Andy Bumatai’s Story Will Make You Think About Your Life
How much is enough? When does the chase end? Timeless wisdom is all around us, like during dawn patrol.
Waikiki Real Estate Mogul Just Wants to Surf
By Andy Bumatai - all rights reserved.
I was 27, and after going out drinking all night in Waikiki, which was a nightly occurrence, instead of driving home I’d grab my long board and paddle out with the “Dawn Patrol” to surf Waikiki and sober up a little.
At 27 I was a toddler compared to the regulars who were mostly my age now, 71, or older.
One day this, “older guy,” a Chinese looking bruddah paddles up to me and pointing says “You see that building over there? I own that. …and that one over there …and a few others. When I made my first million I wanted two. When I made two and wanted ten. I spent my life chasing money till I realized, No mo end. That’s when I started surfing every morning.” He gave me a half happy half sad smile and said "Just like you.”
A good wave began building outside. Knowing I could easily snake him he asked “You mind if I take this one?”
“Go Uncle.”
“Mahalo, Boy” and he was gone.
The end.
Andy Bumatai is a Model Feral Entrepreneur
I’ve known Andy Bumatai (heck, everybody here knows Andy Freaking Bumatai!) for many decades now. He’s a legendary Hawaii entertainer that’s been in the business essentially his whole life. What you might not know is that he is (IMO) a model Feral Entrepreneur. I have mad respect for this guy not only because he’s so incredibly talented, but also because he’s the epitome of what a Feral Entrepreneur is. He’s gone through ups and downs, fits and starts, including battling cancer. He’s consistently innovated in the tech world to deliver his entertainment like no one else I know of, especially when you consider that he’s in his 70s now. He did a live streaming talk show over 20 years ago, way before Joe Rogan. He had this cool “In the car” YouTube series years ahead of “Carpool Karaoke”. He’s still doing stand-up to this day in addition to his “Daily Pidgin Podcast” stream. I honestly can’t think of anyone in the entertainment business that’s been on the cutting edge of tech-powered entertainment like him. But I’d say most importantly, especially for young local Hawaii entrepreneurs, Andy is a model for never giving up no matter what and taking risks to create the next cool thing.
I’m so grateful he shared this story with me - I hope we all can learn the lesson of the Chinese bruddah!
Share Your Story!
Do you have a story that you’d like me to publish? Just reach out via email or LinkedIn and I’ll be happy to share it. I made it really easy for you - watch this step-by-step YouTube video on how to use AI to write your memoir which also comes with an AI template document to follow. I’m genuinely looking forward to hearing from you!