In the vibrant and diverse staffing industry, Aloha Hospitality Professionals (Aloha HP) has carved out a unique space. Founded and led by Kathleen Hurtubise, Aloha HP is more than just a staffing agency in Hawaii. It’s a community-driven enterprise focused on providing exceptional hospitality, light industrial, and administrative staffing services across Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Kathleen recently shared her inspiring journey and the essence of Aloha HP with Lee Kantor, highlighting what makes her company special.
A Passion-Driven Journey
Kathleen Hurtubise didn’t set out to create a staffing empire. In 2003, she founded Gourmet Events Hawaii, an event logistics company driven by her love for creating memorable experiences. Over the years, the company thrived, and by 2014, she had built a team of over 100 temporary workers specializing in hospitality services. This success led to a major opportunity: a $1 million contract with the Hawaii Convention Center. Winning this contract was a game-changer, motivating Kathleen to expand her horizons and establish Aloha HP as a licensed staffing agency in 2015.
Putting Service First
At Aloha HP, the mantra is simple: service first. Kathleen believes in hiring exceptional people who prioritize serving their clients above all else. This service-first philosophy is woven into everything Aloha HP does. Whether it’s hospitality, administrative, or light industrial staffing, the focus is on providing excellent service, with job-specific skills coming second.
Cultivating a Culture of Aloha
Building a strong, positive company culture is a top priority for Kathleen. She ensures her full-time staff share the core value of “best self through service.” Aloha HP is also proudly entrepreneurial, attracting employees who thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment.
Aloha HP’s unique culture is reinforced through the Aloha Academy, a proprietary training program for all temporary team members. The academy covers company expectations and cultural values, encapsulated in the “10 Golden Rules of Aloha.” It also includes holistic elements like breathing exercises and meditation, providing team members with tools for personal growth and well-being.
Bridging the Gap Between Talent and Opportunity
Aloha HP excels at balancing the needs of clients and temporary workers. With talent executives liaising with businesses and talent acquisition specialists sourcing and placing candidates, the company ensures a seamless match between clients’ requirements and team members’ skills and attitudes.
Communication is key. Aloha HP maintains regular check-ins with both clients and temp workers to ensure satisfaction and alignment. This attention to detail and commitment to partnership sets Aloha HP apart from other staffing agencies.
Moving Forward
As Aloha HP continues to flourish in Hawaii, Kathleen has big plans for the future. She envisions expanding to the mainland, targeting markets in Texas, Arizona, and Florida within the next three years. This ambitious vision reflects Kathleen’s dedication to spreading the spirit of aloha beyond Hawaii.
Under Kathleen Hurtubise’s leadership, Aloha HP is more than a staffing agency; it’s a community that values service, connection, and personal growth. By fostering a culture of aloha and focusing on meaningful connections, Aloha HP not only meets the needs of clients and temp workers but also enriches the lives of everyone involved. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to its core values and the spirit of service that defines it.
For more information about Aloha HP and their services, visit alohahp.com or contact Kathleen Hurtubise at kat@alohahp.com. To listen to Kathleen’s full journey on Women in Motion, click this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/staffing-empowering-professionals/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
