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!
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