What's up, everybody? Still French?
Episode 67, just in your host. As always, I'm joined with a
legend, the 2005 Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Offensive Player of the Year. Kamehameha High School graduate
went on to be the University of Hawaii Interceptions all time.
Leader went on to the NFL, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills
and of course you know, little team the Dallas Cowboys.
Mr. Mona Silva, appreciate you. Coming through buddy.
Thanks for having me. Appreciate you.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Brother so you're a born hero side.
Yeah, I was. I was born on Oahu and then we
moved to Big Island. Probably like when I was like 4
years old. Oh.
OK, we're in Oahu. Born I was born on Wahiawa.
In Wahiawa, yeah, yeah. What ethnicity are you?
Hawaiian. Straight Hawaiian.
Yeah, people think I'm like Samoan, like.
Obviously I did my due diligence.
I did the research. It says it all over the place
that you're Samoan. Yeah, it's.
So funny, I never thought it. Yeah, yeah.
No, because. Even to this day, like, people
asked me if I was someone. Like, someone guy asked me, oh,
you must be someone because you played in the NFL and I'm
Hawaiian. Like, yeah, yeah.
So they're like, oh, you should do a DNA test.
I'm like, no, I'm Hawaiian. I mean, I didn't see through the
research. Your dad's name is Maurice.
Uh, huh, Correct. You have a little bit of black
in you. No.
Not at all. Not at.
All, I was just trying to explain the.
Speeds. Yeah.
No, that's, that's, it's from my dad.
Yeah. Where's my dad?
Your dad's straight Hawaiian. My dad is Portuguese.
Hawaiian yeah, yeah, yeah. So how did your athletic career
start? Was it football from the
beginning? Yeah, no, we grew up playing
baseball. Like my dad always loved
baseball. So we grew up like from young,
playing T-ball all the way up. And then like when it got into
like 10-12 years old, then we started football.
So yeah. Who are you playing with team
wise cause your age? There's like Colton Wong's
around that year, right? Yeah, yeah, Yeah.
So Colton is about two years younger than than I was.
Yeah. So we we grew up like he was
always like the the younger division right before me.
Yeah, Yeah. So when football became your
main sport, when did it start to become, I guess, prevalent to
you that, hey, I'm going to play pro one day?
Yeah. So in high school, on draft day,
both the Yankees and the Red Sox called my house.
So they called my house and I turned up.
I was like, Nah, I'm, I'm playing football.
So don't even, like, don't even draft me.
Like, really? Yeah.
Wait, why 'cause I mean, you were such a standout basement
too. No, I just, I didn't.
I didn't like, love baseball like that.
I just, we just did it. And you know, a lot of the
friends did it. So yeah, that's what we do.
And even even like people don't realize, like we had Colton on
our team and then we had Cano, Correa.
Oh, no way. All on our same like.
So here's the second baseman. And he couldn't turn a double
play for nothing. But so I I always tease him all
that, like, hey, you, you're at the highest level, make sure you
know all your players know that you can't turn a double play
like 'cause you're an infield coach.
But I just, I'm just messing it up.
Funny. It's crazy 'cause you guys are
all legends, you know what I mean?
Yeah, we they're legends. I I just play with them, yeah.
You're a legend, too. I mean, you're old, right?
I mean, a lot of guys, especially on the Big Island
where we're from. I went to Cal High School.
I'm a Cal High School grad. No one.
I mean, how many pros are there from the big guy that played in
the NFL? It fits on two hands, right?
Yeah. Like, right.
The year before me was Daniel Taylor Neschum.
Good. Yeah good fan and he's he passed
away but and then we also had Max Unker like that.
Yeah. So.
But other than that, like, who really sticks out?
Yeah, that's yeah, that's all we got.
And especially like you, you had such an interesting career going
from and and what's that story going from Kamehameha and then
signing with Oregon State, Why didn't you stay home?
I just wanted to get outside ahoy like so.
I just want to go out and just, you know, see the world.
And then I had my oldest son. Now.
And then we I came back home. Yeah.
So what was that like that recruiting process your senior
year, 'cause you guys were, I mean, you were at least dominant
that senior year, right? Yeah, like being from the Big
Island, like we hardly like there was like hardly any
recruiting really like and I know all the kids like still
struggle with that today, but and that's the hardest thing,
you know, there's a lot of talent there, but they just
don't get seen so. It's really hard to like.
I think the last prospect I can think about is like a I had no
idea you guys related Kilahano, right?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's insane to me.
What's your guy's bloodline? Is crazy.
Yeah, Kilo's my nephew, man. You know, that's my sister's
son. And you know, it's just from my
from my dad and and and our well, his grandpa and my mom.
So like it just instilled like self belief and like
self-confidence, like at a young age.
And that's what we, you know, we thrived off of.
What? What was it specifically that
they installed and like, how did you really, like, believe in
yourself? Like what was that belief?
The belief came in from the the work ethic.
Like every day after. Like, I can tell you like how I
really made it, like the recipe. So like from from 9th grade all
the way to my senior year in high school, I worked out every
day before school and every day after practice.
I ran every day after practice and it's like you just keep
doing that and you're stacking all those days and then all
those workouts. It's like you're guaranteed
going to be better than everybody else, like just based
off the work like that you put in.
So like after a while like I'll you'll play versus me and I'll
probably like take your soul like just just off of that work
ethic. Because I I put in way more work
than anybody else. Like.
And it's just the hours and hours and hours of of doing the
same thing. Like everyday, like you look now
like a lot of kids, like they'll put on their Instagram like, I'm
grinding, I'm a grinder. It's like, hey, you do that for
four years straight though, like every day before school and
every day after practice. Like, I'll give you an example,
like I'll shoot like 53 pointers every day after a basketball
practice. And I didn't shoot a single
three like the whole year, like, but that was the work ethic.
That was like when my dad taught me, like you've just practice
and practice and practice and you know it paid off.
So. What are those morning workouts
look like? It's like it was like a lone
wolf, like so we would have like a breakfast club and a lot of
times like people wouldn't show up and whatnot and now I'll
just, I'll just be out there running alone, like running on
the, you know, on the roads or or in the gym by myself.
So it's just, it's just you versus you pretty much, yeah.
How did you keep it up? Like, I mean, obviously you had
an older sister, right? And she went on to play at the
University of Hawaii as well. She was super successful as a
volleyball player, right? It's yeah, just I like now I
think about it. There's no way I could do like
what I. Did like back there like there's
no way like. But I just look back as like I
just wanted to put in the work so I could be successful.
So that was the difference. Though that was like the biggest
thing like just just putting in the work and and not focus on
the result more just the the daily work.
What fueled that drive though, because like you said, obviously
an insane amount of work it took.
Yeah. What filled it like, I don't
know. I grew up in Pineapple
Homestead. So like this is like a not the
best area to grow up, but that's, you know, I learned a
lot from that growing up there. But it's just we didn't have
much. And so like when you don't have
much, you just you just work like you just put in at work to
to make something of yourself. I think.
I think that's what drove us like that.
We could become something from nothing, yeah.
So going into that senior year or even your high school career,
being a quarterback looking for a career after or a college
opportunity afterwards, was it specifically something that
quarterback that you were looking for?
Like, how did that go in your mind?
Yeah, I thought I was Michael Vick.
But you weren't like you really weren't.
No, I thought I was Michael Vick and then I got to college.
I'm like, well, it's a whole different game in college,
especially like it's the Pack 10 at the time.
But like the two quarterbacks in front of me is like, Bo went to
the NFL. I'm like, but there ain't no way
I can play quarterback like and and with these guys like in
front of me, like. So I just decided I moved back
to Hawaii and then had a kid and then he was like, you should be
a safety. I was like, I can go to the
league being a safety, like, let's do.
This. Yeah, yeah.
So I just like and people. Don't know.
I only played safety for two years, like in college, like and
like. That's all.
Like, that's what I did. Like I just changed and like
just put in the work. And then I had Coach Miano like
at Hoy and then he, he made it to the NFL too.
So he's like just work, bro. Just every day, just grind.
So. But that's insane.
I just went when you were at Oregon State, were you able to
see the difference in like your arm?
Like what? What was the difference there?
Yeah, they're like they had like stronger arms.
They had like they're taller. I couldn't run away from
everybody and like the like, the defensive ends are catching me.
I'm like, I can't run away like how you like.
So I was like, I got to figure something out.
So that that's what it was, yeah.
And while you were there in, you know, just doing research, they
were saying that you had moved over to receiver while you were
there. Yeah, what does that?
Look like so, yeah. Like I was like, man.
