Greater Good Radio - Connect, Learn, Heal, and Grow

Bert A Kobayashi - Founder, Kobayashi Group LLC

Greater Good Radio has had the opportunity to interview Hawaii’s adopted children—mainlanders coming in to the islands and establish themselves as entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Joey Caldarone is one of these people; making Hawaii his home, founding his own business and engaging in community outreach. The state has been a regular travel destination for Joey and his family since the 80s. But it was only five years ago that he decided to stay for good. Here, he was able to establish himself as a real estate agent and recently, owner of an interior design and consulting firm in his namesake. Caldarone’s creativity stretches across different disciplines; from visual to performing arts. He has created and sold highly-priced paintings locally and abroad; he has starred in Miss Saigon as the lead role of ‘The Engineer’; and will be traveling to Japan for an album recording. In this interview, he talks about his experience in the interior design industry and the many enclaves that he has developed. He also shares his stint at and how he contributes to the local performing arts industry. Find out more about Joey Caldarone and his involvement in the Manoa Valley Theater and how he uses local outsourcing to assist his one-man workforce. BIO: Joey Caldarone Joey Caldarone originally hails from New Jersey, but has had a Hawai’i connection since the age of four when he and his family first came to O’ahu in 1980. He returned often throughout the years, and made Hawai’i his permanent residence almost five years ago. Upon graduating from Cornell University with a B.S in Hotel Administration, in 1999, Joey moved to North Carolina and worked in development research at Duke University while concurrently owning a café. In 2001 he moved back to the New York area and had a brief stint as a commercial real estate analyst with Cushman & Wakefield. During that same year, while on vacation with his family on O’ahu, Joey decided not to return home one hour before his scheduled flight, and from that moment on Hawai’i became his new home. Soon after, Joey became a real estate agent with Case Properties International, under the guidance of the highly respected Patricia Case, Esq., and flourished as a realtor. In 2003, Joey met a talented New York interior and architectural designer named Geoffrey Hassman, and he had the great fortune of being mentored by such a talent while establishing a thriving business together. Together, they designed and renovated several million dollar oceanfront “Gold Coast” condominiums and homes in the Diamond Head and Kahala area. Two of these projects were featured in Hawaii Home and Remodeling. Joey branched out on his own in 2005 and began Joseph Caldarone, Inc., an interior design and consulting firm. He has recently finished several new projects, including a popular night club and several high-end condominiums and homes. In 2005, Joey sold his first development project, a three million dollar home on Kahala Ave., which turned out to be a great success and training ground for future endeavors. Additionally, Joey has become known as a local performer for his portrayal of leading roles at Diamond Head Theater (DHT), Manoa Valley Theater (MVT), and Army Community Theater (ACT). You might have recently seen him as “The Engineer”, in ACT’s Miss Saigon. He also received a Po’okela Award for the role of “Mary Sunshine” in DHT’s Chicago. Joey also emcees fundraising galas, sings at various Honolulu venues, has been featured in several local independent films, and has guest appeared in local television programs on OC 16. In addition to the performing arts, Joey is also a painter, with his oversized abstract work currently being featured at the W Hotel’s Diamond Head Grill. He has also attained great success in selling his artwork, with high profile patrons from Honolulu and Japan.

Joey Caldarone - CEO of Joseph Caldarone, Inc. and Director of Manoa Valley Theater

