CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Steve Colon will oversee Hunt Building Co.'s real estate development activities in Hawaii as it gets involved in the privatization of military housing.
Colon believes in building
business relationshipsWhat are your current duties?
Steve Colon
>> Job: Senior vice president of Hunt Building Co. since October 2003.
>> Background: Captain, U.S. Naval Reserve. Called to active duty and assigned to commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, as a staff officer in the Plans and Policy Division. Previous to that, went on active duty recall at commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan after Sept. 11. Was also called to active duty during the first Gulf War. Had 12 years of housing industry experience in Chile and Mexico prior to being called to active duty.
>> Education: Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy; received an MBA from Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
>> New responsibilities: Will oversee Hunt Building Co.'s real estate development activities in Hawaii as part of the housing privatization contract awarded by the Navy in July to Hunt and Fluor Federal Services LLC, a partnership doing business as Fluor Hawaii LLC.
I'm overseeing Hunt and Fluor Hawaii's partnership development activities, which includes both renovations and new housing at Ford Island, Barbers Point, Iroquois Point, Halawa Landing and Waikele Gulch.
How did you find your way from the Navy into construction and real estate development?
My civilian career was in real estate development, both residential and commercial. I had been in that career for about 12 years before being called up. Previous to that I was in the Navy from 1981 to 1987, but then stayed on in the reserves after that. Initially it helped pay the bills for my MBA. I was a finance major with a concentration in real estate development.
What are some of the best things about your job and what do you think you bring to it?
It has a tremendous amount of responsibility, but it's also very exciting. For example, the opportunity to work on a historic development like Ford Island. While Hunt has been in Hawaii for 12 years, this is the first regional office we've opened outside of the El Paso corporate office. Since I'd been in the Navy, I know my around and also how the navy operates. Then I have 12 years of residential and commercial real estate experience as well. So this was a good niche -- and a great opportunity and it also gave me the ability to stay in Hawaii.
What were you doing in Mexico and Chile?
Prior to Sept. 11, I lived in Chile for two years and Mexico for three years. I was sent there by Pulte Homes, the largest home builder in the U.S., to open up a Chile office. Then in Mexico, I was vice president for operations.
How do you think those experiences helped you?
Business is conducted in a very different way there. So much of it is based on personal relationships, which I've found to be important here as well.
How long do you think do you think this latest project will take?
I think this is at least five years work for us based on what we currently have going. Fluor is doing the infrastructure first at Ford Island, which they have to do before we can start building homes, so that will be about two years. But for right now we are busy on the Barbers Point/ Iroquois Point housing rehab. There are some newer units built in the mid-80s, but we'll be doing something to all the units -- some may just be painting, but others will need more extensive work.
Is there a chance of further work opportunities similar to the current contract?
More contracts will be coming up. For example the Navy is in the middle of a bid to develop the Moanalua Shopping Center. Also in Kaneohe, there are still some housing privatization opportunities where we'll be hoping to compete.
What kind of activities do you enjoy outside work?
Besides the Reserves, I do Ironman Triathlons, that that takes up quite a bit of time. I also love exploring and enjoying Hawaii.
Finally, how long do you think Hawaii's current residential real estate boom will last?
I think this is going to be a strong market for a long time given the high demand and low supply of housing.
Inside Hawaii Inc. is a conversation with a member of the Hawaii business community who has changed jobs, been elected to a board or been recognized for accomplishments. Send questions and comments to business@starbulletin.com.