Need to make a change. I changed the receiver and I was
killing those fools. Like, really?
Yeah, I was killing all those DVS and like, so that year that
was a freshman there. Four of them went to the NFL.
Like all four of them. The corner, the two corners and
the two safeties, they all played in the NFL.
I was toasting those foods. I was like, I could do this like
receiver stuff. Then I was like, Nah, I ain't
built like for receiver. So like I was like I better
switch the same what? What clicked in your mind that
you weren't built for receiver though?
Just I had a big frame. I got.
I got a big frame like, yeah. So I was like, I can't like do
this receiver stuff like. And yeah, I just made the
transition, man. That was that was it.
What was the decision that moved back to Hawaii?
The biggest decision was having our first, our first kid like,
'cause I we had like, I actually had him like our freshman year.
So our first, my first semester in college.
And then I was like, man, I better move back.
Home. Was she up there with you?
Yes, yes. So we both went up to Oregon
State together and then yeah, we came back home.
And I mean, luckily you continue your career cause how many guys
are there out there right that go out.
I mean I'm one of them. Go out and play your first
semester, Come back for winter break and never go back to
playing. So and a part of that is I came
back home for a break from Oregon State.
I was like, man, I don't want to go back like I'm I just want to
be home. And I was like and kill call
like at the time I was like, man, forget going back to the
main. So I was like.
Forget going back to the mainland like I love like seeing
all my guys like here. So I like I was like Nah, I got
to get at least go to UH and like do my thing.
So you know I had a lot of support from from my parents and
my in laws. It's like and I think nowadays
like more parents need to do that like just sacrifice like
and just just take care of the kid like just help take care of
the kid like so you can like fulfill like whatever
aspirations you got like because a lot of times like parents
would be like, oh like oh you got a kid stay home now like why
though like why you got to stay home like just take like just
take care of the kids Like, I don't know.
That's that's my thought. I see that happened to a lot of
kids like, especially football, like like, oh, you can't go to a
nowhere like stay home and then they lose motivation and all
that stuff, so. And it's just a a downward
spiral. From there, all the potential is
gone. Yeah, yeah.
So I think more parents should like, make that sacrifice to
like, help help their kids, watch their kids.
But. Look what happened.
I mean, you were able to continue chasing your dream and
and it's not like you took it for granted in any which way.
Just worked, man. How did?
You get your opportunity with the University of Hawaii,
though. With the opportunity of Hawaii,
so I started. I was a 7 string like like 7
string safety. How did you even get to that
point though? Did you have to walk on?
What did that process look like? Yeah, So I had to walk on.
I did like a tryout, had to run like a 40 and like different
tests, like the same test they always got.
And then I you know I made it on and then you know they put us in
a separate locker room and it just drove like like cause a few
of us that was there at the time was Richard Taurus which is
another safety with me and Corey Perez and we became like the
dogs of the defense like as far as our defense that year like
and we all started all together as walk ONS and then we were in
the back locker room. So like you got to picture this
there's a whole team that has all their locker room all
scholarship players and then there's like a little space like
in a separate like room with just walk ONS in there not like
a real locker room just like there for us.
So like we felt like we're less than and then we just, you know,
we turn into savages like pretty much.
So take take me through that process you start out seventh
string safety. Yeah.
So like, every, so we started in the spring semester and every
spring you got to like a depth chart.
It's like it's like Dang. So there's like there's like,
maybe like, I don't know, bunch of safeties.
And I was like at the bottom, 'cause I was like I walk on.
So I'm like, OK, OK and so we we start and you know over the over
the course of spring before spring ball, you have like 7 on
sevens and you work with the work here at the players and
stuff. So it's like I can beat all
these guys like, but I'm just here.
So I'll just start here and then and then like 2 weeks in, like I
end up getting the starting spot.
Like, yeah, so I passed like all the scholarship players and
like, yeah, man, how did? You settle on safety.
Like, how did you know that's where I'm going to ball out at?
I don't know. That's Miano wanted me as a
safety, so that which is a coach at UH at the time.
So I was like, OK, let's do it then.
He's like, I can't promise you anything, but you just work hard
and see where you end up. And then just through like 7 on
sevens and whatnot, you started to realize I'm much better than
these guys. Yeah, like the like as far as
like the head coach, which was McMahon at the time.
Like he didn't even know my name.
Like when I first walked on, like he didn't know my name and
nobody else knew my name. But like by week one, like every
they all knew like we was. It was time, like it was my
time, so. Why were you so dominant at
safety? Just playing from from
quarterback, a lot of people ask me is like, but from playing
quarterback it helped me like as a safety because I can see
everything like before everyone else.
So you were kind of like quarterback on defense?
Yeah. So like any route combinations
that I can kind of like pick it up like so if like I see a flat
from the number two slot, like I know like a dig is coming right
behind like a lot of safeties don't know that like
conceptually like and I knew that like I was like, oh, I'm
going to jump this ball right now and then you know, get an
interception or whatever like or you can see different route
combinations before everyone else.
It's like vision. So that's what helped me, you
know, Like. Go on to be the all time leader
in interceptions at the University of Hawaii.
How crazy is that? Oh, no, it's it's just like a
regular thing. Like, that's what I Yeah, Like
feel like, yeah, you know, you understand.
Like. That's what we do though.
Like you see ball get ball like, you beat a ball hawk like and
that's how you make plays and that's what that's what led me
to the NFL like you've got to make plays.
So that's what I do so. I mean, you've played against
some crazy talent even before the NFL.
Like, I think back the the game against Nevada when they were
ranked nineteen. Yeah, that sticks out in my mind
because they were driving right on that final drive and then he
picked off Colin Kaepernick to get the ball back and we kneeled
it out the SEAL game. Yeah, yes, It's crazy because
someone called me about that last night.
I'm like, what? Yeah, like someone like called
me about that. It's like, hey, you know, I was
like, it's like, it's not big. Like, it's it's cool.
Like it's not a big deal. It's.
Huge deal, bro. Like, people's like, man, that's
a big ranked team. I was like.
Yeah, that's cool. That's cool.
Yeah, like, but. But the moment was the moment
was special though. Yeah.
What was that? A lot of, a lot of people don't
know this about that play. So the only reason they ended up
getting the ball is because I was on an onside kick team, the
receiving team. And like, I didn't, I didn't
receive it. Like I didn't receive.
A lot of people don't know this girl.
So I'm like, damn, like I let my team down.
Like I let my team down and then I got you know, you know what is
that word called like you know you get it back.
So I got my opportunity. I got that pick and and you know
it was, it was, you know, it was a special.
Moment an opportunity at. Redemption.
Yeah. Redemption.
That's the word. Like, so I was like, Dang, I let
my teammates down and then, you know, I got my redemption.
To seal the game, bro. Game over.
And in that manner like it just it was insane, dude.
Like that kicked off our season, I feel like.
Like, Yeah, because like and it's crazy because a low stadium
is a special place. Like and you know, I wish they
could still play in that, but it's a special place.
But in that moment, like it'll hold like the power of the
stadium, like in my palms, like so it was, it was cool though.
It was. Cool.
You had that place of rocking, then it's.
A good time, yes. And you guys are the last teams
to really do that at lowest stadium, you know what I mean?
I know we got to get back. How though?
Because you, I mean, you guys had it packed out.
When was the last time we had it sold out?
52,000 people screaming go in the newspaper TV's waiting.
That was a good day because, yeah, I remember like people
used to roll out a newspaper and then throw it from the top and
then throw it all the way. Down and the thing was just like
and I was like, yeah, now I think about that, like that was
a special time. Like, I don't know if we'll ever
get it again, but it it'll happen though, I think.
They're trying. You know what I mean?
Jimmy Chang's doing his best. The Prada hood.
Yeah, I know. We got to flip that switch like.
But like, how do we keep these top players home?
You don't. You just work with what you got
and and you know, try to recruit like from the mainland as best
as we can, yeah. 'Cause it's, I mean, in the past
we were able to, right? Like, you look at the Noga
brothers, that's like probably the best example, right?
I think about like the the Kamatules, Canton guys who came
years later, but they all end up going to Stanford and to Oregon
and then UCF later. We're never going to get those
players back home, you think? No, I think, I think like we're
heading in the right direction as far as like UH, so you know
we got some big time kids coming in this year.
So you know, hopefully you know year after year it just keeps
stacking and we we get back to our glory.
It looked kind of scary for a little bit there, like they were
saying that if we didn't meet that attendance minimum, they
were going to move us to FCS. Did you hear that?