After college, Larry Johnson worked as a bank teller for $500 a month. Eventually, Johnson was appointed to branch manager in Waikiki as a 27-year old. He would then gradually make his way up the corporate ladder to become chairman of the board and CEO of the Bank of Hawaii. Larry Johnson has a long-standing relationship with the company and his introduction to the banking industry took quite a funny twist. As a high school student in 1958, Johnson—a baseball player—along with his four friends, was asked to join the Bank of Hawaii for a summer job. Little did they know that they were to play for the company’s softball team. Eventually Johnson was taken on board the bank’s management trainee program, where he was acquainted to the various logistical operations of the financial institution. This was the bona fide start of his career in the industry. Now retired, Johnson is a huge supporter of the small business industry in the state. He is an active investor on local startups including Hoku Scientific. Johnson says, “I felt it was really good for the economy of Hawaii and I’d like to see small startup companies succeed here.” Find out more about Larry Johnson as he talks about the current state of the Hawaii economy and why he views the islands as full of opportunities offering wonderful prospects for the future. More is in store so click on and listen. BIO: LAWRENCE M. JOHNSON Executive Biography Lawrence M. Johnson is the Past Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Hawaii. He retired from his position on November 3, 2000. Mr. Johnson took office as Chairman and CEO of Bank of Hawaii on August 1, 1994. Prior to his election to this position, he held the office of President since 1989; Vice Chairman since 1984; and Executive Vice President since 1980. He was also an officer and director of the company’s subsidiaries. Mr. Johnson joined Bank of Hawaii as a summer trainee in 1958 and was accepted into the management trainee program in 1963. His career in the organization spanned many areas, with emphasis in consumer banking, marketing and sales. Active in the community, Mr. Johnson serves on the boards of The Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii Pacific University, The Hawaii Community Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. A former chairman of the Hawaii Business Roundtable, Mr. Johnson was also conference chairman of the Pacific Basin Economic Council 2000 International General Meeting, chairman of the Aloha United Way’s 1992 Campaign, chairman of the board of the Hawaii Visitors Bureau and the Hawaii Heart Association; and president of the Waikiki Improvement Association. He has served on the board of directors of the Aloha Council – Boy Scouts of America, Aloha United Way, Better Business Bureau, Bishop Museum, Blood Bank of Hawaii, East-West Center, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, The Dole Food Company, The Contemporary Museum, Hawaii Convention Park Council, Hawaii Visitors Bureau, The Japan-America Society of Hawaii, Institute for Human Services, Lanakila Rehabilitation Center and Straub Foundation, Hawaii Preparatory Academy and on the Advisory Board of Kamehameha Schools. As appointed by President Clinton in April, 1996, he served on the Commission on United States-Pacific Trade and Investment Policy. He has received a number of awards honoring his leadership, professional accomplishments and community service, including the University of Hawaii “Distinguished Alumni” in 1993, the 1994 “Fellow of the Pacific Award” presented by Hawaii Pacific University in 1997. He was named as an inductee to the Pacific Coast Banking School Hall of Fame in 1998. A Honolulu native, Mr. Johnson attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Hawaii.

Larry Johnson - Retired CEO of Bank of Hawaii, Board of Star Bulletin and MidWeek, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii Pacific University, The Hawaii Community Foundation and The Nature Conservancy

