Global CEO Excellence 2017

CEO MONTHLY / GLOBAL CEO EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017 11 , The Hawaii Group, Inc. (HiGroup) is one of the Asia Pacific region’s fastest growing companies, offering a wide range of business services. We invited CEO and FounderMatthewDelaney to share the secrets behind its success. Business Services CEO of the Year & Best SME Administration & Support Provider - Hawaii Founded in 2009 by Matthew Delaney, a proven leader with prior experience in accounting, travel and tourism, and real estate development, HiHR was the first company to fill a niche in HR outsourcing that tailors its services to the needs of customers instead of prescribing predetemined, often bloated, package service offerings. The business grew exponentially and its clients asked for other business services such as accounting, staffing, recruiting, marketing and advisory. Thus, the HiGroup family of companies quickly grew to also include Hawaii Accounting, LLC. (HiAccounting), Hawaii Employment Services, Inc. (HiEmployment), Hawaii Health Care, Inc. (HiHealthCare, HiHomeCare, HiNursing) and Hawaii Marketing, Inc. (HiMRK). The company grew in 2016 to over $200 million in revenues, servicing over 1,000 clients, employing 150 internal employees and over 10,000 external employees. Simplicity and honesty set the HiGroup apart in the business outsourcing arena, though they never bundle services under the guise of simplification. They believe that the smartest solution allows clients to pay for exactly the mix of services appropriate for them. Delaney outlines the firm’s core focus and how it works to achieve excellence for every client it works with. “The Hawaii Group has been unwaveringly committed to providing our clients with customized solutions no matter their industry and needs. With an organizational commitment to transparency and integrity, it is core to our value that our proposals are fair and equitable, providing a clear benefit to our clients and our team. The best way to ensure both parties are on the same page is to effectively communicate the needs of the clients and the services that will be provided and clearly delineate who is responsible for which various functions. Our ultimate goal is to exceed our client’s expectations -- it is vital for our clients to look at us as their partner in business and in the boardroom – as an ally, sounding board, and partner in providing value-added outsourced business services.” To ensure this level of excellence at all times, Delaney strongly believes that his business will only continue to prosper if the families of those involved are helped to thrive- financially, physically and emotionally. He promised his employees that “family comes first” and he has delivered on that promise. HiGroup’s office is a family- friendly environment where children are welcome and flexible hours allow parents to fulfil their personal responsibilities. HiGroup helps its staff balance work and family obligations.” HiGroup also encourages a flexible work schedule to accommodate commuting and childcare demands. Since its inception in 2009, HiGroup also has provided a catered lunch, snacks, and drinks on a regular basis for its entire staff. This saves employees’ money and time, and represents a significant investment in the team culture at HiGroup. In an effort to support its clients, HiGroup orders these lunches from our existing clients. These reciprocal gestures lead to a healthier and happier workforce, both in and out of the office. HiGroup’s relaxed work environment promotes creativity and efficiency by providing outlets for the staff to bond and collaborate. HiGroup’s primary goals are to provide an enthusiastic work environment that allows for constant learning, career growth, and a healthy lifestyle. HiGroup also supports its employees by paying for advanced education, licensing, and industry organization memberships. It accommodates these pursuits — or other family emergencies — with flexible work arrangements, as Delaney is keen to highlight. “With regards to our internal culture, I believe in motivating team members by empowering