CHRIS C. HARRIS
Title: Partner, SHREDEX Security Document
Destruction; Partner, ISLANDSHELL Manufacturer
of Environmental Products (July 2006)
Title: Partner, SHREDEX Security Document
Destruction; Partner, ISLANDSHELL Manufacturer
of Environmental Products (July 2006)
THOMAS PARK
Company: Leather Soul LLC
Title: Owner/Member
Age: 28 (June 2006)
Company: Leather Soul LLC
Title: Owner/Member
Age: 28 (June 2006)
If you could have any job in the world, what would that be?
Everyday I am grateful for the successes and relationships our businesses
have built with employees and customers. I believe you cannot ask for
much more from a job.
Who is your role model and why?
My father is my role model because he has instilled a strong sense of
drive, optimism and compassion. He taught me at a young age that the
grass is never greener on the other side, and not to waste my breath
complaining because no one cares.
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
I was interested in meeting people with different backgrounds and
learning from their experiences.
What do you think Hawaii leaders should do to improve (select one: culture
& arts, business, social life, economy, etc.) Environment! I strongly
believe that one cannot be successful in business and turn his/her back on
the environment. In order for a business to prosper the people working in
the business must have access to recreation. We are an island surrounded
by water that needs to be protected to provide a strong economy and
recreation. More money needs to be allocated towards researching
sustainable energy resources through wind, geothermal, and ocean
currents. There needs to be more education available to teach people
about recycling, storm drain run-off and littering. All things must flow
down hill, and unless properly disposed of it ends up in the ocean.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to?
I have been traveling to Baja California since I was a little kid and enjoy it
immensely. You have to drive from Ensenada to San Jose Del Cabo to get
a full appreciation for the land and culture.
Where's your favorite pau hana spot?
A 10 minute paddle to one of my favorite surf spots by my home.
Name one thing you're really passionate about.
Ocean Recreation
One thing that most people don't know about you.
I listen to Country Music!
Everyday I am grateful for the successes and relationships our businesses
have built with employees and customers. I believe you cannot ask for
much more from a job.
Who is your role model and why?
My father is my role model because he has instilled a strong sense of
drive, optimism and compassion. He taught me at a young age that the
grass is never greener on the other side, and not to waste my breath
complaining because no one cares.
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
I was interested in meeting people with different backgrounds and
learning from their experiences.
What do you think Hawaii leaders should do to improve (select one: culture
& arts, business, social life, economy, etc.) Environment! I strongly
believe that one cannot be successful in business and turn his/her back on
the environment. In order for a business to prosper the people working in
the business must have access to recreation. We are an island surrounded
by water that needs to be protected to provide a strong economy and
recreation. More money needs to be allocated towards researching
sustainable energy resources through wind, geothermal, and ocean
currents. There needs to be more education available to teach people
about recycling, storm drain run-off and littering. All things must flow
down hill, and unless properly disposed of it ends up in the ocean.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to?
I have been traveling to Baja California since I was a little kid and enjoy it
immensely. You have to drive from Ensenada to San Jose Del Cabo to get
a full appreciation for the land and culture.
Where's your favorite pau hana spot?
A 10 minute paddle to one of my favorite surf spots by my home.
Name one thing you're really passionate about.
Ocean Recreation
One thing that most people don't know about you.
I listen to Country Music!
Who is your role model and why?
My successful friends-Adam Wong, Trevor Benn, Reid Takamoto, Brian
Uy, Roy Kuboyama (just to name a few). They make me strive to be like
them.
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
I wanted to be surrounded by young, successful people.
What do you think Hawaii leaders should do to improve (select one:
culture & arts, business, social life, economy, etc.)
Business-form groups of young business people to discuss their concerns
to lawmakers and people who can actually do something about them.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to?
Guangzhou, China. Seeing 2-year-olds beg on the streets while their
mothers urged them on was a sight I'll never forget.
Where's your favorite pau hana spot?
Anywhere with cheap, cold beer. Currently Bar35.
Name one thing you're really passionate about.
Success. It drives me to get out there and do things instead of sitting on
my butt and daydreaming of how sweet it could be.
One thing that most people don't know about you.
Played tennis for the University of Hawaii (30 pounds ago!).
ALISON LEE
Company: Bank of Hawaii
Title: Business Banking Officer
Age: 33 (April 2006)
Company: Bank of Hawaii
Title: Business Banking Officer
Age: 33 (April 2006)
STEVE GOO
Company: Hawaii Federal Credit Union
Title: VP of Marketing and Business Development
Age: 37 (May 2006)
Company: Hawaii Federal Credit Union
Title: VP of Marketing and Business Development
Age: 37 (May 2006)
Who is your role model and why?
Don't have any one person.
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
To network with other "young" professionals in the business field.
Where's your favorite pau hana spot?
Anyplace there's a cold beer and friends to share it with.