Jon de Mello is the big man on campus when it comes to Hawaiian Music. The way he went from art school to music production is a captivating story that has many twists and turns. Especially interesting is how he developed his business skills. In 2002, he became the first producer from a Hawai’i record label to have achieved an RIAA certified Gold Record and in 2005 achieved Platinum. Jon was instrumental in the Grammy Awards adding the Hawaiian Music category in 2005 and 3 out of the 5 nominees were represented by Jon and his company. So how did he go from a studio artist and painter to a media mogul? That’s no short story and it spans over 30 years. Jon was mentored by very successful and already established business men in his early years. Team that with his artistic talent, passion, community focus and a bit of good fortune and what you have is magic. Jon shares with us how community involvement makes good business sense and talks about integrating programs into his business. This commitment to the community is one of the main reasons he’s become so successful. Some questions asked: Can you tell us a bit about The Mountain Apple Company and what they do? Where did the name Mountain Apple come from? What does a music producer actually do? How did you get started? What influence did your father have on your success? How has that helped your business? How long did it take to see success? How did you make the leap from being an artist to becoming a business executive? Any advice for today’s young business person? Where do you find talent? What do you consider talent? What is the most important thing for an artist to work on to become a successful artist? How did you learn your business skills? How can an artist get you to listen to their music? What are the biggest mistake that artists make when trying to make a career? What community organizations or non profits are you involved with? BIO: Jon de Mello is Hawai’i’s foremost leader in the area of music recording, distribution, publishing, licensing and talent management. As Owner and President of The Mountain Apple Company, he has built the company into a successful business that competes on an international arena in the sales and marketing of Hawaiian and island music. That dedication to the music and the artists that The Mountain Apple Company represents is evident in the successes that he has received. He has produced over 150 recording projects that range from traditional Hawaiian to contemporary Hawaiian to island music. In 2002, he became the first producer from a Hawai’i record label to have achieved an RIAA certified Gold Record and 2005 achieved Platinum. He worked closely in developing a CD that was nominated on the 2002 final Grammy ballot for “Reggae Album of the Year.” The recording projects he has developed and worked with have garnered almost 100 Nä Hökü Hanohano Awards (Hawai’i’s version of the Grammys). Jon de Mello was born into a musical family. His great-grandfather, who came to Hawai’i in 1889 on one of the first Portuguese immigrant ships, played the ‘ukulele, Portugal’s contribution to Hawaiian music. His father operated one of Hawai’i’s oldest recording companies, Music of Polynesia, and made his mark by adding lush orchestration to traditional Hawaiian music. Jon began playing the piano at the age of five, and began learning his father’s trade by sitting in on recording sessions and business meetings. His interest expanded to fine art, and he studied painting at the California College of Arts and Crafts, graduating in 1970 with a fine arts degree. When he returned to the islands, he continued his artistic studies at the University of Hawai’i while simultaneously embarking on several busi...

Jon de Mello - Owner of The Mountain Apple Company

Dr Kent M Keith - CEO of Carlson Keith Corp, Author of "Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments"

Dr. Kent Keith holds an eclectic educational background; from Harvard, taking BA in Government, to Oxford, as a Rhodes Scholar, then moving on to take Japanese at the Waseda University in Tokyo, his J.D. from the University of Hawaii and Ed.D. at the University of Southern California He has practiced law, been a cabinet member for the State of Hawaii, and held a six-year tenure as president of Chaminade University. But his greatest achievement is his bestselling ‘Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments’, receiving worlwide recognition that the likes of Mother Theresa has even hung a poster of the decalogue on her wall. And his writings were not restricted to the physical world. The commandments’ prevalence has reached even the arena of fiction, appearing in Superman: The Never-Ending Battle (2004). Two other titles follow his popular writs, ‘Do It Anyway’ and ‘Jesus Did It Anyway’, released in 2003 and 2005 respectively. As an active speaker, he has conducted over 800 presentations and seminars and has been featured in various publications. This Greater Good Radio interview is one of his many TV and Radio appearances in America, Europe and Australia. Evan and Kari speak with Dr. Kent Keith about his Paradoxical Commandments and how these were born, eventually becoming one of the most influential maxims of recent times. Dr. Keith also explains how he has become University president citing ideological reasons for engaging in academia. Don’t miss the aftershow where he talks about the two forms of leadership; command and servant, and how the latter turns out to be more influential. This is an interview fit for all professions, especially those who are searching for meaning in what they do. “The idea is that no matter what the world does to you, you need to do what’s right, good and true and that will give you meaning and if you have meaning you don’t have to look for glory,” Dr. Keith said. Listen now to Dr. Kent Keith and learn how to live a more fulfilling life. Some questions asked: BIO: Links: Listen on Youtube:

Congressman Neil Abercrombie - U.S. Congressman, YMCA, Hawaii Special Olympics, Friends of Father Damien

