Cheryl Kunimoto has worked in the property management field for more than 15 years. "When I was an agent with another property management firm, I could think of so many ways to make our services better. In 1992, I saw the opportunity to head up my own company, and I jumped at it."

When Cheryl took charge of Marie Hansen Properties, the company was managing 60 units. Under Cheryl's leadership, that number has increased to over 350—one of the highest rates of growth among local property management firms in the same period. Along with four highly experienced agents, Cheryl keeps close watch on all these properties. "We're a strong team, and we take a hands-on approach."

"Behind the scenes we're a team-run company," Cheryl says." Every Wednesday we meet for a staff meeting to put our heads together. Keeping track of the status of all our properties, we can look ahead and anticipate needs and problems before they become serious. This team approach gives our property owners the benefit of all our agents' combined years of experience and expertise. Clear communication keeps our relationships with owners and tenants strong and trusting. At the same time, each Marie Hansen Properties agent is assigned a specific set of properties and that agent is accountable for them. In the event of a problem, it's our agents who stay up at night worrying—not our clients!"

Cheryl also has a personal investment in the quality of the services her company provides: she owns two rental properties that are managed by agents at Marie Hansen Properties. Placing her own property under the care of her staff has given Cheryl valuable insights into owners' concerns, and she draws on this direct experience to make Marie Hansen Properties more responsive to the needs of owners and renters alike.

Drudi Johnston has over 20 years of experience in residential property management. “Property management didn’t choose me,” says Drudi. “I chose it. I like the service part of it, and the sense of community. The longevity of my relationships with my clients makes it feel more like a family or a neighborhood.” She enjoys the upbeat atmosphere at Marie Hansen Properties. “In property management there can be too much ‘no, no, no, you can’t do this, you can’t do that.’ Here, we try to look at everything in a very positive light.”

A fifth-generation resident of Hawai‘i, Drudi Johnston grew up in Honolulu and Maunawili in a family of animal lovers. As a girl, she showed dogs and horses, assisted with field trials for bird dogs, and shared her home—and her pediatrician—with three gibbon apes and a couple of wooly monkeys. “My mom would have to sneak the monkeys through the back door of the doctor’s office,” she recalls, “so the other patients wouldn’t see.”

Educated in Hawai‘i, on the mainland, and in Europe, Drudi communicates easily with wide range of clients. “This is a very cosmopolitan area. We have people from all over the world. I can work with anyone and enjoy it.”

Drudi is a member of the Honolulu Board of Realtors and a charter member of the Oahu chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers. She is also active in the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Daughters of Hawai‘i, the Hawaiian Mission Children’s Society, and the Outrigger Canoe Club.

Linda Fogarty comes to property management with a strong background in accounting. She got her start running a real estate office in Alaska, where she quickly became involved in the management of a wide variety of accounts—including gold mines. A Hawai'i resident since 1993, Linda has held positions as the Comptroller of Ala Wai Marine and as an accountant for Landmark Hotels. A licensed Realtor and a member of NARPM, she has more than 15 years of experience with both commercial and residential properties. "I've done sales, but I prefer the property management side," says Linda, who joined Marie Hansen Properties in 2005.

"When I interviewed with Cheryl, I instantly adored her. We must have sat in the office for an hour and a half, and even before the interview was over, I was looking forward to working with her. I like the way Cheryl has us take care of our properties. She's very thorough and professional. At the same time, being a member of this staff feels like being in a family. We seem to be a great blend. We're all different, but we all have heart for each other."

In addition to managing more than 125 long-term rental properties, Linda is responsible for all of Marie Hansen Properties' vacation rentals, a responsibility she finds especially satisfying. "When I go out to my first meeting with the renters, I always take them lei and give them a warm 'aloha' welcome. I always enjoy that. I like to help people. I'm definitely a people person."

A self-described "local girl," Sherie Hitchcock has worked in Hawai'i property management for over 15 years. "It took me a while to find the right fit with a company," Sherie says, "and this is it. I've been with Marie Hansen Properties for four years, and I can't imagine working anywhere else. This can be a tough business, and to be able to do what you enjoy doing, you need to be part of a good team. We have that here—we all complement each other. We like our jobs, and that gives us the strength to do even better work."