Yeah, man, I was like, probably ain't no way we can do that.
Like, there ain't no way. Like, like, we barely had soap
in our showers. Like, back then.
I'm like, these guys got like, they're like leaving like
celebrities at, like, luxury locker rooms.
I'm like, we got to figure it out like, 'cause there.
Ain't no way we can go to like D, AA or whatever, whatever
they're thinking like. I don't want to see that.
That would be insane. Are you involved or do they ever
get in contact with you for like alumni, Knights or anything like
that? No, they just invite us to,
like, come back. But, like, I just never made it
back. So yeah, I went to the UNLV game
this year. I was like, damn.
Yeah, like, yeah, UNLV had a good year.
So very good year. And then the quarterbacks from
Hawaii, like, that was tough. Yeah, yeah.
But again, they're. Hopefully doing some work this
upcoming offseason. I hope so, yeah.
Now take me through that process, 'cause you did go
undrafted, right? What did that look like?
Securing a spot on an NFL roster or fighting for it?
Yeah, it was crazy because at the time we had, we're going
right into the NFL lockout. So like, no, like the players
had a strike basically. And then so right right at the
draft I get a call from Ravens and then like different teams
and there's saying they're going to draft me and I never got
drafted that day and and that hurt too.
But anyways, I got a call from Chuck Pagano which is a
defensive coordinator at at Baltimore Ravens and he said,
you know you know we want you a part of this team and and and
you know when the lock on us done, I want we want you to join
us and you know I went to Baltimore so.
Now what did that feel like for you?
And what was that looking like going to that situation?
Did you think 100% I'm going to be a Baltimore Raven for Life
kind of thing? Yeah, man.
So yeah, the so the owner who was Steve Bhati, like, he loved
me. So that guy loved me.
He said, you're going to be the next Henri.
I was like, you damn right, you damn right.
I'm going to say the same too. But but yeah, they thought I was
going to be the next Henri. And I was like so far from.
It but you know. That's so so like I'm like.
You know what? And then you know when I first
got into the, when I first walked in like the facility,
I'm, you know, it's all rookies, you know, like.
And then the veterans is like eating.
They're like. Hold up, hold up.
It's BJ Penn. So I'm walking in there.
I'm like, so it's Anquan. Bolden.
I'm like dance. Anquan Bolden so I'm like.
I'm like, yeah, I'm DJ so I'm in there.
I'm like Dang. And then I see hello D Nala.
He's like, man, you Poly. I'm like, yeah man, Polynesian.
And so like he took care of me and they're like, you know, it's
just, you know, it's just good family unit there.
But it was. I still remember they're calling
me like DJ Penn, like the whole first week of like, you know,
camp and stuff. So.
Only if they're seeing DJ Penn in person.
Yeah, I know, man. So yeah, that that was.
That was some good times, too, man.
So, I mean, do you go from Ravens?
Was it from Ravens to the Bills? Yeah, So I went to Bills and
Buffalo's terrible. Like, like, yeah, like people
like, yeah, Buffalo's terrible. But yeah, the city is terrible.
The weather is terrible. And like, I like the people, but
but yeah, the Yeah. And then, so I I'm at Buffalo
and then I'm over there. And then just, you know,
grinding it out And then Dallas calls me up.
Yeah, Dallas calls me up like, hey, we're going to sign you.
I'm like. Off the practice squad, right,
Correct. What does that look like at that
time? Then?
Like your mentality, 'cause obviously you're at Baltimore,
they think you're going to be the next Ed Reed, right?
Did they end up cutting you? And then they.
Move. Yeah, they they fired me like 3
times. Really.
So. So Steve Boschotti's son, like,
would take me to the airport after they caught me like.
And, you know, I'm like, homesick at different points,
like being like just grinding it out every day, like, so he's
taking me to airport. He's like, man, how you doing?
I was like, oh man, I'm. Glad to be going home.
So, so yeah, 'cause he used to text me all the time.
I'm like, I'm like, man, I'm so glad you guys fired me.
I like, I needed a break. He's like, bro, I never heard
that from a player ever. I was like, bro, I'm from
Hawaii, like, so we they'll send me home like for like a few days
and they're like, hey, you're coming.
Back I'm like. And he did that to me like 3
times. Yeah, yeah.
And then he'll pick me back up. That's how I needed to love it.
He's like, man, my dad loves you, man.
So I'm like, I'm like cool. I was like, hey you guys,
because they got to pay me for the week anyway.
So like, you got to fire me, whatever.
Like bring me back. Like, so I got to go home and
for the weekend and come back. So like, they did that to me
like multiple times. And then, yeah, I ended up at
Buffalo after that. What did that, what did that
feel like to you? Because like, obviously you're
super talented, right? I mean, what does it feel like
for you at that time? What's your disposition like?
I like mentally it's draining. Like it's it's mentally draining
like you as any, Like professional athletes like so
like when they sent me home, it was good.
And then I come back and then put that fire in And then, you
know, sometimes like I thought I was going to make the team, like
on Baltimore, I thought I was going to make it and I didn't.
And then like, I just like it. Just like I was the last cut, so
I was the last cut. I was the last guy in the office
with John Harbaugh and he's like you know you had like a a great
camp and we just can't keep you like.
But we're going to put you on our practice squad and you're,
you're our number one practice squad player and then we're
about to play Steelers and then they cut.
Me. I'm like, no, it's Harbaugh,
but. That's just the business though.
So like, if you take it personal, it's like, but that
first cut like I was like, Dang man, like this is tough.
So I get cut the first time and then I have an injury too, so I
can't lift my left arm. So I can't lift my left arm
because I got like I got it like I took a blow to my shoulder and
then I ended up at at Denver and and at at at New England.
So I go out there for a workout and they and they call me up.
I'm in Hawaii right now just chilling out there and that.
So I fly up and then I have AI have a meal with breakfast with
John Elway. And then he's like, you know, we
love you and we're going to sign you.
Like, he didn't know I couldn't lift my left arm.
I'm like, hell, yeah, he's like, he's like, OK, let's go do a
workout. And still, yeah, I didn't tell
him, like, I can't move my arm. So I'm out there like like
handicapped and. He's like, what's going on, man?
I'm like I can't move my arm. So he was like, what the hell
he's like, He's like, man, we can't sign a broken place.
So I was like, Dang bro like you ain't going to sign me like.
You sent me this whole time, you don't sign me.
They they ended up there inside me.
So I'm there. Buffalo.
Buffalo, I mean, I mean in Denver.
And then and then when I'm in Denver, New England calls me up.
They're like, hey, come come work out for us.
I didn't tell them either. I'm like, I'm going to just go
out there and work out so that we had to hit bags like that and
I couldn't lift my left arm. Billy checks.
What's going on, man? I'm like.
Coach, I can't lift my left arm, but I'm here to work out for
you. So I'm out there like just out
there like hitting bags and like doing bath pillows, just like,
And we can't sign you a broken arm.
So I'm like, I'm like, Dang, you guys need me though.
And they're like. We can't sign you though, like,
so I'm like, OK, cool then and then I end up getting picked up
from Buffalo, so. Was there anything specific
Belichick said to you? Just that like like.
You can't help us with a broken. Arm like so I'm like that's all
good like that's, you know, that's part of it, yeah.
It's how How did you actually hurt your shoulder?
So I went into tackle, a tight end and one of our versatile
Falcons. And then my, I don't know, like
my shoulder like busted like, so I hit them and then it just
busted. I couldn't like they thought it.
I don't know, I might tore something, but I don't know it
just wasn't functioning. So it took like maybe like two
or two weeks like to like fully like being able to lift it up
and then actually both of them ended up picking me back up
after that. Wow.
Yeah, it's so crazy, man. Everybody that knows sports or
plays sports, they know injuries are part of the game.
But how different is it at the NFL level?
It's just the wear and tear because the season is so long,
like, so like the biggest thing about NFL is that you got to be
available. So like that's that's the
biggest thing. If you're available, you can,
you know, help the team. If you're not, then you just go
home, like, yeah, it's just business, yeah.
And so that is that kind of how it is for most guys they they're
just not available. Yeah, like the bottom tier guys.
Yeah, that's that's exactly what it is.
Like you got to stay like injury free.
That's the hardest part of the game.
Yeah, that's the game like so. My friend might hate me for
saying this, but he was. He was one of my buddies from
Hawaii and we was in Dallas together, so.
So I love basketball. Like, basketball is like my
first love. Like, so I love playing
basketball. And I say, hey, we should come
do pick up basketball every day after workout.
