We recently connected with Louis Rodriguez and have shared our conversation below.

Louis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My first successful business ever created was Oahu Boat Cruises, a party boat company that host parties for birthdays, weddings and special events. I first started creating business at 16, however Oahu Boat Cruises was one that took off really quickly. I was 20 years old working at a scuba shop. I reached out to the owner of the shop to rental the vessel for a college Halloween party that I was looking to host. I didn’t have many friends when I first moved to Honolulu from San Diego, so this was a way for me to make friends and have fun. There ended up being a lot of demand afterwards so I then began leasing multiple vessels through the Island. No seven years later, we now own 3 of our own vessels.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Since my early 20’s, I always new I did not want to work for anyone unless it was under my terms. I’ve had many jobs wear the manager is breathing down your neck and that didn’t sit well with me. I decided to create my own business around the thing I love the most, The Ocean. The ocean has always been an exciting place for me to grow up around. Surfing, Boating, fishing, you name it. If I had the chance I would go to it. Now owning 3 companies that revolve around the ocean, I couldn’t be happier. We offer Snorkel, Party boats and Sport fishing all on the island of Oahu, and really changed the way the consumer thinks about the service by offering it to beginners who have usually never partaken in such activities, to then being hooked and possibly experiencing it again and again. Wake up in the morning with the goal of creating and experience versus collecting money makes the difference. With a great experience and service the money will come. I started the company with $450 during college and now gross over 3 million per year with all 3 companies combined.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Throughout the years, there have been many obstacles that we’ve had to face. Some of them with competitors, the state of Hawaii, local boat owners. When numbers began to increase for our tours, people began to notice. Sometimes when you have a new product that people aren’t aware of, it can scare the locals that have been in business for years. When it seems as if everything is working agains you, just know that, this too shall pass. When it seems that everything is working in your favor, just know that this too shall pass.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team while also trying to be a hands off CEO can be a difficult task. this is something that I am still learning. However, I have learned that it important to pay your staff well, give them the ability to make their own decisions versus holding their hand, even if it is the wrong one. Give them the ability to learn from their mistakes and structure the business to have a heirarchy of positions.

Contact Info:

• Website: honolulusnorkelcompany.com
• Instagram: Honolulusnorkelco
• Facebook: Honolulusnorkelco

Image Credits
Louis Rodriguez, Imran Sourjah