MITCH D’OLIER

What this episode covers

Mitch D’Olier accepted the task of leading Kaneohe Ranch and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation to improve the area of Kailua and the community. Mitch is legendary for his leadership in the redevelopment of Victoria Ward and the sale to General Growth Properties for $250 million. He had a huge responsibility because he knew before others that most of the proceeds from the business would go to charity after the owner’s passing. Mitch is heavily involved in improving Hawaii’s educational system. He’s also making sure the average of $7 million in grants that the Harold K.L. Foundation awards each year is put to good use and worthy causes. Hear how Mitch transcended from a 19 year legal career to becoming one of the most successful CEO’s in Hawaii. Some questions asked: Welcome to our show Mitch, are you able to tell us more about Kaneohe Ranch? You used to practice law with GoodSill Anderson Quinn and Stifel, what made you decide to leave that field? How did you deal with the transition? You have a history of being COO and president with Hawaiian Airlines as well, what was that experience like? How have you been able to attain several positions as CEO and president of many companies, what have you done to prepare you for this? You successfully redeveloped the Victoria Ward area and sold it to General Growth for $250 million. Can you tell us in a nutshell how you did that? How did you learn to manage employees? The Castle foundation started its donations primarily focusing on the people that lived on the windward side, why? What are some success stories that stick out in your mind that show the impact of these grants? What’s your philosophy on whether or not business people should give back to the community? Did you always think that way or did someone “enlighten” you to this way of thinking? Our show focuses on businesses giving back to the community, what is your take on giving back to the community? What do you say to those people who say there just isn’t enough time to get involved with the community because they need to focus on their careers first and primary? How are you able to manage your time? How are you able to balance your life? Do you think that education is important in a person’s life for them to be successful? Do you think it’s important for management to get into the daily grind with the employees to truly experience what is going on with a company? How did you figure out what was the major problems when joining Hawaiian Airlines? What are some principles and lessons that you took from your mentors at Hawaiian Airlines? When working on the revitilization of Victoria Ward, how long did the process take? Everything in the shopping center was planned? Including the retailers? What lessons did you learn from Victoria Ward that you’ve taken to Kaneohe Ranch? What have been your biggest challenges business or personal? Was there a tipping point or defining moment in your life or your company where things took off? Who has been your mentor? What can we look forward to in the future? Any last advice for business people? What message would you like our listeners to receive from this discussion? What are the reasons you decided to come on this show? Can you tell us why other people should come on this show? Can you tell us why people should listen to this show? BIO: Mitchell D’Olier H. Mitchell “Mitch” D’Olier was elected president and chief executive officer of Kaneohe Ranch Company, Limited and president and chief executive officer of The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation effective July 1, 2002. He was previously President and Chief Executive Officer of Victoria Ward, Limited from 1993 to 2002, and a member of its Board of Directors from 1992 to 2002.