July 2024 Behind the Scenes: Unveiling Our Hawaii Team's Passions
Discover the heartbeat of our company with an exclusive glimpse into the diverse talents and personalities that drive our success in Hawaii. Get to know the faces behind the innovation in our “Meet Our Team” feature.
Meet Jessica Ogasawara, an experienced Project Director, Hawaiian cuisine connoisseur, and expert Fantasy Football player!
Q: Where are you from originally?
A: I was born in Japan and raised in Hawaii.
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
A: I enjoy playing golf, traveling, taking reformer pilates classes, cooking, and shopping.
**Q:**What is a fun fact about yourself?
**A: **I started playing Fantasy Football during COVID for fun, and I ended up winning the championship in my league that year. I won again in 2022 and still play in the same league with my friends.
Q: What is a personal or professional achievement that profoundly shaped your life or career path?
**A: **Living and working abroad for a few years profoundly shaped my life and career. This period taught me valuable lessons and provided experiences beyond the classroom. I became more proactive, humble, curious, and motivated to explore different career paths. Trying new things is risky, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Q: How did you find your way into the hospitality/construction industry?
A: Switching from education to hospitality eight years ago has significantly shaped my career path. During a brief stint in Japan, I learned about hotel operations, which opened multiple opportunities when I returned home. I gained experience in condominium operations, real estate development, construction management, and eventually worked for a developer specializing in new build to post-construction projects. These roles have led me to my current position as a Project Director, overseeing all project phases.
Q: Could you recount one of the most meaningful moments you’ve experienced with your team members during your tenure at The Hardy Group?
** A**: The Hardy Group welcomed me warmly, and the incredible mentors, colleagues, and resources made my transition smooth. The annual company meeting in Atlanta was a memorable experience, allowing me to connect with team members from all over the country through engaging trainings, delicious meals, and a fun golf outing!
Q: Has there been a mentor in your life who significantly influenced your career journey?
A: My previous supervisor greatly influenced my career journey. She helped me become an effective communicator, held me accountable, kept me humble, and ensured I stayed organized. My previous role was heavily client-facing, often dealing with challenging issues at the end of projects. Her unwavering support during tough situations helped me endure difficult days. I aim to bring the same energy, work ethic, and team camaraderie to my HARDY team.
Q: How do your personal passions aligns with the work we do at The Hardy Group?
A: I am passionate about learning new skills, gaining valuable experience, and client satisfaction. The work we do at The Hardy Group provides me with the opportunity to challenge myself and engage with many key players in the industry.
**Q: **What is your favorite part about living in Hawaii and/or Hawaiian culture?
A: My favorite part about living in Hawaii is the local cuisine and how easy it is to share Hawaiian culture through food. When I moved away for a few years, I missed dishes like kalua pig, poi, lomi salmon, spam musubis, Zippy’s chili and macaroni salad, poke, and shave ice. These local favorites are often enjoyed at potlucks, beach outings, hikes, and various gatherings.
Read more about Jessica, here.
Meet Alan Levy, a dedicated Senior Project Manager and accomplished artist that has exhibited his work in Honolulu, Maui, Greece, and South Korea.
Q: Where are you from originally?
A: *I am originally from Los Angeles, CA and have been living in Hawaii for 36 years. *
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
A: I enjoy gardening, carpentry, and creating art.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: For over 20 years, I have been creating art prints, including monoprints, lithographs, intaglio, and woodcuts. My artwork has been exhibited in Honolulu, Maui, Greece, and South Korea.
***Q:***Has there been a mentor in your life who significantly influenced your career journey?
**A: ***My first boss in construction management had a special talent for working through issues with clients and subcontractors in a way that resulted in a win/win situation. Over the last 40 years, his approach has been a constant inspiration and influence for me. *
Q: How do your personal passions aligns with the work we do at The Hardy Group?
***A: *My passions to create, learn, and solve problems are completely aligned with the work I do every day at The Hardy Group.
**Q: **Could you recount one of the most meaningful moments you’ve experienced with your team members during your tenure at The Hardy Group?
**A: **A memorable moment for me was after our entire Hawaii team took the red-eye flight to Atlanta for the annual company meeting. We were all exhausted but decided to go to breakfast together at the Flying Biscuit. Initially, I wasn’t excited, but as soon as the food arrived, I started to have fun. We were laughing about the flight, and sharing food. Whether it was the magic of southern biscuits or the camaraderie, it felt like being with family. Experiences like that make me feel lucky to be part of such a special team.
**Q: **How did you find your way into the hospitality/construction industry?
**A: **When I was about 19, I worked as a grinder in a metal shop with no chance for advancement, even after becoming a certified welder. One Friday night at a pizza place, I overheard a guy asking his friends if they knew anyone interested in a carpentry job. I approached him and said I was interested. He asked if I had any experience, and I said no. He told me to show up at the site Monday morning and not be late. I showed up on time and have been involved in construction ever since.
Q: What is a personal or professional achievement that profoundly shaped your life or career path?
A: * After high school, I began working as a carpenter, but after five years, I craved a more challenging role. While working full-time, I enrolled in night courses and earned a construction estimation certificate, eventually obtaining a degree in construction management. My education is one of my greatest achievements and it set me on a career path that is challenging, fulfilling, and offers continuous learning opportunities.*
**Q: **What is your favorite part about living in Hawaii and/or Hawaiian culture?
**A: **Aloha is the most meaningful Hawaiian tradition for me. The open-heartedness, sincere concern, respect, and appreciation that embody aloha often appear in unexpected moments. For example, Ledward Kaapana, a Hawaiian slack key legend, playing his guitar for people waiting in a crowded airport boarding area; or a stranger in a drugstore parking lot handing me fresh daikon, beans, and beets from his garden and refusing any payment. Even young people we don’t know call me “Uncle” and my wife “Auntie.” It’s wonderful to live in a close-knit community where strong connections are a way of life.
Read more about Alan*, here.*