So he's like, OK, cool. He ended up tearing his meniscus
so. Oh, no.
So I'm like, what's going on, bro?
Like, get up. He's like, bro, something's
wrong. So I'm like, OK then you go
tomorrow, we'll go to the weight room and you jump off the box.
It's real life, bro. This is the NFL, bro.
We're in the NFL Dallas Cowboys. I'm like you jump off the box
and you scream. He's like bro, I can't barely
walk and like the So from the from the from the parking lot to
the weight room is about maybe 100 yards.
So he's like glimping the hallway.
He's like. I can't.
I can't even make it like and then they.
Ended up releasing. I'm sorry, bro, if you ever
watch this, but yeah. Like, hey, hey, to this day,
you're like, bro, you took me to that Dallas basketball game on
like, my bad bro. Yeah.
Yeah, man, so. How was that time with Dallas,
though, 'cause you actually got to play play with Dallas?
Yeah, I know a lot of people ask you that too.
Like, how was it? You know, it's just like paying
at Pineapple Park, like, but just on a whole another level as
far as like the crowd goes. But like, yeah, the game is the
same. So it's just like, you know, as
kids we know we love the game and you know, and you play in
the NFL, you know you love the game.
So you just go out there and then, you know, just being out
in that stadium is just different.
Yeah, Like, so I appreciate those times.
Yeah, well. What's so different about it?
Like, what feelings did it bring upon you?
Because like when Dallas 1st called me like, like when they
1st called me, when they 1st called me, that was like the
biggest moment. Because like getting signed to
like the team, I'm like all that work like I've done like it
finally like paid off. Like if all the dreams and stuff
like finally came to fruition, it's like this is just
unexplainable. So I just, I just sat there like
when they're calling me and I just cried like because like all
of that culminated to this one moment like and and that was
like that was like a special, like special deal, so.
Where were you in Dallas called? I was on the couch in Buffalo,
so it was like after a black, like a team team party, like for
a family, family, teen party and then came home and then both
Dallas called that night. It was like Jerry's right hand
man. He's like, hey, we're bringing
you to Dallas. Like, I'm like boom, right
there. I just like just cried and they
took it in. So yeah.
Were you alone at that time? My wife was there and then my
oldest son, Yeah, was there. Yeah.
So, yeah, that was, that was pretty cool.
Like that was probably the coolest.
And then our first game we played Philadelphia Eagles.
So we feel Philadelphia Eagles. And then like, I'm I'm putting
all my shoes and like and like we had like, you know, different
like height, like veterans like on the DV unit.
And so I'm putting on my shoes. They're like, bro, you are not
wearing your practice shoes like this is the damn Dallas.
Cowboys. So I'm out there putting dirty
shoes on. They're like, bro, go over
there, got some new shoes and put on the Dallas Cowboys shoes.
Oh like, bro, this is my first game ever.
I'm like, I didn't even break in.
Like these new shoes. They're like, we don't care.
Like you don't wear dirty shoes out of that same.
And then, you know, I put on new shoes and my feet was killing me
that whole game. So wow.
Yeah. What DB?
What? Who's your NFL team, out of
curiosity? My team is a Dolphins.
OK. Yeah, I love Miami Dolphins.
Like I grew up. My dad likes Miami Dolphins and
I like Miami Dolphins. I like Dan Marino.
So oof. Yeah.
Was it ever a draft to somehow make it to that organization?
Nah, they're terrible. Nah.
Yeah, I got to play. I got to play in Miami a couple
of times, so that was cool. Yeah, got to play there a couple
of times. So yeah, that was pretty cool,
though being like, you know, that was your that's your like.
You played for America's team. Yeah, that's my my family's
team. We're inherited.
For generations, yeah. So that's what it is.
That's what it becomes like. It's for me.
It's like when your idols become your rivals, it's like there's
just a whole nother. Like it's like when you see Ray
Lewis, like, like what the hell? Like, I'm really doing this
thing like, so the first week of camp I'm in the first team unit
because there was a lockout and the unrestricted agents and
whatnot, they couldn't practice. So Ed was on the side just
watching. And then a bunch of other guys
and I'm in the first team. And I'm with I'm with Ray Lewis.
He's like, we're like, you see this see that.
And I was like, damn, he's talking to me.
I'm dropping down as a drop down safety.
I get to play and complete the play.
I'm like and then Ray is like, so I just told you to die play.
I just told you to die play. I'm like Ray.
I didn't know what you're telling me.
I'm like, damn Ray like and he's like, no, no, this damn game
man. We can't Chelsea all here.
Oh, hey, right there. I just started running all over
the field, like just trying to make plays and like just do my
thing. And you know, just just soaking
it all in. Like Ray is like, Ray is like
how you see him every day. Like on TV, that's how he is
every day. Like he's 100 mph every day.
That's just who he is. That's who he is and that's how
he plays. Were you ever starstruck by
anybody that you got to play with or play against?
No, no, no, 'cause like, Oh no. You just, you got a lot of
confidence when you're there. So it's like when you're going
against against like somebody big, you like, Nah take you out.
Like, yeah, Like just trying to win.
Off. Does it almost feel like you're
shot to make a name for yourself if you ever go against those big
name guys? Nah, not really.
Like, well, I never felt that. So like, it's like now we just
got out here, you know, we prepared all weekend.
We're going to win this game. So it's a lot different than
high school. Yeah, see, high school and
college. Like everyone's like RA RA RA.
Like, Oh no, it's like a bunch of animals in a.
Locker room like 100%. You know, like a cow or
whatever, wherever you play like.
And like people is hyping up and and NFL is a lot different.
It's like there's a calmness there's a calmness and like a a
Pyreneus like to the locker room like it's just like a real like
high level of focus. It's and and and intensity as
far as like just dialing in and and knowing like what's right in
front of you. So in high school it's like.
Let's do like, like, let's break some heads tonight, like, yeah.
Yeah, like or like in big eye, like hit somebody like it's
like, yeah, like everyone's about that, like.
And then if it has nothing like that, like you're not trying to
hit nobody, Like for real, like, no one's trying to really hit
like it's different. Yeah, it's like more technical
completely then. Yeah, it's like hit somebody.
I couldn't hear it. I can hear it.
Yeah, you can hear it. Hit somebody.
Yeah. And then it's usually like the
dancing like was trash. So like, the dancer was trash
and uncle was trash, like or even got like, Yeah.
Like the butchie malls, like bro, like you're trash.
Like you're. Yeah.
Like I'm like, bro, you're like, I know you was trash.
I know your uncle was trash, like, but you know, it's always
those guys like hit somebody. It's like, oh, you got, yeah,
it's Hawaii. You know, you got to love it.
You know you got to love it. It's so.
Funny though. Yeah, because it's like that.
I know you about that school with you.
Like, yeah, no. Like, yeah.
It's just, you know those people, man.
Yeah. They got that's how it is.
Yeah, we love football. We love football, We love
baseball. We love all the sports on the
island. So yeah, man.
So what did it look like ending your career?
Because you ended your career in Buffalo, right?
Yeah, yeah. So yeah, I ended up leaving.
But like, I ended up leaving in Buffalo.
Like mentally. Like, I was in like, in a bad
space. So mentally I was like, in a bad
space. And I was drained.
Like, until this day, I still can't figure out exactly what,
like put like, a finger on it, but I ended up deciding to
leave. So I ended up leaving.
And then, you know, I ended up, you know, getting right into
real estate like and that's what I did.
So, so, like, it wasn't like, obviously, I mean the pressure,
the homesick, the the grind of just being in the NFL, like
depression that you weren't able to really figure out what it
was. Yeah, like, like, because so
when I told them I was done, like, so I was like, hey, I'm
done like I told them and they wanted me to see like a
psychiatrist, like they thought like something was wrong with
me. And they're like, you got to
talk to a psychiatrist, you got to talk to a psychologist, and
then you got to talk to like some Wellness people throughout.
Do you think they just wanted to make sure you were good, or do
you think they just still wanted you?
Yeah, They thought something was wrong with me.
They thought something was wrong with me at the time.
And I knew nothing was wrong with me.
Like, I'm like, no, I'm good. Like I'm I'm, I'm done.
Like I I accomplished what I only wanted to accomplish like
at that moment. And then I just wanted to go
home. So I went home and they were
shocked and I wasn't so. And people still shocked like
when I tell them the story. But yeah, that was the decision
I made. So was it like the love of the
game wasn't very like you just felt like?
I think I will. I I think when you put it like
in a perspective, like I just wasn't as hungry.