Congressman Neil Abercrombie’s discovery of the exoticism of Hawaii seems to be serendipitous. During one dark and freezing New York winter, he saw a poster—with the sun, sand, and palm trees—advertising a scholarship offering from the University of Hawaii. He applied and got accepted. Upon reaching the islands, he said, “I realized I was in paradise in about ten minutes. I never left.” While working as public school teacher, he went to the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he obtained his doctorate in 1974. Subsequently he joined the UH faculty system as a professor of sociology. Currently he is in the United States House of Representatives representing the First Congressional District of Hawaii and has been incumbent since 1991. Besides his position as a public servant, Abercrombie has also served in the boards of various health and human rights-oriented organizations such as the Hawaii Special Olympics, the Epilepsy Foundation of America, Friends of Father Damien, Variety Club (Tent 50), the Life Foundation/AIDS Foundation of Hawaii and Amnesty International. Greater Good Radio brings to you Cong. Neil Abercrombie and his thoughts on unrequited service towards Hawaii and its people. He also talks about his involvement in various charities and organizations and his endless support for civil and human rights. Find out more, only here on Greater Good Radio. BIO: Congressman Neil Abercrombie is one of Hawaii’s best known and most respected public figures. Even those who differ with him politically applaud him for his honesty, integrity, and commitment to Hawaii. Recently, a man who described himself as a conservative republican who often finds himself at odds with Abercrombie’s positions on issues went on to say, “but I respect Neil because he always tries to do what he believes is best for Hawaii. He has Hawaii in his heart.” The future Representative for Hawaii’s First Congressional District was born in Buffalo, New York. He had already earned a BA degree in Sociology from Union College in Schenactady, New York before he came to Hawaii in the 1960’s to continue his education. He earned his Masters degree in Sociology in 1964 and a Ph.D. in American Studies in 1974 from the University of Hawaii. Not all of his learning was in the classroom. Congressman Neil Abercrombie worked at a series of jobs that would help shape his outlook. They include waiter, custodian, probation officer, graduate teaching assistant, college lecturer, professor, construction apprentice program director, and special assistant to the State Superintendent of education. And he was able to benefit from the astute observations and advice of his wife, author and educator Nancie Caraway. In 1971 he began hosting one of Hawaii’s first phone in radio programs – Viewpoint on KHVH Radio. His on-air guests ranged from film stars to political leaders to counter-culture advocates, but Abercrombie always made his callers the real stars of the program. In keeping with the name of the program, he wanted to hear their viewpoints. Unlike many of today’s talk radio hosts, Congressman Neil Abercrombie did not ridicule his callers. He did not hesitate to make his own views known, but when he disagreed with a caller it was always done with respect. When a co-worker at the radio station commented about his way of dealing with callers, Abercrombie responded, “You can learn a lot from people who don’t see things the same way you do, but they won’t tell you how they feel if you insult them.” Thousands of people in Hawaii let Neil Abercrombie know how they felt on a variety of issues. Many of them enjoyed a spirited, but respectful debate with him on the air. The radio program allowed Congressman Neil Abercrombie to connect with Hawaii’s grassroots in a unique way. What he learned helped him launch his political car...

Bill Richardson - Owner of HMS Hawaii Management Partners, Inc, Partner in Dragon Bridge Capital

Bill Richardson is an integral entity in one of the leading venture capital funds in the state. He is an active investor and mentor in Hoku Scientific, Digital Island and Hoana Medical. To add to his career portfolio, Richardson manages to get involved in a number of non-profit and charitable organizations including Hospice Hawaii, Kidney Foundation, HiBeam, and University of Hawaii Foundation. Richardson started off his career as a lawyer, practicing his trade for three years, but always had business in mind. Through starting his own business he thought he could help the Hawaii economy grow and prosper. His background and extensive connections pave the way for him to engage in venture capitalism. “When I first started, what I brought to the party was a little bit of legal experience, some finance experience from my previous working and a lot of connections in Hawaii.” Evan and Kari talk to Richardson about the skills required of a venture capitalist. “You certainly have to be a very supportive person and be willing to take a background position. You don’t want to ever sort of stand in front of the entrepreneur. You really want the entrepreneur to build his business. But you have to be there to support him in any way can,” he said. Find out more about Bill Richardson and his ventures in and outside the business world. BIO: William K. Richardson has been a general partner of HMS Hawaii Management, the General Partner of the leading venture capital funds in Hawaii, since 1994. He is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara and Duke University School of Law, and a former national caliber volleyball player. Prior to founding HMS Hawaii Management, Richardson was a Hawaii attorney specializing in commercial law and finance. He also worked nine years in various sales and marketing capacities for Wang Laboratories. He is currently the chairman of the board for Pacific DirectConnect, a WiFi integration company; Kona Bay Marine Resources, a marine biotech company; and Hawaii Biotech, a bio-therapeutic company. He was formerly on the boards of Wireless (now interWAVE Communications International) and HealthScape (now VirtualSeller.com), and a board visitor to Digital Island (now Cable & Wireless). He is an active investor/mentor in Hoku Scientific, a fuel cell company; Firetide, a WiFi equipment builder; and Hoana Medical, a medical device company. Richardson was the founding co-chair of University Connections, and a founder and current President of HiBEAM. His community connections include six years as a trustee of the University of Hawaii Foundation, five years on the Board of the National Kidney Foundation and current board member of the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship and E-Business and the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Hawaii. Links: HMS Hawaii Management Partners Hoku Scientific HIBEAM Hawaii Venture Capital Organization Listen on Youtube:

