PONO SHIM

What this episode covers

“What I saw in the Concierge at Ward was an opportunity to build relationships,” says Pono Shim, who has worked for Ward Properties for 17 years. Seeing an open door to entrepreneurship, Pono accepted the concierge service for the Ward 16 Theatre, becoming its first strategic partner—and beyond this, he saw a brighter prospect in being able to bring individuals and businesses together. Today, the Concierge Services at Ward plays an important role in meshing people and building stronger ties within the Islands’ populace—and what started as a way of “keeping in touch” with friends and family has grown into a database of over 10,000 long term and trusted relationships. Officially opening in August of 2001, the company strives in building value to consumers and revenues for partnered businesses and organizations. According to Pono, the primary focus of their business operations has relationship marketing at the core. By serving customers they hope to build trust and loyalty, and through the developed relationship build unique marketing programs. In this interview, Pono shares one of his experiences as a volunteer on the committee that chaired the Ho’olaulea at Kamehameha Schools. One of their projects is a food drive for the poor. As Pono makes an inventory of their collection, he comes across a plastic bag, which contains a cup and a half of flour. Pono explains that this donation is probably the most important of all they have collected. The person who has donated it has probably given all or most of what he or she has. Greater Good Radio brings Pono Shim, entrepreneur and relationship marketing advocate, and his story about acceptance and invitation. Listen to this interview and hear more about his narration, which has been included in The Greater Good: Life Lessons from Hawaii’s Leaders. All these and more only here on Greater Good Radio. BIO: Pono Shim is the marketing executive and founder of Concierge Services at Ward. Son of Alvin Shim, labor law specialist and attorney, and mother Marion Heen Shim, daughter of Honolulu City Councilman, Ernest Nalani Heen Sr, and her brother Walter Heen, Pono credits his business acumen and sound value system to God and his amazing family mentored environment. In his desire to bring the same five-star standard to the residents of Hawaii, Concierge Services was conceived, and Ward Cinema became its first strategic partner Utilizing the current and constantly evolving email network, as a means of communication, products and services are developed in response to his network of membership-for-value business. Developing a reservation system for the largest cinema in the state, he expanded his membership services to include specials and discounts for his valued friends and network, from like-minded businesses who share his vision to provide the people of Hawaii products that are priced to accommodate the budgetary constraints of calling Hawaii their home. Hotel concierge services which were exclusive to the visitor, is now provided to the resident, through Concierge Services, with products that are designed and priced with the local consumer in mind. In response to the growing needs of this network, he met with neighboring businesses to learn about their products and services and collaborated on developing a value packed package with Ryan’s Grill & Bar, Dave & Buster’s, and Border’s Books, to name a few. His constant update of more products and services has stirred interest in this new advertising venue, by many resident consumer driven businesses and the membership-for-value business model standard is the focus of developing new partnerships. This model is fueled by his passion to improve the quality of life for the youth and future generations of Hawaii. Based on his standard of excellence philosophy, Pono has translated this to be service, loyalty and sensitivity,