Community Corner

How did the business get started?

I joined the firm in 1999, which at the time consisted of a mature partner who was working to implement his own estate plan and provide continuity of service to his clients. The firm has continued to provide estate planning services to the people of Hawaii in an ethical, understandable and knowledgeable environment. Being a business owner, rather than an employee, allows me to provide the highest level of service to my clients.

What products or services do you sell?

We meet our clients and formulate an estate plan, and then assist in implementing that plan with the continued input of the client and their family. We do everything, from drafting the estate plan, properly funding the necessary trust(s), and even assist in the event of the client’s incapacity or death. 

What’s the one thing your business is known for?

Extremely good response time and communication with our clients.

Please share a story about a major hurdle you had to overcome and how you were able to achieve this.

The pandemic was difficult in so many ways to our world in general, and to our clients in particular. We had the unusual benefit of being busier during the pandemic as people were stuck at home with nothing else to do but contemplate their mortality – which may have led to them contacting our office.

The issue for us became how we could continue to serve our clients and make the necessary changes, and then review and sign the documents in a way that was safe under the circumstances. We had to completely overhaul our normal business relationship and move as much as we could “online” and over the phone, which is difficult when a majority of our clientele is over the age of 70. Luckily, we were able to make it work, even if it meant driving to their home and standing in their front yard or even on the street with a makeshift table for signing.

If you could do it all over again, what one thing would you do differently, and why?

Honestly, I wish I would have switched to CPB earlier. My prior law partner had our business bank accounts with a different bank, and out of laziness, I kept our accounts there even though there was zero customer service. I met with a private banking officer and she opened my eyes to what real customer service means. She then introduced me my business banker for my business needs. Now, my personal and business banking is so much easier and streamlined.

Any advice you’d like to give to someone who’s thinking about becoming a business owner?

Consult with mentors, get a good CPA, and find a good personal and/or business banker.

Information provided by Heather K.L. Conahan, ESQ,Conahan Law Group, LLLC principal attorney

About the Spotlight Member of the Month

As part of our contest for a HI Now segment on Hawaii News Now, we asked Rising Tide members to provide information highlighting their unique businesses. While only one winner could be featured in the spot, we wanted to highlight some of the other unique businesses that submitted. This started the Spotlight Member of the Month feature, a monthly highlight of small businesses from across the islands.