreciation for international business between his junior and senior years at Chaminade when visiting China through the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program.

Kevin McDonald '06“This was my first time traveling outside of North America,” McDonald notes. “Fast forward to today, I have been to over 30 countries. Each has similarities, but being open and aware to the cultural differences has had a major impact on navigating these markets.”

Reflecting on his Chaminade education, McDonald is especially grateful for the knowledge shared by Dr. Margaret Friedman, an associate professor of marketing.

“I was not the best-in-class student,” McDonald admits, “but Dr. Friedman connected and always provided great nuggets of information that were easily digestible and applicable. These helped to expand the thought process when addressing a consumer or business need/want and outlining or brainstorming your strategic approach.

“All things truly come back to the 4 P’s” (price, product, promotion and place), McDonald says, pointing out that these simple marketing concepts “are often and easily overlooked.

Any career advice for current business students?

“Keep an open mind and be ready to jump if an opportunity presents itself,” McDonald counsels. “Absorb as much as you can from as many people as possible, from as many different walks of life and career paths.

“Have fun and enjoy the journey,” he adds. “It is just beginning and never ends.”

Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication offers undergraduate programs in Business Administration, Accounting, Communication, Management and International Studies (International Trade). The school also offers a Master of Business Administration graduate program with concentrations in Accounting, Island Business and Not-for-Profit Management.

Congratulations to the 2017 Graduates and Inductees of the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program

The Hogan Entrepreneurs program on April 26, celebrated its 15th annual graduation and induction ceremonies. Thirty-four new graduates were honored bringing the total to more than 400 students who have graduated from the certificate program. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn firsthand from experienced Hawaii business leaders and entrepreneurs about business. Graduates will have learned the tools, skills, exposures, and motivation to succeed in entrepreneurial undertakings and to make entrepreneurial contributions to their communities.

At this year’s event, the Hogan Entrepreneurs program expressed its gratitude to Ed and Lynn Hogan by presenting them with a pahi kaua, made from the bill of a flat bill swordfish. The Hogan program continues to be funded through generous contributions from the Hogan Family Foundation, located in California.

The program also honored Bro. Bernard Ploeger, SM, who has been a staunch supporter of the Hogan program throughout its 15 years. He will conclude his Chaminade presidency this summer. Bro. Ploeger received a ko`oko`o (wooden staff) made from the native kamani tree.

The Hogan program recognized 13 students for their outstanding work in various areas and at different class levels.  Judy Ng, a senior majoring in Business Administration, took top honors as the Outstanding Hogan Entrepreneur of 2017. The Hogan program recognized Ng as the student who achieved the most significant results while consistently embracing the spirit of the program though her earnestness and enthusiasm for the underlying values of the program.

The program also recognized a faculty member for the first time with its new Exceptional Teaching Award.  The students applauded loudly as Business professor Denny McDonough received the honor.

HOGAN ENTREPRENEURS 2017 AWARDS

Outstanding Hogan Entrepreneur of the Year
Judy Ng

Outstanding Graduate Student
Gabriel Torno

Outstanding Seniors
Mario Armendariz
Sheehan Chase

Outstanding Junior
Matthew Southard

Aloha Spirit Award
Desiree DePondicchello
Hannah Sablan
Tyler Taydus

Community Service Award
Monique Gomes
Karanna Soulvongs
Gailene Wong

“In the Arena” Award
Ana Acuna Cesped and Carlos Gutierrez Ayala

Exceptional Teaching Award 
Mr. Denny McDonough

2017 Hogan Entrepreneurs Graduates
Ana Acuña Césped
Chantelle Aguilar
Mario Armendariz
Sheehan Chase
Claire Colon-Gonzalez
Desireé DePondicchello
Kalei Ehlers
Nicolas Ferro
Lee Fujino
Brianna Georgia
James Gochenouer
Monique Gomes
Calee Goya
Carlos Gutiérrez Ayala
Kristle Henry
Brittain Komoda
Ferleen Mallarme
Daniel Mangum
Jacqueline McGreal
Judy Ng
Krys Romanczak
Hannah Sablan
Alexa Shah
Karanna Soulvongs
Matthew Southard
Haelee Tallett
Tyler Taydus
Gabriel Torno
Clarke Velasco
Gailene Wong

