Kathleen Lin Hurtubise is the pioneering force behind AlohaHP, revolutionizing the staffing landscape with Hawaii’s signature Aloha spirit. Founded on the promise of blending technology with deep-rooted Hawaiian hospitality, AlohaHP emerged as the contemporary answer to staffing, empowering professionals to design their work schedules and environments.
Partnered with industry innovator, Steve Scher, AlohaHP’s avant-garde approach crafts meaningful opportunities for diligent individuals passionate about making a notable impact on forward-thinking businesses.
AlohaHP’s mantra, “Elevate, Empower, and Transform,” signifies more than just words—it’s a movement. We’re on a mission to enhance not only our professional journey but also the businesses we collaborate with and the exceptional individuals we champion.
Our core principles, encapsulated by “BestSelfThroughService,” emphasize kindness, truthfulness, and integrity. Every day, we’re committed to professionalism, embracing growth, unwavering discipline, continuous learning, and collective belief in our shared mission.
A testament to her vision, Hurtubise’s AlohaHP and other ventures have received accolades such as the National Association of Catering Executives award and multiple recognitions from Pacific Business News. A sought-after speaker and hospitality connoisseur, she continues to share her wisdom, having graced platforms like The Special Event conference and the East Meets West conference.
Company: AlohaHP
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Kathleen Hurtubise: Thank you! I’m a serial entrepreneur passionate for building businesses that empower people. I’ve successfully launched three companies, including one during the pandemic, which I later sold for six figures. Currently, I run an event logistics company and a staffing firm focused on matching exceptional talent with outstanding companies. My mission is to help people pursue their dreams, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zones. My businesses are driven by entrepreneurs—people who thrive on making things happen with intention and purpose.
If you were in an elevator with Warren Buffett, how would you describe your company, your services or products? What makes your company different from others? What is your company’s biggest strength?
Kathleen Hurtubise: “Mr. Buffett, my company, AlohaHP, specializes in pairing exceptional people with exceptional companies, creating a positive impact for both. What sets us apart is our ‘bridge’ approach to temp work—we don’t just place people, we prepare and support them through our Aloha Academy, escort them to their first job site, and ensure a smooth integration. Our biggest strength lies in our commitment to human connection, making sure both our clients and workers thrive together.”
Quiet quitting, The Great Resignation, is an ongoing trend causing many businesses to struggle to keep talent engaged and motivated. Most are leaving because of their boss or their company culture. 82% of people feel unheard, undervalued, and misunderstood in the workplace. In your experience, what keeps employees happy? And how are you adapting to the current shift we see?
Kathleen Hurtubise: Listening and appreciation are key to employee happiness. We regularly check in with our team members, asking them to rate how they’re doing on a scale from 1 to 10 and, more importantly, why. We address their needs or guide them on how to meet them. We promote ownership and self-empowerment, encouraging everyone to be their own leaders. This culture of accountability and support starts at the top and permeates our company, ensuring our employees feel valued and heard.
Online business keeps on surging higher than ever, B2B, B2C, online shopping, virtual meetings, remote work, Zoom medical consultations, what are your expectations for the year to come and how are you capitalizing on the tidal wave?
Kathleen Hurtubise: While AlohaHP operates in verticals that are heavily dependent on in-person interactions, such as hospitality and light industrial, we see this as an opportunity to enhance the human connection. As more businesses move online, the value of face-to-face experiences increases. We focus on training our temp team members to excel in these roles, emphasizing integrity, punctuality, and a service-oriented mindset. By being the best at human-to-human connection, we position ourselves to thrive as the demand for genuine in-person experiences grows.
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Kathleen Hurtubise: The real challenge for AlohaHP is earning the trust of new clients to give us a chance. Although we’ve been in business since 2015, many companies are hesitant to try new staffing services, especially when they’ve been working with other firms for longer. This challenge invigorates our team, pushing us to showcase our approach’s unique value and effectiveness. We view obstacles as roadmaps to success, guiding us toward the adjustments needed to grow and excel.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Kathleen Hurtubise: Human development is often underestimated. Just as companies need to grow, so do the people within them. At AlohaHP, we prioritize the evolutionary development of our team members, both personally and professionally. Every full-time staff member is required to take a development course, reinforcing the idea that growth is constant—there is no standing still. This focus on personal growth leads to greater problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and overall company success.
On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any business superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Kathleen Hurtubise: My business superpower would be to awaken people to their true potential. I’d use it to help them see themselves as others do—capable, powerful, and worthy. By fostering kindness and self-empowerment within individuals, we can create a ripple effect that enhances how they interact with others and contribute to the world.
What does “success” in 2024 mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision
Kathleen Hurtubise: Success in 2024 means transforming our Hawaii office into a self-managing, profitable hub that funds our expansion into the mainland market in Q1 of 2025. Achieving this will signify business growth and demonstrate our ability to create sustainable, impactful operations that can replicate and thrive in new markets.