Yeah. And like when you're not hungry,
like in whatever, like Endeavor, you're like going after and that
there isn't that fire then. Like.
I just decided to leave. So that's all it was like.
And at that time, like I wasn't hungry.
I wasn't like mentally like I was out of it.
So I was like, OK, go home. You just felt like it wasn't the
right place to be anymore if you weren't giving it your all.
Something like that maybe? Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, It was exactly that. So like in the NFL, if you're
not there like 100%, then you might as well walk away.
Yeah. Yeah.
Did you know when you were walking away that you were going
to walk straight into real estate?
I was doing real estate already like so, like during that camp
time when I left, I was already starting it.
So how did you get into real estate 'cause I mean now you are
being becoming a well known developer at this point, right?
When did you start to get into the game?
How did you get introduced to the real estate?
We had AI had a safety at a teammate at Dallas Cowboys.
His name was Gerald Sensible. Yeah.
OK, so. He he was a he's a smart guy.
Like a lot of football guys, people think they're stupid.
He was smart though. So he was smart and what he was
doing in real estate was, it was crazy because you know, we're
we'd always share like the older guys would always share like
with the younger guys like what they what they got into and and
what they're pursuing. And he was like, hey, you should
do this real estate thing. That's what I do.
I'm like real estate. What is that?
He's like it's land, like just buying like houses and and
whatnot. And it was crazy because we're
looking through, like, they'll send us like this luxury
magazines of real estate. And as you're sharing this Big
Island, properties are coming up.
It was a crazy thing. Like, now I think about it and
like, connecting all the dots like, I'm like, bro, this is
where I'm from. Like this Exactly.
Is like, what? No, there's no way.
I'm like, yeah, this is Hawaii. Like, this is the island I'm
from. Here's that, bro.
It's got to be a sign. It's like it's like that is a
sign. I went home and bought a lot.
So so like. I bought property and then like
like, hey bro, I'm doing this thing, like I'm doing this real
estate thing, exactly like that's all you need to do.
And you know, it's just I never stopped since then.
What was your first move in real estate?
My first move in real estate is I bought a property in in in in
Pune in HPPI. Brought that it was a rainy day,
you know, I went to go look at lots.
I I chose a lot. I bought it and then we
bulldozed it and then it was right next to a drug house.
So so I didn't see the drug house so we opened it sounds
like so we bulldoze and it's right there it's like like bro
there ain't no way like my first roll like with the dice you know
and I buy a property next to a damn drug house like and then
long story started ended up selling the house and.
All the drug bosses, like, became my friend and like, yeah,
you know, they watch the property and yeah, it turned out
well, you know. What part of HPP?
Was that it was on down Paradise Dr. You make a left on 18th St.
Wow. Yeah.
Still like Cinder Rd. Dirt Rd.
Yeah, Cinder Rd. Bushes, you know.
Catchment tank or no? Catchment, tank.
Or you know everything. You know, cesspool all of that.
And then, like so I learned the whole game, like the the whole
real estate game on my own. So you didn't know anything
going in? Yeah, nothing.
How much did you buy the land for?
It was a acre, half acre. Yeah, it's a it's a acre.
I bought it for 18,000. What year is that?
Shoot, like 10 years ago. May.
Yeah, 2012. Thirteen around there.
Yeah. So I bought it.
I bought like, now those lots go for like 100.
Yeah, so I bought it. And then, yeah, we put a house
and then sold that thing, yeah. How long did it take to sell?
Shoot, I don't know, like little over a month or so to sell.
And then like, I got a bunch of friends that helped me build it.
And that was like a learning curve in itself.
And like all types of people, whoever I could find on
Craigslist at Home Depot, like, like, hey, you, you know how to
put a drywall like, hey, I got this house like, and it wasn't
that busy at that time. Like now it's like busy, like
construction, like, and I'm out there like just a Hawaiian guy,
like. And this is coming off of 2008,
right? Yeah, with that last.
Pass and there's so many people where we're from.
It's not like an economy economy.
There's no way to really recover from it.
So it took years to. Recover, bro.
And I was like one of the only guys out there.
And I'm young. I'm hungry kind of dumb.
So I'm like, hey, I'm going to like Food Flash are like, let's
do this like. Like you self funded.
Everything. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
So like, like, hey, I got this house.
You can, you know how to like paint, okay, cool paint.
Then like come to my house. And then I had like, my uncle in
there, like he was painting in the dark.
So, like, you know that story like.
Uncle in there. It's food.
You know, it's painting in the dark.
I'm like, how's the pig? It's going to go more.
Yeah. And he's in the closet now.
He's in the closet. It's like dark. 7:00 PM I'm like
keep going, I'll go. We were wasting painting there.
It's like, uncle, what coat is it?
It's like it's the 5th coat boy. It's like 2 coats.
Like that's all he did. Like, so he's in there and
they're like my pops is in there.
Like I got a bunch of friends, like they don't even have
license. Like they're electrician,
plumber. Like I appreciate them till this
day though, but they're in there running wire, running piping,
you know we get it done. So.
And then you end up selling the house.
Yeah, I ended up selling the house.
And you know, we made a good, good chunk of money.
So, like, yeah. Pay everybody out.
Yeah, pay everybody out. Like, pay everybody out and, you
know, move to the next. I bought my next one.
Yeah, and just repeat repeated the same thing.
Off to the races from there, So have you stuck in HPP and Puna
side, Yeah. Really.
Yeah. We're still, we're still in HPP.
We're still in Puna Ainoloa, you know?
Yeah. How many houses have you guys
done now in total? Like 100 houses.
Wow. Yeah, Yeah.
So and that's what we do, man. Like and more and more people is
that coming to Puna which is good like as far as but I just
want everyone to like you know there's no like good like sell
like to mainland like for as far as like being from from big guy
like sell to the locals like that's all we preach so.
And is that something you guys focus on?
How do you guys actually do that?
Yeah. So for the last.
So we've been doing this for like a little over a decade now.
And then within like five years ago, I made the decision to stop
selling to outside people like, to only sell to locals Like I
was like, you know, I I come from, I come from Hilo, like,
and it will be a disservice to the community to like sell to
like mainland people like. And I share this all the time.
Like, you know, we've I've had like people that offer me
millions like to buy like all our houses out like one time.
And I turned it all down, like turned it all down because I'm
like, I like as far as like real estate and like where I'm at in
my life, like the money doesn't move me.
It's like, what impact, what impact can I serve like towards
the community? Yeah.
So that and that's all we're focused on, like building houses
for locals and putting local families in the homes, like,
yeah. How much have you experienced
that? Like what?
What does it look like with outside people or even like, you
know, everybody talks about like Black Rock swallowing up single
family homes. Have you been approached by
companies like that or corporations like that?
Yeah, Like, as far as like private equity firms.
Yeah. Like trying to borrow, like,
Nah, like just keep it away. Like just keep them out because
once they get in, they're taking over, like they're going to buy
everything. And you know, over the last year
across America, you know, they bought 20% of all the single
family homes available. So if you look at it like as far
as Hawaii, like we only have so much housing in Hawaii.
So once that, because if you look from Kauai all the way
down, there's a little speck right below Hilo Puna that's the
last affordable place. And once that's gone, we're done
like there ain't no way like any local family will be able to
afford Hawaii like and that's a reality and that's a fact.
So it's like if we don't get it like in this run right now in
this like segment of time within this window of years or does
like guaranteed like and the people that do have homes in
Hawaii right now, they're just struggling.
That's that's a fact. Like and as the houses go up
when I was thinking about it this morning as as the houses go
up. So when once once Ina Loa hits
600,000, say once I know 600,000, what is it going to do
to the local family? The local family is going to
decide this is like we can sell right now and make X amount of
money and then we can move to the mainland.
So if you look in the 10 year cycle, 10 years from now, Ina
Loa would be like 600,000 guaranteed, almost guaranteed.
Once that is, once that happens, the locals who do have homes
will sell and they'll move to the mainland.
So if you don't hold on to your slice like for your next
generation, there's no chance like working families, no chance
to get to you know, have a home in Hawaii and and that's what
our that's what we want though. We want our families that want
to be in Hawaii to stay in Hawaii, so.
It's getting incredibly hard. I mean, you said it yourself,
those lots almost 10 times over the past decade and worth now.
Yes, yeah, it's alarming. Like if you aren't alarmed now,
like I don't know what else is going to alarm me because
everything like is being bought up.