Hogan Students Learn How Culture and Business are Intertwined

Ramsy Tatum and Elena Farden
Ramsy Taum (President & Founder, Life Enhancement Institute of the Pacific) and Elena Farden (Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student)

LAWE I KA MAʻALEA A KUʻONOʻONO.
Acquire skill and make it deep. This ‘Ōlelo No’eau, or wise proverb, outlines the path of success in becoming good at anything, you must immerse yourself in practice and learning until it becomes part of you. Serving as a guide on this deep journey of enlightenment, was our honored guest speaker, Kumu Ramsay Taum.

Ramsay Taum is the President and Founder of L.E.I, Life Enhancement Institute of the Pacific that provides sustainability consulting, cultural impact assessments and facilitating community engagement and planning. Taum also leads the MBA Island Business concentration program at Chaminade University. Through his work in teaching students and helping companies understand the value-impact vs. the value add of Hawaiian cultural values in the workplace, he describes himself as a community lei maker.

Lei ‘imi na’au’ao (lei of seeking knowledge; enlightenment)
And like an expert lei maker, Taum selects each piece and explains its value to the lei, starting with culture.
“Culture is important,” explains Taum. With culture in place, this moves the conversation from a values-conflict space to prioritizing what’s truly important as a business leader. To successfully navigate this we must understand that we all come with a “supply-side thought”, or preconceived notions, experiences and biases. In business management, when everyone does this they can take weight of their collective principles, values and practices towards shaping things together for deeper impact in business and the community. As Hogan Entrepreneurs, this sentiment resonates with our motto of doing business that makes social sense, and social impact that makes business sense.

Lei haliʻa aloha (Lei of fond remembrance; often said of someone cherished, such as a beloved elder)
As graduate of Kamehameha Schools, US Air Force Academy and University of Southern California, this knowledge Taum shared with the Hogan program wasn’t just given to him, it was gathered and earned. Throughout his life, key mentors such as Papa Lyman, former Bishop Estate Trustee, and Pīlahi Paki, beloved kupuna and cultural expert, pushed Taum to deepen his worldview and identity as a Hawaiian.
Today, Taum is a kumu and mentor himself. He teaches the values he has learned to help local businesses align a place-based approach of people, place, and prosperity in the context and content of how they do business in Hawai’i.

Lei pilina (Lei of closeness; a woven relationship or association)
Above all, the culture that shapes us and the values that help define us are all driven by relationships. Taum explains that culture is the lens that gives us new eyes – new eyes to see and new eyes to see how success is measured. To that he closed the evening with a simple question to measure if you are successful as a leader and business: did you eat.
If you can feed your family, if your workers can feed their families, if your community has access to food and the means to feed others less fortunate in the neighborhood, then you are successful.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Elena Farden
Speaker Session with Ramsay Taum 4/19/17

Business Alumnus Juno Chung ’07 Relishes the Small Successes Leading Up to the Big Goals

Juno Chung Koa Cafe (B.A. Business '07)Drawn back to Chaminade University out of gratitude, the proud alumnus Juno Chung, B.A. Business ’07, accepted the invitation to participate in the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program Speaker Series this spring. “As an entrepreneur, you always have the freedom to do what makes you happy,” shared Juno, who during the last 10 years since his graduation has acquired much wisdom and experience.

Juno took over his family’s business on September 10, 2014, seven years after graduating from Chaminade University with a bachelor’s degree in Business.  He will always remember that day. His parents held a company party and announced to all the employees of the six Koa Pancake House restaurants in operation that they were retiring and turning over the business to Juno.

For many, it seemed like an automatic given, but in reality that Rubicon moment came after years of grooming, struggles, pushbacks, and challenges.  Juno grew up in the restaurant business from a very early age.  He remembered being nine or 10 sitting in the back of the cash register with his calculator.  People would come up to pay.  Always good with math, he would figure out the costs, take their money and give them their change.

