Austin Nakoa
President
The NAKOA Companies, Inc.
Austin Nakoa is a Mentor Hawaii Cohort 10 mentor. Learn more about the program here.
About Austin
Austin worked for Hawaiian Dredging & Construction Company following his graduation from Arizona State University. Initially managing Heavy construction projects in Hawaii, he eventually managed larger building projects including the Guam Airport Terminal. In 1988 he assumed the VP/GM position for the Rock Products Division for Dillingham Construction responsible for Hawaii and Guam operations. In 1992 he founded The NAKOA Companies, Inc. and ultimately was awarded Military Projects as an 8(a) contractor. Currently in Guam, Austin is managing several renovations for McDonalds Restaurants along with multiple contracts with the Coast Guard and many other government projects. NAKOA also has several projects in Japan with the Air Force.
Austin has a BSES degree in Construction Engineering from ASU and a Masters in Business from the University of Hawaii. He is also pursuing a PhD degree in Strategic Leadership from the University of Arizona’s Global Campus online. He is also a member of the senior leadership at Holy Nativity Church and has taught federal contracting for the Small Business Administration in Honolulu. In his off hours, he enjoys being with family, traveling and spending time with his wife, Dana and three grandchildren.
Question and Answer with Austin
What is your preferred communication style when mentoring (in-person, video conference, phone, informal check-ins, structured meetings, etc.)?
In-Person Meeting
Why do you want to become a mentor in this program?
Give back to the community
What specific skills, knowledge or experience can you share with your mentee?
Project Management, Company Management, Leadership
What are your expectations for a mentor-mentee relationship?
Intrinsic
How do you approach problem-solving and conflict resolution?
Study the problem, evaluate alternatives, seek advice from others, look for a simple solutions, enact solution
How do you envision success for your mentee, and how will you measure it during the program?
Feedback from mentee that its helping.