Like on the Wall Street Journal, like this past week they're
saying like more and more people is flocking to this lava
inundated area like and they're loving all of this land and
buying all this land. I'm like if Wall Street is
getting this and everyone across America is seeing this like
they're going to come to this place like and buy up what is
still available. So we're trying to like, like a
guy asked me like, So what is like, I'm like, bro, I'm trying
to be like not a Black Rock, but the brown rock.
So like, so like I'm the brown rock.
So like I want just locals only. Like, yeah, if we just keep
locals in Hawaii in that like in that area, like I think we
that's a big win and big impact for our community.
Huge. I mean, you're just going to
hold so much values in. How do you do that though?
Because when you did experience these outside bids, were they
over bidding? Yeah, they were willing to over
bid on all of them. So I'll give you example a lady
wanted to buy. Can I use the bathroom?
Yeah, of course, of course. Real quick.
I'll just come. I'll come right?
Back No problem, no. Problem You said for genius
though, huh? You said.
Yeah, yeah. You know, I knew he was a genius
before and then I saw him on your stuff like like, bro, he's
a. Genius.
I was very surprised. Yeah, caught me off guard.
Like, and there's a lot of guys like that.
Like, it's like highly intelligent.
Yeah. Creatives.
Yes. Yes.
I was watching. I was like, that's why he did,
you know, He's like a real genius.
Yeah. And he just cut shows in his
work, you know? But yeah.
He is. I mean, yeah, the way he speaks,
his his perspective he he actually changed my perspective
on a lot of things and has me doing a lot of like self work
and whatnot and just. Things that I have.
Trauma with and whatnot because he's just super connected and
he's just the upbringing he came through.
He's still deeply connected through the Chicago street, so
it's super interesting to just see how the, like the streets
are connected to like music, fashion and like the entire
economy. It's nothing.
It's nothing I would have ever thought of.
He's a really interesting dude. Very, very intelligent.
Yeah, yeah, intelligent. St.
Smarts off the wide. You dealing with some trouble.
Yeah, I mean just, you know, growing up, growing up in Puno,
but just, you know, drugs in the family, the the domestic abuse
between parents, them splitting and then dad having another kid.
My mom didn't know about it and us having to lie about to my mom
about it and whatnot. So stuff like that and the army
of course, but it's all just work through in therapy and
whatnot. It is.
It is like, there's so many things where, like, I don't even
realize a lot of the past is causing the way I act now kind
of thing. I think it's just like normal or
how you're supposed to react to things.
But yeah, it's really interesting to go through
therapy and like, work through all these things, 'cause it
takes a ridiculous amount of effort for me.
Like, I'll be, like sitting there like frustrated and like
trying to understand, like, why I'm doing this or why I think
like this. And I'll have an unlimited
amount of questions for my therapist.
And sure, leave flustered. I got you, bro.
I got you. Yeah.
No, I see a therapist too. So like, yeah, I feel you.
It's definitely beneficial, though.
Helps you unlock really like your potential, especially with
how you want to help so many people, yeah.
So you got to do like your inner work.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. To give you the ability to be
able to help the people the way you want to and the way that
like you know that you're capable of and especially like
that work you're willing to put in.
Not a lot of people are going to be willing to put that work in
to be able to be that person that can help these people.
So just like how you used to do it for football, heading into,
you know, getting everything, you got college and professional
wise opportunities, I can see you doing the same thing now.
Good luck on that journey. Appreciate you saying to you
brother, but like you said you were mentioning bringing it back
to getting over bid for the properties.
Yeah. So, yeah, So they wanted to buy
five houses at one time. They want to buy it for.
And I was like. I was like.
Hell no. Because like I could have like
gone out with 7 figs, you know, right.
Right down. Like, hell no.
Like, yeah, like and people can say like oh this and that, this
and that. Like.
But when you got to turn it down, like no, I'm not like a
sell out or anything like when you see that, like hey, they're
going to send you 7 figs like let's do this like like no, no,
did you? Contemplate it at all like did
you have to like? I I probably thought about it
for like 3 seconds like. What made you stop thinking
about it? What made you stop thinking
about? It just coming back right to
like, yeah like right back to like that core like so it's
like, no like because it could have easily took it.
Like it could have easily took it and you know like spin that
thing around again and then excel to them again like.
But now I was like, now we just, we just stay on that course and
you know, stay to true, like stay true to to what we're
about, so. How much were they willing to?
Over bid, They're over bid, anybody.
So they were just like, yeah. Wow.
Yeah, they're only like, wait, we we want we want to buy your
houses, whatever you build. And this is for like, I'm like,
shoot, I could. Just build a cell too every day.
All day like like, Nah. But we we stopped it right
there. We cut it off right there.
Yeah. And then they never like they
might have asked me like I don't know 2-3 times more after that
turn it down like and I to me I think that's gangster.
So yeah, so you know, and then they never reset all back to me,
so yeah. Do you know any developers back
home that aren't from in state that are like buying up the
land? Oh hell yeah, yeah.
Now there's a lot of guys like trying to come in and and do
what we do so. From out of state.
Yeah, from out of state. So you just can't stop them
though. Yeah.
So you just focus. We just focus on what we do,
provide these houses to the local families and go about our
business, so. So, like, what's the kind of
like your your your goal then? Is it to grab out as much as
possible to keep it in Hawaiian hands and to keep it in locals
hands? That's.
So our goal like for 2024 is to you know, take 100 houses and
provide 100 families with and put them in these houses and
that's it. Like that's our main focus Like
and I think like for Hawaii as far as like, I think it starts
from the man, like in the family.
So if the man is solid, like the family like thrives and if the
man is broken, then the home is broken.
So I think like if we can put like strong families and provide
them with a home, I think the unit of the family can be
stronger because if any part of that unit as far as the family
is broken, it it can be like you know, renovated in a sense or or
or brought back together. But when a man is broken,
everything falls apart. So like if we can like have
these family units be strong in a strong home, then the
community and the people that surround this family
individually would be stronger. And I think holistically people
don't look at it like that as far as real estate goes, but
that's how I I view it. So like that's how I approach
it. Because as far as like as far as
I go, like we broke in in Pineva Homestead, we ended up by
Pineva, which is a was a beginning Homestead in the newer
part is because my mom ended up separating from my dad.
So we ended up in my mom ended up in Pineva and then my dad
ended up like putting herself back together so renovating
himself back together and then we got back all together.
So once he was a part of the unit, then the unit is like,
it's unbreakable. But like if the man is like
broken, then the home will be broken.
So shit kind of deep. But yeah, yeah, that's that's
the fact. So like that's like a driving
force. Like screw everybody else
outside, like like just take care of our people.
And if I can help take care of our people, then you know, I've
done my part as far as 2024 goes.
So that's the main goal like 100 by 100 initiative and you know
get it done like. So the hundred homes, is it 100
existing homes? Are you guys looking to build
100 homes? No, we're looking to build 100
homes. Wow.
Yeah. So we're we're looking like
we're looking we're actively looking for land like more land
like trying to buy build more houses you know reaching out to
people to help fund the projects.
So that's what we're doing like and and if people want to join,
you know we're we're about that life like this.
What we do we've we've turned on, you know we've turned on
everybody else and you know we just forge ahead just for
locals. That's it.
So you. Guys are like funding and like
investing as well. Yeah.
So we, you know, we invest into our own projects.
You know, we're pulling in more people and you know we're going
after it this year like and you know, nothing's going to hold us
back, so. So how can people work with you
guys or or purchase from you guys?
Like what? What does that all look like?
Yeah, so you know every, you know everything funnels down
through social media like, so like social media like on on
Instagram, people reach out to me and I put out different
things like if you want to buy a home, you know reach out to me.
If you want to like you know, become a partner.
As far as like funding projects like reach out to me like and
it's to me like it'll take a lot like.
So it's got to be like a collaborative effort and like
everyone coming together and like finding their like their
niche within the 100 by 100 initiative of coming together,
funding these projects, putting bringing families homes and
bringing families to to put into the homes.
Like all of that stuff like there's got to be massive
outreach and you know I just, I just think it can be done.
So like anything I like, I really pursue and I'm really
hungry after like usually happens.
So that's how we're in the pursuit of in 2024.
So I mean, you guys have your own builders, like how does that
all work? You guys look for people to team
up with builders wise as well. Yeah.
We, we subcontract to to the builders and and to the
electricians and plumbers and and all the subcontractors and
we sub everything out and that's our team.
And then you know, we just execute and typically like over
the last five years, like we haven't had a house hit the
market. So really, yeah, so all of our
houses, 'cause I put it out there like, hey, if you're a
local like and you need a house or you want to buy a house, like
we're here for you, we can help you.
What? Does that look like take us
through a typical process of someone getting in touch with
you? Hey, I'm renting.