Name one thing you're really passionate about.
Working.
One thing that most people don't know about you.
My nickname is Garrett.
Don't have any one person.
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
To network with other "young" professionals in the business field.
Where's your favorite pau hana spot?
Anyplace there's a cold beer and friends to share it with.
Name one thing you're really passionate about.
Working.
One thing that most people don't know about you.
My nickname is Garrett.
JODI YI
Title: Civil Litigation Attorney
Company: Ayabe Chong Nishimoto Sia & Nakamura
Age: 35 (February 2006)
Title: Civil Litigation Attorney
Company: Ayabe Chong Nishimoto Sia & Nakamura
Age: 35 (February 2006)
What do you enjoy most/least about your job?
I enjoy the freedom my boss allows me to get
my work done. He gives me a task and lets me
accomplish it anyway (just about) that I want.
I also really enjoy the amount of intelligent,
theoretical conversation that we tend to have
as we are finding solutions to the problems we
encounter.
I enjoy the freedom my boss allows me to get
my work done. He gives me a task and lets me
accomplish it anyway (just about) that I want.
I also really enjoy the amount of intelligent,
theoretical conversation that we tend to have
as we are finding solutions to the problems we
encounter.
false or grossly exaggerated, and it has been my pleasure to find such
falsehoods and expose them for what they are. Being born in the year of
the dog (yes, it's my year!), I see things in black and white and injustices
cause me to bark and raise my hackles (not literally, of course).
I do not enjoy cases where our client decides to pay out monies when
they did nothing wrong. Unfortunately, because of the legal system and
the expense of attorneys, there are cases where the economics of the
situation make it more practical to pay out rather than fight. Fighting
can be expensive.
If you could have any job in the world, what would that be?
Administrator for a large endowment which distributes funds to
charities. Something like the Gates Foundation, except that I'm not sure
how easy it would be to work for Bill Gates….. Perhaps an endowment
where the benefactors have already passed away : ) If I had it to do
over again, I'd be an orthodontist. Less blood work (and risk of
HIV/AIDS) than a dentist, but great pay-out.
Who is your role model and why?
I can't say that I have any one role model. There are several people
whom I admire for different aspects. I admire Jacqueline Kennedy
(dec.) for her style and self-confidence. I named my daughter after
her. If you ask me who is a "classy lady"? I'd have to say her or perhaps
Audrey Hepburn (but Audrey Yi just does NOT sound good!)
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
I joined because Kevin made me.
Seriously, though, I was impressed with the persons on the Board of
Directors. I am on many Boards and involved with many different types
of groups (a lot of lawyer organizations), but the YBC impressed me with
its dedicated Board, who work hard (no other group has monthly
meetings! Moreover, most people actually attend them!…. ), are
creative and always coming up with new projects and speakers. I enjoy
being a part of something that produces such good work. It is very
frustrating to be on a Board or in an organization that does not do
anything. That is a waste of my time.
What do you think Hawaii leaders should do to improve (select one:
culture & arts, business, social life, economy, etc.)
The main problem with Hawaii today is that "normal" people with
"regular" salaries cannot afford to buy a home here. They must move to
the mainland. I doubt that there is any other major city in this country
where so much of the population lives in multi-family homes. The leaders
need to provide tax relief or other measures to encourage owner
occupancy and to stop rewarding the investors who are driving the prices
up out of the reach of the Average Joe. For some reason, Hawaii leaders
do not take care of the locally born population and the electorate does
not complain. The result is that the locals must choose between living
with mom and dad or moving to the mainland. Luckily, most parents
here (unlike elsewhere) permit this!
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to?
Most INTERESTING would have to be New York City. Millions of people
commuting to work on a small island. You have every type, color, shape,
economic class, etc. of person rubbing shoulders together performing all
manner of jobs or recreational activities together in the same place, but
separately in that they are all moving in different directions!
Where's your favorite pau hana spot?
Side Street Inn - great food and atmosphere. Just has lousy service & no
parking : (
Name one thing you're really passionate about.
Just had a kid. It's truly life-changing. All of your priorities are forced to
shift. The child just doesn't understand that you might need 2 minutes to
brush your teeth… when she's hungry, she wants it NOW. No reasoning
or rationalizing will work. It is also the best feeling when she is happy
and you know that you're the reason that she's happy.
One thing that most people don't know about you.
I was born on Friday the 13th (of March). I can pat my head and rub my
tummy at the same time while humming a tune. : )
falsehoods and expose them for what they are. Being born in the year of
the dog (yes, it's my year!), I see things in black and white and injustices
cause me to bark and raise my hackles (not literally, of course).
I do not enjoy cases where our client decides to pay out monies when
they did nothing wrong. Unfortunately, because of the legal system and
the expense of attorneys, there are cases where the economics of the
situation make it more practical to pay out rather than fight. Fighting
can be expensive.
