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Success Stories

Samuel Kamaka Jr. and Frederick Kamaka Sr., Kamaka Hawaii, Special Aware for Lifetime Achievement, Makana Hooko no ke Ola, 2015 SBA Small Business Awards

Samuel Kamaka Jr. and Frederick Kamaka Sr. have devoted their lives to ensuring the success of Kamaka Hawaii and the perpetuation of Hawaiian values, culture, and music. Established in 1916, Kamaka Hawaii is a family owned and operated business making fine handcrafted ukuleles. The company has helped many others start new businesses, providing advice and sharing supplies, vendors and distribution networks; they've led factory tours and conducted workshops on topics like lean manufacturing, waste materials management, and customer satisfaction. The company also supports various educational efforts, non-profit and business organizations and music festivals.

In 2015, representing Kamaka Hawaii, Sam and Fred won a Special Award for Lifetime Achievement - Makana Ho'oko no ke Ola. Nominated by Angeline Shiroma, First Hawaiian Bank. 

Pictured: Sam Kamaka Jr. and Frederick Kamaka Sr.
Francis Kenney and Timothy Murphy, Jamaico Inc. dba Jamaican Grill, 2015 Small Business Persons of the Year for Guam

Francis Kenney and Timothy Murphy, owners of Jamaico Inc. (dba Jamaican Grill) made good on their collective dream of owning a business. In 1994, they opened their first restaurant in Hagatna, Guam with 2 employees. 10 years later, in July 2004, they received a $200,000 SBA loan towards the development of a second restaurant in Tumon, and in August 2011, they received a $407,000 SBA loan towards the development of a third restaurant in Dededo. Today, their three restaurants employ up to 101 full-time and 7 part-time employees. Previously, Kenney served in the U.S. Air Force as a cook stationed in Korea, and Murphy spent some time with the U.S. Merchant Marines.

In 2015, representing Jamaico Inc., Francis Kenney and Timothy Murphy won the Small Business Persons of the Year for Guam.

Pictured: Francis Kenney and Timothy Murphy
Louis Perez III, Akamai Capital Inc., 2014 Small Business Advocate for Financial Services, State of Hawaii

Louis Perez III is the managing director for Akamai Capital Inc., a subsidiary of the Akamai Foundation that furthers community economic development and business training. He is a frequent speaker, trainer and panelist for entrepreneurial programs such as the SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative and the Community Development Venture Capital Fund. He's provided briefings for the State legislature, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the White House Initiative of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, the Ford Foundation and the Native Hawaiian Convention on investment capital, community lending, and topics impacting local groups.

In 2014, representing Akamai Capital, Louis Perez III won the SBA Small Business Advocate for Financial Services, State of Hawaii. He was nominated by Naomi Masuno, Bank of Hawaii.

Pictured: Louis Perez III
Robert Barrett, President, Coastal Windows Inc.

Started in 1990 to provide the Hawaiian Islands with a complete line of windows and doors designed and manufactured locally, Coastal Windows Inc., offers a broad line of vinyl products specifically for the tropical market. The company serves home and condo renovations and new construction, commercial and government projects. 

Guided by Robert Barrett’s entrepreneurial instincts and savvy use of resources - including an SBA loan - Coastal Windows Inc. has survived challenging economic times. The company has grown into a 30,000 sq. ft. facility that include offices, sales and production space; revenues have increased by 22% over the last two years, and employees have increased in number to 53.

In 2014, representing Coastal Windows, Inc., Robert Barrett won the SBA Small Business Person of the Year for the City and County of Honolulu. He was nominated by Gregory Sitar, First Hawaiian Bank.

Pictured: Robert Barrett

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