I want to buy a house. What does it look like?
I'll tell you like a long story. OK, so there's this one, one
lady, 11 girl or one lady. She, you know, she couldn't get
a house the first time. She couldn't get a house the
second time. And you know, we just helped
kept, like, you know, we stayed with her for 2 1/2 years.
So we stayed with her for 2 1/2 years and helped build her all
the way up till everything that was on her chart as far as like
qualifying and whatnot was checked off.
So we stayed with her for two years and then she ended up
buying a house like she got her her credit right, got her her
income right, got you know, all of her debt like correct.
And then we we put her in a house like and that's how we
roll. Like we just stay with you like
and a lot of people wouldn't stay with you like, but we stay
with our people like. So if you if you want to like.
If at the end of the day you want to have a home, we can.
We can show you the road map and the blueprint to execute your
dream and. So you're not only just a
developer, you're not just building the houses and selling
like you actually take on like the entire process, the entire
role. Yeah and and there's people like
involved with with helping with that process.
But like, yeah, I'm just a Swiss Army Knife man And like and the
more like people that can help and join the movement.
And a bigger Swiss Army Knife would be, you know, like and in
helping more people because it takes a lot of energy to just
help with one family alone, like to get a home.
But like to help 100, Like, that's something like, I don't
know. I told my friend, like, on the
1st of January, we went on a hike on mountain's edge and he
said, so where do you want to be?
I was like, you know, I just want to do something a Hawaiian
has never done. And he was like, oh, what is
that? And he's like a top Dr. in
Hawaii. He's like a, well, no doctor on
Oahu. And then I was like, you know,
because I came from commando schools.
So I'm like, you know, I'm trying to be like, boy, you like
are founded and like have that type of impact.
He was like. Hell no.
He's like, pull it back, pull it back.
So I'm like, he's like that can't be done.
Like again. I'm like, I know bro.
So I'm like, hey, whatever bro. But you know that shoot though,
I shoot that. I shoot that high shot.
So he's like, you know what you could be like?
You could be like Prince Cool Hill.
Like people think it's a Plaza, but he's actually like the guy
like help start hawing homes. And I'm like.
But I'm like, I really don't believe in Hawaiian homes, but I
came from there. So I'm very grateful for that
opportunity. Well, like I could do that
though, like I could be, I could be like that Hawaiian guy, like
put a hundred families in 100 homes in one year.
So or or not Hawaiian, but like local families.
So that's that's the pursuit, man.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. What's the one thing you need
added? Like where do you need the most
help in your company area? What one thing could change that
would give you ability to help these people 10 times easier?
To be honest, to be honest like people funding projects like
because that's you can say whatever you want but if you
don't have funding to do the projects then you can't do like
and that's a big thing like to to take a bite at 100 house like
project it takes a lot of capital.
So like the more people that can we can partner up with the
better. So like a top, like former CEO
of Reddit reached out to me and you know he's a supposed
billionaire and reached out to me and said how, how can I help
in the initiative? So we have a meeting on Friday.
Wow, that's huge. Yeah, so we have a meeting on
Friday with him and then I've had friends with $5000.
His friends like, hey, can you triple my money?
I said. Hell no.
So like. Like, hey, but we want to be a
part of it. Like we want to be a part of the
movement. I'm like if you want to be a
part of it, I'll find a place for you like and if you want you
have 5000 and if you have 10,000 like we can find like we can
find like how to work that into our projects.
And so that's what we're doing. We're doing that like people at
5010 thousand, like you'd be surprised at what you can do,
like when you put everyone together and everyone works
together. So that's what we're doing,
yeah. I'm I'm like I'm invested into
Cardone Adventures, what he's got currently going on.
So is that kind of something similar you guys are setting up?
I know exactly what you're talking about because I love
Cardone Perfect. But I watched it like I've been
I was probably like one of the first Ballers on Cardone.
Like. Nah, but I have like all this
stuff like but it is, it is like a Group A group of people
working together and trying to accomplish something through
real estate and having creating win, win situations.
So yeah, you could see it on a on a level, so.
If you guys create that fund internally and it's just all
going back and you guys are paying out those dividends.
But the thing about it is on our end, we don't, I don't do that.
I just create partnerships. So like you become a partner of
me, like as far as on that end, you're like an investor and then
they pay. They'll send you a check like
once a month or once 1/4, right on our end.
It's like we're actually taking you in as family.
You're partnering with us and you're getting a percentage of
the profits, yeah. I like that donate a Hawaiian
style. That's like, yeah.
And people's like, bro, how do you do this?
I'm like, I don't know. I just keep it simple.
Like it must be so like that's all I've done.
And like, I was like a hustler like my whole life.
So like as far as like people don't know, but I sold moussebes
from 6th grade all day to 9th grade every morning and like
they try to like security, try to like take me down.
I'm like bro jurisdiction before school.
So I would sell out before school.
I'd take take the same italic and like the person, like the
people who only like sold more moussebes than me was probably
7-11. Like I can guarantee like my
whole drawer, like growing up in pineapple was full of money.
Wow. No way you was the Moosey Man.
I was the Moosey man. You asked anybody, like because
I went to IKEA. Like, in middle school, like,
yes, anybody. Like and Hilo High in 9th grade.
Like, you asked anybody, How was that dude?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. And like, I would have Moosey
Bees and then like some days I'd stop at like, McDonald's.
I'd buy like, Sasha Mcmuffins and double the price.
Like, how's that dude, bro? Yeah, So.
But as far as like real estate, like if everyone can come
together and like join the movement of 100 by 100, like,
heck yeah, it's going to be crazy.
So what is the easiest way for people to join the 100 by 100
movement? You just send me Adm and
Instagram. Yeah, I'm always available.
How can people find you on Instagram?
What's your Instagram? The Instagram is the Mono Silva.
Yeah, the Mono Silva. And you know I'm I'm on there.
So, future DM, yeah. And would you say that is the
easiest way to get started in real estate?
No. What's the easiest way to get
started in real estate? No, I think like.
Well, I don't know. I got a proven system.
So like that's what I believe in.
So like you do what you believe in.
And and this is what I believe in as far as like building homes
from the ground up and then selling it.
So yeah, join us. Yeah.
'Cause, I mean, there's a lot of people that want to get into
real estate. I've always dabbled in it,
right? That's why I'm with Grant
Cardone. I just haven't had the time for
it. So I'll give you 5010 thousand
dollars and you just pay me quarterly like you said.
But if you would like to get into real estate, this sounds
like the best opportunity there is out there.
To be honest, real estate is 90% mental and 10% technical is 90%
mental. Because people don't get into
real estate because they're scared.
And like there's a reason why in the school system they don't
teach you this. They don't teach you this
because once you learn real estate, it'll take you to that
level that they're at. And it's the same way that this
is the same reason that the white man didn't teach the slave
how to read is the same reason they don't teach local people in
Hawaii how to do real estate. It's for that same reason.
And once people can captivate how powerful of real estate can
be and it just take you to a whole nother level in your life
and once people can become educated on that local people,
then it's over. Like we can win at this game.
We can, we can thrive in this game.
And there's a reason why our state as far as Hawaii started
as Republicans and became a democratic state is because the
Republicans and all the big companies as far as Sugar
Alexander involved in all the Big 5 is because he wanted these
guys to be workers. They didn't want him to learn
about real estate. So as a Japanese and the Asian
community came up through this as workers and then their
families and generations evolved into lawyers and doctors, they
learned about real estate. They learned about real estate
and it became against the Republicans.
And that's right Now when you look at the land and power in
Hawaii, it's it stems from the Big 5 and then the the
democratic families coming up and Uprising and learning about
the game. And once you learned about the
game, it's like it's a democratic state.
Like we can do this and we can we can be bigger than the powers
that once ruled over us. So.
And that's what I, that's what I've learned in real estate on
my own. Like like I can learn this.
I'm Hawaiian. I'm brown.
I don't belong in this game, but I'm here and I'm not ever
leaving. And whether you like it or not,
I'm going to thrive because I know exactly what you know and
that's how I approach it. That's why I say I'm, I'm like
the Brown rock, like, like and that's.
And at the core, it's like it can shake people up.
Because when I first started, people didn't like to see me
come up, like because I'm like, I come from football.
And then I was like, oh, you're doing real estate now.
Like you know they belong. Real estate know nothing but
real estate. It's like once you see me win,
it's like you're going to see me continue to win.
Because everything that you do, I just, I can follow you.
And once I follow you, then I'll just surpass you.