Andrew Aoki - Partner in 3Point Consulting, Co-Founder of College Connections

“If there’s one thing we know how to do, that’s apply to schools.” Andrew Aoki speaks candidly about his extensive educational background, having studied in top universities including Harvard, Stanford, and University of Michigan. But despite his broad educational experience, Aoki chose to serve the public. He is a co-founder of 3-Point Consulting, which works with community-based organizations in their business strategic planning, combining their social mission with business reality of staying financially viable. In addition, he co-founded College Connections Hawaii, an education consultancy firm focusing on providing educational information, accessibility and counseling to children and families. Greater Good Radio welcomes Andrew Aoki, a man of true simplicity and contentment. He says, “Think really deeply of what’s important in your life and make your life reflect that. If you’re clear about what you want and not want too much, you can be pretty happy on all fronts.” And when asked about how he views social entrepreneurship, he answers, “Not only would I recommend that, I feel that we have an obligation to do that I mean if our society is going to get better and if you have young kids and if you think about the world they’re going to live in years from now. If you want them to live in a place that’s safe and bring out the full quality of their life, you have to invest now.” In this interview, Aoki talks about public service as a genuine calling in his life. Listen to the main interview and aftershow to find out more about how he handles a life dedicated to serving other people. Some questions asked: BIO: ANDREW H. AOKI PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2002 – present 3Point Consulting, LLC (www.3pointconsulting.com) Honolulu, HI Principal and Co-founder Founded public interest research and consulting firm. Provide a full range of services to government, corporations, non-profit organizations, special projects, community groups, and others. 1999 – 2005 College Connections Hawai‘i, Inc. (www.collegeconnections.org) Honolulu, HI Co-founder and Director of Operations Founded nonprofit educational firm to improve educational opportunities throughout Hawai‘i. Jointly oversaw all aspects including statewide operations, financial strategy, board of directors, development, staff supervision and community relations. Provided college entrance workshops, college advising, tutoring, and low-cost test preparation classes to thousands of students in communities with traditionally limited access. 2000 – 2002 HMSA Foundation Honolulu, HI Executive Administrator Oversaw $1.2 million annual grant making program to positively impact health in Hawai‘i. Designed and directed the Hawai‘i Uninsured Project – a statewide effort to reduce the number of uninsured people in Hawai‘i. 1999 – 2000 YMCA of Honolulu, Atherton Branch Honolulu, HI YouthMapping Project Director Supervised program director and other staff in statewide asset mapping project. Implemented youth leadership and community development programs in diverse communities across the state through collaboration with numerous service organizations. Planned and conducted most successful fundraising campaign in branch history. 1997 – 1998 State of Hawai‘i, Office of the Auditor Honolulu, HI Analyst Planned and conducted performance audits of state agencies including the departments of education, health, and business, economic development and tourism. Researched background materials, interviewed agency personnel, designed and implemented surveys, analyzed financial and organizational issues, wrote and edited audits. 1993 The Honorable Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Representative Honolulu, HI Intern, Honolulu District Office