Welcome to the new weekly blog post highlighting local businesses on Oahu!
One thing I love to do is meet new people. And when I meet new people who own businesses, I want to get to know them more. And when I get to know them more, I want to refer them to friends and family, so you too, can meet incredible people. When I was thinking about doing these blog posts, I thought about how one thing can lead to another, which leads to another, which leads to another. Those “things” could be anything. Opportunities. Friendships, Business. Help. You just never know where anything will end up when you meet someone new. Kind of like the book, “If you give a mouse a cookie”, oh the adventures that can be had!
These blogposts will highlight a particular business here on Oahu. Each business owner is someone I have met personally, done business with, or have spent a lot of time with getting to know them as a person and entrepreneur. They are people I would not only be happy to do business with, but also people I would call my friends. Each one of these men and women have invested into my life and/or business over the past few years and I want to take some time to say THANK YOU. Each week I will highlight one person or business and ask them a series of questions so you can get to know them a little more intimately.
This week’s local business owner is Jill Federizo, Principal Broker and Realtor at Hulali Kai Realty. I have known Jill for just over two years and she has been a great resource for real estate knowledge in both commercial and residential properties. So sit back, grab a coffee and get to know Jill a little bit better.
Me: How long have you been in business and what made you choose Real Estate?
Jill: This is my 10th year in the Real Estate business. I was working at a law firm that was focused on commercial litigation, property foreclosures, and construction, so I was involved in some development aspects of law, but I would have rather been outside working with people.
Me: How long did it take you to make that transition?
Jill: Let’s see…the transition was pretty easy. I was with this company for maybe 3 years and when I first started as a realtor, I started in commercial real estate for another 3 years doing sales and leasing. Then I worked at Locations for another 3 years and then the last 4 years I have been on my own with Hulali Kai Realty.
Me: How did you come up with the name Hulali Kai Realty?
Jill: It means, “The suns reflection on the water.” I used to paddle board in the morning and the sun’s reflection on the water was always very peaceful to me while I was out there. I was very drawn to it. So I asked a friend who was fluent in Hawaiian what a loose translation of that would be and I wanted to incorporate it into my business name.
Me: How many employees do you currently have?
Jill: We have 7 agents that are working with me right now.
Me: What is your favorite part of the business?
Jill: Definitely being able to help families get into a home so they can see their dreams come true. It gives them hope. Being a home owner changes their life. I love that. And as far as the business side of it, I like to be able to solve problems. I am out and about a lot in the community and I can see how things change and move and grow. I’ve watched Kapolei grow for the past 16 years and it has changed so much. But this is where most of my business is. Even though I am Island wide, I know Kapolei. It’s my home.
Me: What is your favorite part about having a business in Hawaii?
Jill: Oh gosh, the opportunities for growth. Hawaii has a really strong real estate market. Because our inventory is typically low, I have some job security. Plus, I love where I live. I like to surf, I like to be outside. I believe in the people and I love the culture, all of that. I am lucky to live here. It definitely makes for an interesting day.
Me: How do you connect with your clients?
Jill: I get to know who they are as individuals. I look for common interests that I would have. A lot of the people I meet are in my natural environment, like if I am golfing, if I’m surfing, or if I am out at food and wine events. I meet people naturally who have similar interests as me and that way there is already an instant rapport there. My business is 95% referral based, at this time, as I don’t do any advertising. So rapport is huge.
Me: What is the one thing you do to celebrate when you have closed a deal/had a great day?
Jill: I always like to give my clients a gift and celebrate them first, because that was the goal. The second thing for myself, is buy something for my kids, or buy myself a nice bottle of wine!
Me: If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?
Jill: Don’t give up. Be true to yourself and what you are doing. And also, make sure you have a genuine interest in people because if you focus on your clients and their goals, yours will all fall into place.
Me: What do you do when you aren’t selling homes?
Jill: I am usually surfing, spending time with my kids, drinking wine, enjoying life, or watching sunsets. I love being outside and being active, very active.
Me: When you have a client who isn’t from Hawaii, what is the first thing you recommend they do?
Jill. Visit the beaches. I share with them the things that I love and the beaches or hikes I think they will enjoy.
Me: Do you have a favorite beach?
Jill: My favorite beaches are on the east side, like Sandy Beach or Makapu’u. Obviously White Plains is a beach that is a lot more family friendly, and you can’t beat Yokohama Bay or Makaha. They are all beautiful.
Me: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Jill: The best advice I ever got was probably from my parents, “Be genuine and sincere in business and true to yourself.”
Me: What is your favorite kind of music?
Jill: I like all kinds of music, an eclectic mix of reggae, ska, pop and jazz.
Me: And finally, what is your favorite wine?
Jill: I am a Napa Cabernet kinda girl, but love an old world French wine as well.
Now that you know a little more about Jill, keep her in mind if you have any Real Estate questions or know of any friends or family looking to buy, rent or possibly open up a commercial property. Thanks Jill, I look forward to enjoying a delicious glass of Napa Cabernet with you soon.
Jill Federizo
Hulali Kai Realty
T: (808) 218-8631
Email: hulalikai@gmail.com
