If there is one thing that is constant amidst an ever-evolving jumble of worker numbers, funding, construction projects, visitors, relocations, etc., it’s a strong base of management and direction from business leaders who truly care about our islands and the community that we live in. From preservation and conservation to youth and education to trade and commerce, one can see from the list of boards and organizations that the nine nominees for the 2017 Executive of the Year support that it is individuals such as these that keeps our community running despite constant turmoil.
Credit goes not just to these nine who have been nominated by their peers and colleagues to be acknowledged for their work and achievements, but also to the executives and leaders who responded to Guam Business Magazine’s Anonymous Assets Survey, creating a picture of the management of wealth in the Marianas (see Page 16) and the sorts of investments that are made by those who have the opportunity to support our islands. With many presidents and CEO’s (likely of small businesses) making less than $200,000 annually, the work that they are doing to better our community and support those that live here is done out of love for this community, and the belief in continuing to better it for our neighbors and our youth. I believe one executive’s response when specifying additional assets highlights that best, when he or she described a 401(k), education savings and travel as important assets he or she invests in — finishing the description with pride that it’s important to “collect moments, not things.”
What seems particularly appropriate and exemplary of this mindset is this year’s Executive of the Year, Leonard K. Kaae Sr. He leads by example — living the Black brand that he preaches, day in and day out. His leadership revolves around helping countless organizations and employing 1,200+ employees, to help “meet their financial commitments, from a roof over their heads to food that nourishes their families.” Not the millions of dollars of project management or longstanding tenure, but, Kaae says his greatest accomplishment “has been leading the Black Group of companies, being surrounded by the great people that make up the Black Family and being a part of the countless achievements of this amazing organization.”
Congrats and thank you to Kaae, who is a leading figure for this community as he this year serves as the face of those who guide our community and our families through typhoons and visitor downfalls and international threats — and any other obstacles that come our way.
Looking forward, “2018 will provide significant revenues for the Black Group of Companies with forecast here on Guam of $90 million,” Kaae says. “Additional revenues from Wake Island, Diego Garcia, Saipan and the Philippines are projected to be around $70 million, which will round 2018 for us.”
As Black Construction celebrates 60 years of doing business in 2018 and a hopeful future ahead, we too can look ahead and celebrate the longstanding strength of the leaders who are helping bring business to our islands to help build an even larger community of people to support and grow as a family.
Happy new year and best wishes to you and all your “families” in 2018.0+06