So Ryan actually packed his bags along with his K-9 companion dog and left the islands of Hawaii to head back to good ol San Diego on July 3rd.What can I say and where do I start with this story?? Well I guess from the beginning....August 2003. For those not aware of it Ryan is my youngest brother and we're 15 years apart in age so Ry is kinda like my son as well. Ryan called me after he graduated in 03 out of the blue and asked me if I/We needed any help with HF? I was kinda trippin because I never really talked to Ry much over the years because we were so far apart in age that we weren't really on the same page. Ry came and visited the islands in 95 when he was 11 or so and I was 25 and stayed with me but still, it wasn't like you could bond with an 11 year old. He did get a good pic of my life at the beach and an earful of some Tupac when we were cruising out to Hanauma bay a few times. But other than that it wasn't like we were real close by any means. So when I got his call in 03 I was wondering why he was asking that question about needing help with HF? Turned out that he was talking to my Sis Kim and she said " why don't you move to Hawaii and help Kev with the business". So he did! He called, I said yes, and he was over here in a matter of weeks.
Wow! Time sure seemed to have flown by now that I stop and think about it being 2010! I seriously could write a novel on the 7 years that Ry spent here but I'll try and keep it short and sweet.
When Ry got here we hung out and talked the first night probably till 2 in the morning about HF and the endless possibilities of the company. Ry was excited and scared at the same time...you could see it in his eyes. I know this because I basically did the same thing when I was 21. When Ry woke up in the morning we were gonna go and do some things around town and He told me to wait a few minutes so he could get ready. I said sure, thinking he was gonna brush his teeth and be right out. Well he took a shower, put some gel in his hair, put on his jeans, nice shirt, and his brand new white Nike's. He walked out to the kitchen and I was like, "Dude, where you going Church"? We're just going to longs and then grab some food and off to the beach man!! He didn't really understand that this place is alot different than the mainland in that facet. Short's, tank top and slippers is all you really need over here unless you're going to work downtown or heading out on the night scene. Ry picked up the lifestyle rather quickly after that day though I must say.
Ryan was an integral part of HF becoming what it is today because of a lot of hard work and dedication put in by that Kid. He's put in hours everywhere in this company from construction,painting,driving,photo, film, beach manager, computer guru, blogger and facebooker, sales and marketing, reservationist, and the list can go on and on and on!! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your work bro!! Ry made a few mistakes over time and yes I got frustrated with him many times over the years but the one thing I can't ever take away from him is his love for Hawaiian Fire. There were many times over the years that alot of his work was done off of the clock! He helped me out tremendously with all of the "small" unseen things that go on in running a business that many people don't ever know about unless they have run a company themselves. I'm forever gratefull to you Ry for all of your support through the years my friend!!!
Ryan decided to move on and persue a dream of his to work for the San Diego Chargers one day! It was time for him to spread his wings a bit and do his own thing. No matter what, I could tell he was always trying to live up to big bro's expectations in all he did! On top of that, like I said earlier I was like a Father to him as well which probably put a little more pressure on Him too. I guess you could say there wasn't much time to really go out and test the whole party and surf life in his early 20's because he was too busy running a company. Don't get me wrong....he found time to party a bit I must say, but when you need to be up at 5:30am every day it can take a toll on you! By the way....Ry is not an early riser by nature.
Like I said earlier.... I could write a long one but all I really wanted to say is....... Thank you Bro for all you have done! We wouldn't have gotten this far without you that's for sure. I love you man and I really wish the world for you....
The pics on here are of a going away party for Ry at my house the night before he left! It was an unbelievable turnout with lots of laughs and love! You guys have to ask Ry about the dog get up.....Long story as well!
Good luck in all you do Bro and we'll see you back in the islands soon!!! Unless the Chargers make it to the superbowl....I'll see you there.
Aloha for now
Kevin