If you could have any job in the world, what would that be?
Administrator for a large endowment which distributes funds to
charities. Something like the Gates Foundation, except that I'm not sure
how easy it would be to work for Bill Gates….. Perhaps an endowment
where the benefactors have already passed away : ) If I had it to do
over again, I'd be an orthodontist. Less blood work (and risk of
HIV/AIDS) than a dentist, but great pay-out.
Who is your role model and why?
I can't say that I have any one role model. There are several people
whom I admire for different aspects. I admire Jacqueline Kennedy
(dec.) for her style and self-confidence. I named my daughter after
her. If you ask me who is a "classy lady"? I'd have to say her or perhaps
Audrey Hepburn (but Audrey Yi just does NOT sound good!)
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
I joined because Kevin made me.
Seriously, though, I was impressed with the persons on the Board of
Directors. I am on many Boards and involved with many different types
of groups (a lot of lawyer organizations), but the YBC impressed me with
its dedicated Board, who work hard (no other group has monthly
meetings! Moreover, most people actually attend them!…. ), are
creative and always coming up with new projects and speakers. I enjoy
being a part of something that produces such good work. It is very
frustrating to be on a Board or in an organization that does not do
anything. That is a waste of my time.
What do you think Hawaii leaders should do to improve (select one:
culture & arts, business, social life, economy, etc.)
The main problem with Hawaii today is that "normal" people with
"regular" salaries cannot afford to buy a home here. They must move to
the mainland. I doubt that there is any other major city in this country
where so much of the population lives in multi-family homes. The leaders
need to provide tax relief or other measures to encourage owner
occupancy and to stop rewarding the investors who are driving the prices
up out of the reach of the Average Joe. For some reason, Hawaii leaders
do not take care of the locally born population and the electorate does
not complain. The result is that the locals must choose between living
with mom and dad or moving to the mainland. Luckily, most parents
here (unlike elsewhere) permit this!
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to?
Most INTERESTING would have to be New York City. Millions of people
commuting to work on a small island. You have every type, color, shape,
economic class, etc. of person rubbing shoulders together performing all
manner of jobs or recreational activities together in the same place, but
separately in that they are all moving in different directions!
Where's your favorite pau hana spot?
Side Street Inn - great food and atmosphere. Just has lousy service & no
parking : (
Name one thing you're really passionate about.
Just had a kid. It's truly life-changing. All of your priorities are forced to
shift. The child just doesn't understand that you might need 2 minutes to
brush your teeth… when she's hungry, she wants it NOW. No reasoning
or rationalizing will work. It is also the best feeling when she is happy
and you know that you're the reason that she's happy.
One thing that most people don't know about you.
I was born on Friday the 13th (of March). I can pat my head and rub my
tummy at the same time while humming a tune. : )
If you could have any job in the world, what would that be?
Trust fund baby. I mean what could be better than having more money
than you know what to do with and absolutely no responsibilities. I have
to admire those guys because they make it look so hard.
Who is your role model and why?
Colin Powell. The son of Jamaican immigrants and educated in the New
York City public school system, he went on to become the Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of State. Through hard work
and dedication, he was able make it to the heights of American society.
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
I joined because there always seems to be interesting speakers at the
events. I also thought that getting to know the up and coming business
leaders before they become rich and famous would probably not hurt
either.
What do you think Hawaii leaders should do to improve (select on:
culture & arts, business, social life, economy, etc.)?
I think the most important thing that Hawaii leaders need to do is
actually start making the tough decisions. When the framers of the
Constitution set up our government as a republic rather than a true
democracy, they knew that there would be times when the leadership
was going to have to make tough decisions that might not be popular.
That is what leaders do. They make the tough decisions that they know
are the right decisions, even if the populace doesn't know it themselves.
If leaders don’t make the tough calls, the resulting decision is the lowest
command denominator than offends everyone the least.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to?
That is a toss up between the Taj Mahal and the pyramids in Egypt. Both
places are amazing in that they are great monuments that have
withstood the test of time.
Where’s your favorite pau hana spot?
Even though it might not show, I like to spend my pau hana on the
treadmill at 24 hour fitness. It is a very relaxing way to get rid of the
day’s stress.
Name one thing you are really passionate about.
I guess I am most passionate about learning. I think the day you stop
learning is the day you start dying. I try to learn something new
everyday and I am addicted to listening to educational books on tape.
One thing that most people don’t know about you.
I was the first person in my family to graduate from college.
Trust fund baby. I mean what could be better than having more money
than you know what to do with and absolutely no responsibilities. I have
to admire those guys because they make it look so hard.
Who is your role model and why?
Colin Powell. The son of Jamaican immigrants and educated in the New
York City public school system, he went on to become the Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of State. Through hard work
and dedication, he was able make it to the heights of American society.
