Aloha Kakou
Welcome to my blog, where I will share information and insights on Hawai'i real estate, lifestyle and my perspective on a range of topics. With real estate I will stick to the facts, providing you (my clients and prospective clients) with information that I hope you will find helpful. But I admit, the idea of sharing my personal opinions and perspective publicly on broader topics is a new experience for me.
Culture & Travel
My family roots span from Hawai'i to the West Coast. I was raised in a bi-racial, multi-cultural family. My dad was born and raised in west O'ahu, initially Waipahu and later the Wai'anae Coast. My mom was born and raised in California, initially Santa Barbara and later San Jose. They met in San Jose in the early 1960s and eventually started a family.
Growing up in the Bay Area our family's social circle was primarily people from Hawai'i. People like my dad, who left Hawai'i in pursuit of opportunity. In the 1960s and 1970s travel to and from Hawai'i was not as accessible as it is today, and Hawai'i people on the continent instinctively found one another. People of different races and towns, but unified in their Hawai'i roots and Aloha Spirit, and conjoined as new lifelong friends in their new home.
Fast forward to a young adult, I began an airline career in Honolulu that had me relocate multiple times between Hawai'i and California. I had many great experiences and opportunities that involved extensive travel and collaborating with people of different cultures and perspectives.
I understand firsthand the challenges and joys of travel. In business I know the importance of bridging cultures, communication styles and making personal connections.
Family & Interests
My wife and I raised our two children in Orange County, CA. Our children were active in sports, and we were devoted fans. Our daughter earned her bachelor's degree in biology from San Francisco State and is now in Nursing School at UCLA. Our son recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Puget Sound.
I am a dedicated volunteer and spent many years as a coach, program administrator and fundraising champion for youth and high school basketball organizations in Orange County. In 2020 I became a Rotarian, joining thousands of Rotarians worldwide who are dedicated to serving their community and solving global challenges. I am a proud member of the Wai'anae Coast Rotary Club and currently serve as the 2022-2024 President.
In my leisure time I enjoy traveling, beach walks and grilling with family and friends. My leisure ambitions are to return to canoe paddling (recreationally), do more SUP paddle boarding, and one day learn to golf or at least drive around in golf cart pretending that I golf.
Career Experience
My customer service experience spans more than 35 years, including leadership roles in the aviation industry. Initially I had the typical "airline" jobs working in various airport roles. But the airline role that shaped my service perspective is one that had less to do with transportation, but rather creating hospitality experiences and achieving customer loyalty.
In my role as I was both team leader and team member collaborating with global colleagues to create luxury hospitality experiences in one of the least hospitable environments - an airport. This is also where my real estate experience began.
For 20 years, I have been involved with various aspects of real estate from lease agreements, design and construction, small scale renovation projects to extensive, large budget new builds - coordinating closely with architects, contractors, and others to craft luxury experiences.
When I transitioned to real estate sales, I chose to establish my practice with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, due to their reputation for quality and their "forever agent" philosophy. The Hawai'i Realty franchise is collaborative with progressive leaders who are among the most experienced and knowledgeable in Hawai'i real estate. I am proud to have my real estate practice partnered with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawai'i Realty.
Real Estate Is About Life Transitions
A word often associated with real estate is "transaction," industry jargon referring to the buying or selling of real estate. In my view, real estate is not about transactions but rather about life transitions. For most people, real estate needs flow with life events. Events that are often joyful, sometimes complicated but always full of emotion.
I help clients buy their first home, relocate, downsize, upsize, and even settle the estate of loved ones. Each client's circumstances are different, with unique needs. I view my role as being a knowledgeable and compassionate guide, assisting my clients through their life transition.
If you are experiencing a life transition that is creating a real estate need, let's schedule a free consultation. Real estate involves critical decisions and it's important for you to hire a real estate professional you are comfortable with.
Thank you for taking the time to read my first post. If you have a specific topic, you want me to address in my blog, please let me know: CraigA@bhhsHawaii.com