Beloved Founder, my origin story …
It was a sunny and beautiful afternoon on the Big Island. I believe it was August of 2001 and I was sitting on the lanai of a tropical bar, sipping a Mai Tai and looking at the base of a volcano through my binoculars in the hopes of finding the next great site for a Best Buy or Target or some other such retail facility (do the details really matter?). Suddenly I caught a flash of color moving up the slope. A beautiful floral pattern in a sea of jungle green. Captivated by the possibilities of what might be out there I completely forgot about my retail assignment, grabbed a “to go” cup for my Mai Tai and, for good measure, asked the barkeep to mix me up a second. In a flash I was off to the volcano and moments later I was face to face with the person who would be known to all as the Beloved Founder. After the usual pleasantries of “My name is Fez Monkey” and “My name is Mahalo” he looked at me somewhat suspiciously. Remembering the extra Mai Tai, I offered it to him and all suspicions were dropped. After finishing the Mai Tais he offered me his favorite drink, the Amaro di Cocco served in conch shell, and the conversation soon turned to my purpose on his island. He was dismayed to learn that a shopping center may someday sully his beautiful volcano paradise and asked if it was something I wanted. Of course I said “no” but what can I do, it’s my job. He suggested that I should leave this job and spread the word of Mahalo across the world with him. In that way everybody would understand that Hawaiian shirts and floral patterns are more important than Big Box retail. Someday stores like this won’t even be necessary, as these goods could be delivered directly to your door. In fact, the method of doing so might even have a jungle name. In that way beautiful places can remain beautiful and everybody will be happier.
I was blown away by his wisdom and foresight. How could I say no? I resigned immediately and together we set off to spread the good word of Mahalo around the globe … keeping Kansas City as a home office, of course. The Hawaiian Shirt Society of Kansas City was born (HSSKC)! The rest is history. Mahalo became known as “The Beloved Founder” and every 2nd Friday in May we celebrate his teachings. Trading in the trappings of the work-a-day world for Hawaiian Shirts and Rum Drinks. If this lifestyle resonates with you we invite you to come ashore and stake an umbrella in the life you deserve!