Meghan Hickey
Business Editor
[email protected]
The unique challenges associated with the location and political status of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands often magnify the ebbs and flow of a typical economy. Particularly with two dominating industries as strong as tourism and military, most other industries are highly affected by any changes that take place.
The islands have come to expect these changes, and to continue doing business “as usual” despite them. Yet that doesn’t make the threat imposed by a slow season any less frightening to the managers and executives who are relied on to keep those businesses running.
It is exciting to see new faces, new projects, new technologies, new processes and new brands come through, and businesses should be wary not to miss an opportunity when it arises. Construction is a good example of an industry where experienced executives rightfully jump when given the opportunity for new ventures — such as the Marine base military infrastructure that has Guam’s finest on their toes. But there is also a careful lesson hidden away in the actions of those same companies. Those executives, as you can see on Page 37, will be the first to warn you both verbatim and by example, that with the new and shiny must come balance. While bidding and winning tens of millions of dollar contracts, you’ll see most purposefully setting aside time and resources wholeheartedly to build a local arts center or apartment building.
They understand that much like the tide hitting the islands’ shores, after times of the new will come plenty of times with the need for resilience. Now, while projects run aplenty, is the time to also invest in the home that will remain when others have left.
Which brings us to our “40,” as sometimes unofficially referred to in our office. When someone mentions a company’s CEO, president, principal attorney, area supervisor, etc., a certain image typically comes to mind — and there’s a good chance it’s not the image of the 40 individuals you see on the cover of this magazine. Yet these are the “shiny and new” faces you see around Guam and the NMI starting new ventures, leading company rebrands, launching new products and leading the way to a new era of technology and innovation. They are excited, hard-working, motivated, passionate (as many liked to use to describe themselves) and, most of all, eager to learn and grow. Many are new to the list this year — but you’ll also find some repeats from 2016 who have continued in their achievements.
It is our honor at Guam Business to congratulate each of these “40 Under Forty” for the success they have seen. As we identify your accomplishments, we also warn you to watch out for the changing tide. Continue to use the resources around you — those who have weathered the changes. The islands will only benefit from your diligence not only now, but in the future. And maybe you, too, will continue your success and become “a repeat” on our list — all before the age of 40.
Meghan Hickey
Business Editor
[email protected]
