Kūlia i ka nuʻu means “strive to reach the summit.” It was the motto of Queen Kapiʻolani, and in Hawaiʻi it is still a call to excellence. We have clients in Hawaiʻi and the phrase has stayed with me, because it describes how my team and I approach work for every client: excellence is not a single achievement but a practice.
Excellence in the fundamentals
The summit for most companies is something concrete: a refinancing on better terms, a Series A, a sale, a successful handoff to the next generation. Every one of those depends on fundamentals done well:
- A monthly close that is accurate and on time.
- Inventory and cost accounting that reflect what really happens on the farm, in the plant or at the co-packer.
- A cash forecast that management actually uses.
- GAAP-consistent financial statements that hold up in diligence.
Raising the bar over time
We look for one meaningful improvement each quarter: a faster close, a cleaner chart of accounts, a better margin report by product or customer. Small, steady gains compound.
Helping clients climb
Over 35+ years in agriculture, food and beverage, I have helped companies raise institutional capital, prepare for an IPO, cut production costs and complete turnarounds. None of those started with a leap. They started with an honest look at where the company stood and a plan for the next step.
A phrase used with care
Kūlia i ka nuʻu carries real history, and we use it with respect. For us it is a reminder to keep striving: for our clients, our team and ourselves.
If your company has a summit in view, book a 30-minute call and let’s talk about the route.
Read about all seven values on our values page.
Looking for a finance partner who works this way?
My team and I serve clients in California, Texas and Hawaiʻi, remotely and on site. Start with a 30-minute call.
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