In high school, he had liked cars and wanted to work as a valet.  Dad nixed that idea and told him firmly that if he were going to work anywhere other than at one of the Koa Pancake House restaurants, it would have to be at another restaurant.  So Juno took a job at Zippy’s.

Juno’s parents Il Man and Sam Soon Chung were immigrants from Korea who did not graduate from college, and Juno was their only son. Therefore, he was expected to carry on the name and take over their business. Mr. Chung did not think that college was necessary and wanted Juno to work full time at the restaurants so that he could teach his son everything he knew. Juno thought that at least he could go to Kapi’olani or Windward Community College.  However, Mrs. Chung, adamant on a four-year college for her son, stepped in and settled the discussion.

So after graduating from Maryknoll High School, Juno chose Chaminade University with its rolling enrollment.  Both schools were small and had small class sizes. Chaminade was a small enough university that everyone seemed to know his name (in fact, he still stays connected to Chaminade classmates and faculty members).  The teacher to student ratio fitted him well.  Juno admitted to not being the best of students, but the faculty found ways to bring the best out of him.  With the family business always top of mind, Juno tuned into everything taught in class that he thought would be relevant for the restaurants. He remembered fondly on how his accounting professor, Wayne Tanna, reached out to his students.  Tanna was the one to first bring up issues of second-generation businesses including tax challenges and the need for a business plan. Juno appreciated Tanna’s business law and ethics classes.

As Juno moved forward, graduating in 2007, he sought his own way in the world.  His parents had their very traditional ways, and he had new ideas and new approaches. As the conflict peaked, Juno realized that it was time to strike out on his own and moved to New York.

Juno’s love and respect for his parents were clearly evident as he shared his story.  “I valued the relationship I have with them so much. Moving away was an opportunity to save that relationship,” he said.

In New York, he would develop his successful product and clothing brand MyOutlet, which grew out of life’s frustrations.  He included a non-profit aspect to his line and strived to be socially responsible in his business decisions and his profits. He also cofounded JCBL Products.It was a good enough life.

Then his sisters called him with their concerns about their parents’ health. They asked that he try to get their parents to sell the business and retire.  Juno reached out to his aging parents and found that they were both having health issues.  He asked them what they wanted to do. They shared that they had always meant to hand the business over to him.

Juno thought carefully about his decision.  His sisters did not want the restaurant business. Juno, who identified with the character Neo from the Matrix film series, felt that like Neo, he was “the one.” He accepted his destiny with one major stipulation.  Though his parents would be welcomed advisors, Juno would be in full control.    Happily and full-heartedly, they accepted their son’s leadership.  Since then, Juno has added two Koa Cafes and continues to run the other six Koa Pancake Houses.

Juno, like Neo, has moved through a personal metamorphosis that draws him back to the Matrix. He has wrestled with his destiny and has won. This is not to say that business did not have its ups and downs, or that Juno did not have doubts about whether he belonged in the restaurant business or not.  “‘Money doesn’t come easy. If it did, everyone would be rich. When you make mistakes, recognize them early,’ my dad used to tell me,” Juno recalled as he was going through a particularly tough business loss. “My mistakes are like I’m earning my master’s degree at an Ivy League school. This is part of the journey,” he said with inner resilience.

Juno’s parents and his fiancée are foundational reminders that he is where he was supposed to be. His parents are available as sage advisors, and his fiancée reminds him to be grateful.  The relationships are strong and loving. He has also found that noticing the small successes along the way to the big goal makes him happy and gives him encouragement for the long haul.

His enthusiasm for his alma mater continued to be unfettered. He humbly shared that Chaminade contributed to making him who he was.

If there was anything he would tell students, it would be to take advantage of the opportunities available to them at the school.  “Enjoy the friends and the faculty mentors along the way,” he said.

Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication offers a Master of Business Administration degree. Undergraduate degrees are available in Accounting, Business Administration, Communication and International Trade, along with a minor in Computer Information Systems. The school also offers undergraduate degrees in Management and Business Administration through the Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) online program.