BERT A. KOBAYASHI

What this episode covers

A successful business is determined by revenues, profits and a long-standing history. Albert C. Kobayashi Inc. represents this type of business. Not only is it the largest local construction company in the state, it is also on its 3rd-generation of ownership. Bert Kobayashi, retired principal of the Kobayashi Group and former CEO of Albert Kobayashi Inc. inherited the business from his father when he was 19. He now has over 38 years of contracting experience and 32 years as a developer. The Kobayashi Group is now run by his children, Patrick, BJ and Alana. Throughout the years, Bert Kobayashi has seen several changes to interpersonal transactions and deal-making. He said, “transactions in the past were made through handshakes.” “Your word was more important than what you wrote and the only way to come through it was do as you say,” Kobayashi said. In this interview, he talks about the relative advantage of volunteering as opposed to giving financial assistance to charities. He claims that people may not have the monetary means to aid others but they certainly have time to be physically involved in the community. Learn more about Bert Kobayashi and how his involvement in the non-profit sector has helped him to become an effective leader and a successful businessman. BIO: BERT A. KOBAYASHI Founder, Kobayashi Group LLC EDUCATION: Kapiolani Community College: Business Administration. WORK EXPERIENCE: Mr. Kobayashi has over 38 years of construction experience, including 32 years as a developer. He holds a State of Hawaii Contractor’s License, and his development experience includes the following projects: • Salt Lake Condominiums, Oahu. • BRJ Warehouse, Maui. • Kalihi & Waipahu Warehouses, Oahu. • Pheasant Ridge – 100-unit subdivision in Waikoloa, Hawaii. • Honokaa Knolls – 104-unit subdivision in Honokaa, Hawaii. • Napilihau Villages – 300-unit townhouses in Lahaina, Maui. • West Loch Estates – 715 affordable and market units in Ewa, Oahu. • Hale Lumi Subdivision – 51-lot subdivision in Waipahu, Oahu. • Makai Villages 7&8 – 600-unit affordable and market units in the Villages of Kapolei, Oahu, including Kapolei Kai, a 200-unit single-family residential subdivision. • Kapolei Middle School – Administration, cafeteria and classroom buildings in Kapolei, Oahu. • Kapolei High School – Administration, cafeteria, gymnasium and classroom buildings in Kapolei, Oahu. • Kapolei Civic Center – 200,000 sq. ft. government office building in Kapolei, Oahu. • Grand Wailea – 88-unit condominium in Wailea, Maui. • Kulamalu, Pukalani – 150-acre residential community including a 50-acre school site on Maui. • Kukio Beach Resort – Exclusive residential resort development on the North Kona Coast, Hawaii. • Hokua at 1288 Ala Moana – 248-unit luxury condominium on Oahu. ORGANIZATIONS (Current) • American Savings Bank – Board of Directors • The Japan America Society of Hawaii – Board of Trustees • University of Hawaii Foundation – Board of Trustees o Vice Chair, Development • Kapiolani Health Care Foundation – Board of Trustees o Chairman • Waterhouse Foundation – Board member • Honolulu Zoo Society – Fundraising Committee ORGANIZATIONS: (Past) • University of Hawaii – Board of Regents – Chair • Georgetown University – Board of Regents • Hawaii Nature Center – Board of Director • The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii – Board of Trustees • Mid-Pacific Institute – Board of Trustees • Bishop Museum – Chairman, Board of Directors; Vice Chair, Board of Directors; Vice Chair of Executive Committee; Development Fund Chair • St. Louis Education Foundation – Board of Directors • Kuakini Health Systems – Board of Trustees