DENNIS ODA /DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Marketer could
write a bookLes Honda, Borders marketing
manager, is surrounded by talentMy job as the area marketing manager for Borders Books & Music in Hawaii and Las Vegas consists of overseeing six Hawaii stores and four Las Vegas stores. I have taken on the responsibilities for the Las Vegas stores just in the last week or so and I'm looking forward to visiting them.
I take care of marketing and public relations, book events, handle marketing budgets and sometimes I help host in-store events. I'm usually in the office by 5:30 a.m. I read the local dailies to find out what's going on in the community, and then prepare for the day's workload.
I like to begin my day before the store opens so I can answer e-mails and return any long-distance calls before the main store lines are in operation. Once the store opens, it often feels as though the bulk of the calls are for me, which I know is not true. I enjoy the peacefulness of the early hours of the day. Then, throughout the day, I'm taking and returning calls; meeting with labels, authors and distributors; planning; and doing paperwork.
There are several reasons why I really enjoy my job.
I'm surrounded by books and music all day, something that I've always dreamed of. I have the opportunity and the honor to meet and work with top local and national musicians, writers and artists. I have deeply fond memories of hosting, in our store, the late Israel Kamakawiwoole in one of his last performances. His voice was that of an angel. I've worked with Kealii Reichel and Hapa before they became celebrated international artists. I've also hosted great local and national authors. This is inspiring to me.
My job also allows me to help multiple worthy causes that I believe in -- something that I probably would not have the time or opportunity to do outside of my work at Borders. Through partnerships, we've opened up our book store and given these different organizations a venue to touch our customers. A good example is the the Hawaii Opera Theatre. We just brought in their education director to talk to our customers. We had what we call a petting zoo, where youngsters can touch the different wigs and fake rocks and other props. We did makeup demonstrations. And they got to offer information on how to support the organization. We've done the same sort of thing with Honolulu Theater for Youth, the Hawaii State Art Museum and others.
I enjoy the people I come in contact with, particularly the staff. I have never met a more intelligent, diverse and creative group of people.
In my off-hours, I love to go surfing with my wife, Sandy, and our nephew and niece, too. We don't go nearly as often as we'd like to and people would probably laugh at our skill level, but it's something that we've always enjoyed together. My wife says surfing makes me a better person. I also enjoy working in our yard, painting and spending time with our dog. I try to balance out a busy work schedule with the simple things in life that make me happy.
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