Kekai DeMello started his business, Battery Specialists of Hawaii, at a young age of 23 and has been on the road of success towards making a difference in Hawaii. DeMello shares his story of overcoming a learning disability, accepting who he is, and making sure he continues to live with his motto of “No Fear.”
It was great to site with a young entrepreneur who has a big vision of bringing sustainable energy to Hawaiian Homes by using the power of the sun. His story will empower you to overcome adversity and believe in yourself.
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Strength Quote of the Day:
“No fear.”
Important Links
- Battery Specialists of Hawaii, Instagram, Facebook
- batteryspeciailstsofhi.com
- Power of Words, Episode 005
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Show Notes
Adversity
- Struggled in school and was diagnosed with dislexia and ADD in the first grade. Experienced people in higher positions telling him of the things the he would never be able to do. At a young age, he decided to “not let someone determine the outcome of what I become.”
Overcame Adversity
- Accepting the reality of the situation and decide what you are going to do from there. You can’t make excuses to box yourself in.
When did you know you become stronger, become Kū?
- The day he licensed his business, Battery Specialists of Hawaii, and it became real. He realized that starting a business was exactly what he wanted to do and wakes up everyone morning with a euphoria. He believes that the potential of what he is doing is whatever he makes it.
- Limitless opportunity of taking control of his life
What made him interested in batteries?
- Believed in the potential and need for it in Hawaii, especially the solar off grid options that are related to Hawaii and the culture. The idea of using solar power panels to power a battery bank to run your home independent of HECO or electric companies in general. This creates the feeling of independence of creating your own power.
- Native Hawaiians harnessed the power of the sun, so in today’s society this is one way to continue that tradition.
What about your projects are you excited about?
- Working on creating a program for Native Hawaiian Homes based on a model done in Arizona with the Navajo Nation using solar panel battery banks. The pilot program started with just a couple homes and was so successful that they were able to bring power to the whole Navajo reservation.
Book Recommendations:
- One Click: Jeff Bezos and the Rise of Amazon.com, Richard L. Brandt
- The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, Stephen Covey
Best Advice Given:
- Don’t ever give anybody the opportunity to prove that they can do what you do better than you.
People and Places Mentioned
- OHA Entrepreneurship Program
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs – OHA
- Iolani High School
- Department of Energy
- Google Calendar
- Navajo Nation
- Native Hawaiian Home Lands
- Kim Chee Restaurant
- Masa’s
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Mahalo, Aloha, and Be Kū!
Aipa
