“The only real training for leadership is leadership." This quote by English author Antony Jay can be found not only in words on the new Haumana Adventures website, but also in the development of the students who have initiated this new campus rental service. Many students have had the idea to start a rental service on campus, but one thing that makes BYU–Hawaii students Abram Wimmer, Felix Callejas, Adam Fox, and Jake Hansen unique is that their ideas have become more than just a brainstorm. Partnered with the Student Leadership & Honor staff and the Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship, the student team is utilizing and building their entrepreneurship and leadership skills with their fellow students in mind.
The purpose of Haumana Adventures is to “benefit the lives of the students by cultivating a spirit of exploration among the students and community, to revitalize the recreation in Laie, and promote awareness and respect for the natural environment of Oahu.” Their goal to serve the students is also captivated in the name of the company. “Haumana means student in Hawaiian,” says Wimmer, who fills the role of CEO of Haumana Adventures. “Our two main goals were to improve the student life on campus and to provide an opportunity for students to work together at running a business. Both of these are types of adventures for the students.”
Haumana Adventures is the first project under LEAP, Leadership and Entrepreneurship Application Project, a newly formed organization consisting of a board of directors to whom student executives report directly on the progress of their business venture. The organization was formed to help students gain leadership experience as they strive to enhance the lives of their fellow students. LEAP also encourages the involvement of related academic clubs. The Haumana Adventures team currently relies on SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) for marketing and analysis and SCOPE (Supply Chain and Operations Management club) for suggestions on more efficient operations. “This is more than just a business,” says Felix Callejas, the team’s chief marketing officer. “It is a leadership program that will teach students through real-life experience how to manage an organization and work hard to make it successful. Our team will be graduating this year and the objective is to find students willing to keep growing the business.”
With discount prices for their student customers, the company rents out snorkel gear, body boards, surf boards, and stand-up paddle boards. Future rentals may also include tandem bikes. In addition to supplying the equipment, the team is also ready to point students toward the best locations for using the gear. On the website, users can find a Google map dotted with the best snorkeling areas on the island and a link to Hawaii surf reports to ensure that customers have the best experience possible.
More information about Haumana Adventures or about renting equipment can be found on their website.
Photo courtesy of Haumana Adventures