Meet Richard Pentecost, Founder of KIHA and 808FUTSAL
Introduce yourself with your degree information and tell us what you do now.
My name is Richard Pentecost and I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing in the Spring of 1984. I currently own two sports facilities in Kapolei. Kapolei Inline Hockey Arenas (opened on April 7, 2010) and 808FUTSAL (opened in October of 2016.) I also own a commercial condo and a vacant lot in Kapolei as well.
Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey as the founder of Kapolei Inline Hockey Arenas and 808Futsal.
Because my two sons were playing roller hockey in the late 90s and early 2000s, I decided to build KIHA. 808FUTSAL was a dream of mine in the late 70s and the fact that I was a soccer player since the age of 6.
What is something you learned from Shidler College of Business that you still use today?
What really stayed with me is my Salesmanship class at UH. Product knowledge was important to acquire, but 'salesmanship' was as important. I had also spent 20 years in the car business in the 80s and 90s, and that field taught me all about sales in general and accounting too.
What is your favorite memory from your time as a UH student?
My favorite memory being a UH student: having lunch at the Campus Center, lol
What advice would you give a UH student hoping to start their own business?
A solid vision of what field you want to get in. A good understanding of accounting and finances. And, not being afraid to work long hours.
EXCLUSIVE ALUMNI OFFER: Mahalo to KIHA Public Skating for offering all UH alumni a $2 discount on a 2-hour session on Fridays. To see more details about the offer, click here.