Meet Cole Cabrera, Realtor at Luxury Homes International
Introduce yourself with your degree information and tell us what you do now.
My name is Cole Cabrera and I graduated with a Masters of Science in Marketing Management from the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai‘i. I am a Realtor at Luxury Homes International and also serve as a Television Commentator for Spectrum Sports.
You were recently named the Luxury Homes International 2024 Real Estate Rookie of the Year. What did this mean to you and what advice would you give young realtors?
This accolade was very special to me and I was grateful for the recognition. It meant a lot to know the hard work and long hours paid off, but the true thank you goes out to my buyers and sellers who I am so lucky to work with each and every day. Without them, none of this is possible. Advice I would tell young realtors is to be smart enough to create your own opportunities. Go out and go get it!
Can you tell us about a memorable sale or client experience that has stayed with you?
I like to treat every client the same and all of my sales have been special. But two in particular that come to mind were working with my good friend to purchase his first home, and also when I sold my first million dollar home. Was very humbling and was a goal I set out for myself which I was able to accomplish which was very special.
How did you decide to come to UH Manoa to continue your education and athletic career?
After I graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I was looking to play one more year of baseball and also pursue a higher education. The University of Hawai‘i had what I wanted to study, as well as provide me with the opportunity to play for my hometown team. I still remember the phone call with my head coach Rich Hill calling me to tell me he was offering me a scholarship to come play for Hawai‘i. It was a no-brainer to come back home.
How do you think the Shidler College of Business prepared you for navigating Hawai‘i’s business community?
My master's program curriculum was very rigorous and prepared me for the everyday challenges of the professional sector. Shidler is a very respected business school, and knowing you are going to be challenged everyday, just brings a sense of fire and passions you need to make it in the classroom and in life.
What’s your favorite memory from your time on the Rainbow Warrior Baseball team?
It’s hard to pick a favorite memory, there are too many to count. The road trips, the wins, the day to day grind, the offseason, was just so fun. I really appreciate the little things like going to practice everyday, going to eat with the guys after games, the bus rides, the early morning weights. A personal memory would have to be my Senior Day against my alma mater Cal Poly. I still have the lineup card from that last game, which is the coolest thing of sports memorabilia I have.
What did it mean to you, as a local boy, to come back home and wear the Rainbow Warrior jersey - playing in front of your family, friends, and the UH fans?
Growing up in Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i is the professional team. It means a lot to put Hawai‘i on your chest and know that you are representing not only the state, but your home. It’s an honor, and us local boys do not take that lightly.
What is your message to the BaseBows as they compete in the Big West Tournament this week?
Go balls to the wall, no fear. Leave it all out on the field. Take it one pitch at a time.