Growing up on Oʻahu, Hawai’i, I looked at work as something that will always be tied to kuleana, or responsibility, and malama ‘aina, or care for the land. That sort of mindset and lifestyle helped to shape how I see leadership, lead teams, and what I expect from a workplace. Looking at companies like Power Home Remodeling, David Weekley Homes, Tri Pointe Homes, PulteGroup, PCL Construction, and Hilti on the 2025 Best Companies to Work For list makes me think about what it would take if I had to leave Hawai’i for a job opportunity on the mainland. It wouldn’t just be a job change, it would mean that I would have to change our whole lifestyle away from our ‘ohana and island ways of working and sustaining life.
When I read through the employee experiences at these companies, what really stood out to me was how much they value people, not just projects. Whether it was Power Home Remodeling’s focus on building culture, David Weekley’s emphasis on community, or the growth and responsibility highlighted at Tri Pointe and Pulte, the theme that employees feel trusted and supported are the same amongst all companies. PCL takes that even further by giving workers ownership in the company, which really helps to builds pride and accountability among those invested, while Hilti invests heavily in training and tools so that people are set up to succeed. From my own personal experiences, one where I was able to see both good and bad leadership in the field, these practices show that management isn’t just about pushing productivity. It’s about creating the right environment so people want to give their best.
For me, moving away wouldn’t only be about money or titles. It would have to be about joining a company that feels like a community, the same way I feel connected to ‘ohana and the land, just as I do here in Hawai’i. I currently work as a Project Engineer, and after finishing my degree, I’ll be moving into a Project Manager role. After years of supervising crews and learning from both good and bad managers, I’ll be using those experiences, especially the ones that taught me what to carry forward and what to leave behind. I plan to lead with my head and my heart, making sure my team feels supported and respected while still hitting goals. Balancing deadlines and people’s wellbeing will always be a challenge, but these companies prove it’s possible. That’s the kind of workplace that would make a move worth it.
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