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
I joined because there always seems to be interesting speakers at the
events. I also thought that getting to know the up and coming business
leaders before they become rich and famous would probably not hurt
either.
What do you think Hawaii leaders should do to improve (select on:
culture & arts, business, social life, economy, etc.)?
I think the most important thing that Hawaii leaders need to do is
actually start making the tough decisions. When the framers of the
Constitution set up our government as a republic rather than a true
democracy, they knew that there would be times when the leadership
was going to have to make tough decisions that might not be popular.
That is what leaders do. They make the tough decisions that they know
are the right decisions, even if the populace doesn't know it themselves.
If leaders don’t make the tough calls, the resulting decision is the lowest
command denominator than offends everyone the least.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to?
That is a toss up between the Taj Mahal and the pyramids in Egypt. Both
places are amazing in that they are great monuments that have
withstood the test of time.
Where’s your favorite pau hana spot?
Even though it might not show, I like to spend my pau hana on the
treadmill at 24 hour fitness. It is a very relaxing way to get rid of the
day’s stress.
Name one thing you are really passionate about.
I guess I am most passionate about learning. I think the day you stop
learning is the day you start dying. I try to learn something new
everyday and I am addicted to listening to educational books on tape.
One thing that most people don’t know about you.
I was the first person in my family to graduate from college.
What do you enjoy most/least about your job?
I am a civil litigation attorney and the bulk of
my current practice is representing individuals
and companies who have been sued. I view my
job as protecting them against false and
sometimes frivolous claims. I investigate the
facts and law and verify the Plaintiffs' or
Complainants' allegations. If it is as they say, I
am happy to report that my clients have agreed
with my assessment and we have settled such
matters. Unfortunately, the overwhelming
majority of claims are either completely
I am a civil litigation attorney and the bulk of
my current practice is representing individuals
and companies who have been sued. I view my
job as protecting them against false and
sometimes frivolous claims. I investigate the
facts and law and verify the Plaintiffs' or
Complainants' allegations. If it is as they say, I
am happy to report that my clients have agreed
with my assessment and we have settled such
matters. Unfortunately, the overwhelming
majority of claims are either completely
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What do you enjoy most/least about your job?
Most: Helping businesses achieve their goals
Least: Not having enough time in the day
to finish everything I’d like to do
If you could have any job in the world,
what would that be?
A sportscaster or an anchor for ESPN.
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
To learn about different industries & businesses and to build my
personal network.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to?
Japan – great food, beautiful scenery, friendly people.
Where's your favorite pau hana spot?
Any UH sporting event – Stan Sheriff Center & Les Murakami Stadium.
Name one thing you're really passionate about.
Traveling.
One thing that most people don't know about you.
I went skydiving in ’95!
Most: Helping businesses achieve their goals
Least: Not having enough time in the day
to finish everything I’d like to do
If you could have any job in the world,
what would that be?
A sportscaster or an anchor for ESPN.
Why did you join the Young Business Council?
To learn about different industries & businesses and to build my
personal network.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to?
Japan – great food, beautiful scenery, friendly people.
Where's your favorite pau hana spot?
Any UH sporting event – Stan Sheriff Center & Les Murakami Stadium.
Name one thing you're really passionate about.
Traveling.
One thing that most people don't know about you.
I went skydiving in ’95!
MATTHEW MYLLYKANGAS
Company: Hunt Building Company, Ltd.
Title: Vice President
Age: 34 (March 2006)
Company: Hunt Building Company, Ltd.
Title: Vice President
Age: 34 (March 2006)
What do you enjoy most/least about your job?
Most - Marketing is such a demanding and
challenging field. Everyday is a learning
experience. Least - The job never ends.
If you could have any job in the world, what would
that be?President of a casino in Las Vegas.
Most - Marketing is such a demanding and
challenging field. Everyday is a learning
experience. Least - The job never ends.
If you could have any job in the world, what would
that be?President of a casino in Las Vegas.
What do you enjoy most/least about your job?
Most: Getting people to appreciate quality
footwear. Least: Nothing I don't like about my
"job."
If you could have any job in the world, what
would that be? Definitely a rock star. I can't
imagine anything better than rocking in front
of 50,000 devoted fans.
Most: Getting people to appreciate quality
footwear. Least: Nothing I don't like about my
"job."
If you could have any job in the world, what
would that be? Definitely a rock star. I can't
imagine anything better than rocking in front
of 50,000 devoted fans.
What do you enjoy most/least about your job?
I enjoy bringing people together with different
strengths and weaknesses and building a team to
obtain a common goal. I do not enjoy the barriers
that our constantly placed in front of small
businesses by bureaucrats.
I enjoy bringing people together with different
strengths and weaknesses and building a team to
obtain a common goal. I do not enjoy the barriers
that our constantly placed in front of small
businesses by bureaucrats.