Sherie attributes much of the company's success to Cheryl's leadership. "I admire Cheryl, she's like a mentor to me. I definitely would say that a management company is only as good as its staff, and that the staff is as good as the broker. Cheryl's taught us the importance of our clients, both our tenants and owners."

Sherie is a licensed Realtor and a member of NARPM. "You're in a stronger position when you have your Realtor's license. Clients trust that you can handle the fiduciary responsibilities that come with the job. I deal with valuable properties and clients with high expectations."

Consistently living up to those expectations has allowed Sherie to form enduring relationships with property owners. "I've bonded with a particular client because she sees that I understand her needs. She doesn't want to sell her family home on O'ahu, and she needed to trust someone to love her home the way she loves it. I would go above and beyond for her. I do extra things that you can't really put on paper. People like that, real people with big hearts—you can't put a price tag on that."

Born and raised on Moloka'i, Liz Ishimitsu came to O'ahu to earn a degree in Office Administration at Honoloulu Business College. She went to work for a property management company, starting as a receptionist, and obtained her Realtor's license along the way. Liz joined Marie Hansen Properties in May 2001. She is currently one of the Directors for the O'ahu chapter of NARPM.

With more than 10 years of experience in condominium management as well as in sales, Liz says she prefers managing rental properties. "I like helping people find a nice place to live and helping owners maintain their investments. That way, everyone's happy: renters find a home that works for them, and the owner has the most qualified, reliable tenants. I like bringing those pieces together."

Liz enjoys the fast pace and variety of property management. "There's never a dull moment in this business, but whenever you think you're at the end of your rope, someone comes along and says 'thank you,' and it makes everything rosy." She also likes the flexibility. "As long as we get the job done, we can work at our own pace. Cheryl's great about giving us freedom and trust. It's a team thing. It's the whole team together that makes the package complete."

Connie Oakland started as an accountant at Marie Hansen Properties in 1998 and became Office Manager in March 2002. Based in the main office at 615 Piikoi Street, she coordinates the company's operations, from writing up leases to fielding questions from clients.

"Everyone here has a wonderful attitude," she says. "We get along well and cover for each other whenever necessary. Cheryl's upbeat personality makes this such a pleasant place to work."

Connie's extensive background in business accounting has made her an expert in planning, organization, and problem solving. Working closely with Cheryl and the rest of the office staff, Connie has established clear, efficient procedures for managing paperwork and client accounts. Keeping a sharp eye on all the day-to-day tasks, Connie makes sure "everything runs as smoothly as possible."

Kim Diga first came to Marie Hansen Properties as an intern in 2001, while she was still a student at Heald College. She worked for several months with Connie Oakland, who quickly saw Kim's potential. When Kim earned her Associates degree in Accounting, she came on board as Connie's assistant. When Connie moved into the position of Office Manager, Kim took over full time responsibilities as the Bookkeeper.

"I find satisfaction in seeing that the company's accounting runs smoothly every day," Kim says. "With over 400 tenants, keeping things in order in our accounting system is a big job. I make sure things are current, and I answer any questions an owner might have." When owners have concerns about their accounts, Kim is always on hand to assist them. "I'm happy to call our owners and go through their statements with them. If there's a question I can't answer, I'll always find someone who can help."

Kim credits her excellent people skills to the supportive climate of Marie Hansen Properties. "Ever since I started working here, talking with people has gotten easier for me than ever before. Customer service is a strong component of the job. I try every day to treat people as I would want to be treated—owners and their accounts in particular."

Dixie Diga joined her sister Kim on the staff of Marie Hansen Properties in 2004. She began as a file clerk, working part-time and going to school at KCC to train as a medical assistant. She's now the company's full-time office assistant and receptionist. "I like things to be fast paced, and I get that here. It seems like three people are always coming to you at the same time asking for things, but everyone's really helpful and respectful."

Inspired by Cheryl and her other coworkers, Dixie has taken the initiative to pursue her Realtor's license. "I just passed the class and I'm getting ready for the exam. The staff here has really taken me under their wings. I've gone around with them to different properties, so I know what to do even before I get my license."

Dixie describes Cheryl as an unusually supportive leader. "I've worked with bosses who just kind of come and go. Having a boss like Cheryl, who's friendly and actually talks to you, makes you want to come to work each day."