And then, like, people don't like to see that.
People don't like to see the old, young Hawaiian kid like
enter this space and like, really win in this space and go
head to head with you. And then, like over a matter of
time, it's like, damn, the Hawaiian kid is passing.
Us. Well, your work ethic scares
them. And as far as, like the
community that we're in, a small hero community, like people had
a lot to say, like when I first started, like, and people still
have to say things to say. But it's like, you know, I
learned what everyone else they didn't teach us, like.
And if you don't want to teach us, then I'll learn on my own.
And that's why people asked, oh, how'd you get started?
I said I learned this all on my own.
I learned this all on my Nobody wanted to teach me.
Like all the people that reached out to me, they gave me like
this much, gave me this much. Like, I'll give you this much
and then you do it, figure it out.
Yeah. Because they don't want you to
catch them. They don't want you to be on par
with their past. Them like every single person
that I reached out to and I'm I'm unafraid.
And you can see I reached out to you on the podcast like like I
just reach out to people because like you have there's there's a
little knowledge out there and if I can get it then I'll take
it. Like and it's the same thing
with all these people, like they didn't want to share with me in
the in from back home in Hilo like OK fine then I'll just do
this on my own. And you know, I I built my own
foundation and you know I taught, taught some people how
to do it and they're they're thriving as well, so.
So do you feel almost a responsibility to take on that
role as a teacher to help spread that information that was so
hard for you to gain? That shit was hard, man.
Like, it was hard because it's like, it's like facing, like,
for example, it's like facing trauma.
Like you don't know where to go with it.
You don't know where to go with it.
And everywhere you look, there's not the answer.
And then you try to like, internalize it and like, face it
on your own. So in real estate, I had to
figure out everything on my own. And then like everywhere I would
look, they wouldn't give me the answer.
I'm like, but why don't you like like really take me in?
Like why don't you take me in? And over time I learned like you
don't want to take me in because I'll be your equal and people
don't like equality and all that stuff.
So like as far as the responsibility goes, it's like I
didn't I I'm starting a mentorship tonight, a mentorship
tonight program. It's like 10 students of of of
local, local like people all from all over actually and
whoever wants to learn the game majority of it is minority
people like and whoever wants to learn the game.
I'm a I'm a open book like no one taught me and I don't want
to put your. I don't want you guys to be like
in the position I was as far as learning on my own.
So like if you want to learn, then hit me up.
Like, hit me up because you can ask, you can ask my brother, you
can ask my sister, like and they do real estate and they do.
Well, I'll, I'll give them whatever.
I know. And I don't know much, but it'll
help. It'll, it'll help you get from
point A to point B and you reach another point in your your,
like, level in life. So that's what I do, starting a
mentorship program tonight. So yeah, just trying to trying
to expand and help people and you know win all at the same
time. Yeah, that's it.
Is there a way for people that aren't as entrepreneurial to
work under you, For you? The best way to do it is through
the mentorship program and just learning everything there is
that I know. And then just taking that like
once you're ready, like because I'm the type.
Like I want to teach you this and I want you to do it.
Like I want you to do it on your own because I know you can.
Because I did it. And if I could do it like anyone
can, like, yeah, we can do it, like, as far as the real estate
system goes. And that's the best way.
Like, learn all these things and then go on your own.
Like, I don't want, I don't want to hold back anybody.
Yeah. So my son, my son, which is a
freshman in high school, he's like, hey Dad, I'm going to
sneak on your Zoom meeting tonight like for.
Whatever. I'm here for you every day.
I'm like, I'm here for you every day, bro.
But I don't think you're like you Just do what you do and.
Then when the time comes you'll be ready.
Like, yeah, they just like, Nah, I'm a I'm a sneak on your zoo
tonight. Like bro, I'm with you like you
just yeah. Yeah.
So I want everyone to learn this game because as far as Hawaii
people, if the more people know this, that's like, damn, why
didn't we do it? Like why didn't grandma do this?
Like why didn't grandpa do this? Like why didn't my mom, like,
not know this? Because they don't know this
because no one taught you this damn thing.
Like no one was willing to teach you so.
Better yet, they didn't want you to know they kept it from you.
Yeah, exactly. Yeah.
It's it's sad, though, when you look at it like there's a reason
Rockefeller made the education system the way that he did.
It's 'cause he wanted to build workers, not CEOs and
entrepreneurs. He wanted to build
industrialists, like people who could work for him and build
his, you know, build his thing like because like, once people
know it's over, like it's game over, like, and once local
people know this game, second, how you do what you do, keep
them all out. And we win in our own, like in
our own communities, Yeah. And then bring up the whole
community. Bring up the whole community
like you know we're we're from we're from Hilo Hilo we're from
Puna. And you see like, as far as like
pawn, Ava, Homestead where I grew up, like drugs like ran
rampant to like like they did damage like in there like.
And when one we had like maybe 4 drug houses in our own little
block growing up and each one got hit.
And one I can remember this, I clear my head.
We had a hood on one of the on the front gates.
It said pharmacy closed. Wow.
Yeah. And and that was our community.
Like we fought against drugs And then you think about it as like
that's all we fought. Like that's all we knew.
Like fighting against like, such like low levels of life.
Yeah, like so it's like time for us to thrive.
So yeah, I want everyone to thrive, So.
Yeah, I mean, you're bringing a whole different load of
information. You swap.
Out all the. Drug and violence and domestic
abuse. So we kind of grew up around,
yeah, it's a whole different world.
You're bringing upon Puna and all of Hawaii.
And that's the story across the whole way.
Like, it's the same, you got drugs, you got domestics, you
got, you know, like low level mindsets.
It's it's 'cause we just don't know how to think like in
abundance and and being able to thrive.
So that's all it is man, just just flipping the switch.
Little few more things football wise and we'll get out of here.
How do you see the NFCAFC Championship games going, bro?
Raven's about to break the brakes off all these.
Raven's about to destroy everybody.
Like, just the defense. Like, yeah, crazy.
Yeah, defense. Savage bro.
Like and Hamilton like like The safety for both were like
turning up like. Oh, and the linebackers like and
the D line like you're about to swallow these 49ers like the
49ers going to breakthrough. And then who is it like, Bob
Chiefs got like? They ain't got it like they
ain't got it like that. They say they don't have no like
down the field threat like. So it's like, so you got Niners
and the Ravens and the Super Bowl, and you got Ravens all
day. All day.
Like bro, you know when he's stopping like Lamar in his game
and then like come down to defense, Brock Perry gonna choke
like he's not ready for all that.
So yeah. Man.
Is there any bias like, are you because you're still tied into
the organization, right. Yeah, like.
Your coach is still there. Baltimore is like, the greatest,
like, culture of men I've ever been a part of.
Really. Yeah.
Like, it's because, like, it's all about trust in Baltimore.
Like, there's a high level of trust.
Like Dallas. Like there ain't no level of
trust. Bro, I know you love Dallas or
whatever, but like. It's a painful relationship,
don't get me. Wrong.
Oh, like Dallas. Like, it's Dallas like, oh, you
messed up on that thing. Oh man, he's all good, bro.
Like you got the next play, like at Baltimore, like you mess up.
Like we can't trust you, bro. Like if we can't trust you, we
can't go in the alley together. Like.
And if we can't go in the alley together then don't even suit
up. Like there's a high level of
trust because the leaders that are there.
And when I was there, Ray was there and Ed Reed was there like
and they trust you to to do your job like and that's like a
cliche now, but it's like you do your job and you know we win.
You don't do your job, just stay on the bench like.
But that's a culture that you could sense within the entire
organization. That's from top down from, you
know, Ozzie knew some John Harbaugh and all the way down
from Bashati all the way down. So like to like a low tier,
lowest tier player. Like everyone is built on trust.
Like are you, can we trust you that you're going to do your job
and if you can't then this is not a fit for you.
Yeah, Dallas is like if I were just out here like, bro, like.
Jerry Jerry Jones. Like bought my wife a ring.
Like what? Yeah.
Like, yeah, like he'll buy like wipes.
Like rings. Like, who knows?
So, like, yeah. Like, yeah, he'll like provide
like ring. Like.
It's like a like, it's a celebration, bro.
Like, yeah, Like. I'm not even, like,
comprehending. Like what kind of ring did he
buy her? Yeah, like just nice diamond
rings. Like he'll buy, like the white
diamond ring, like whatever they want.
Like, so like it provide lobster and steak and whatever.
Like, it's like a celebration. It's like your Dallas Cowboy,
like a celebration. Like, you know, we lost today.
They're going to talk about us. Anyway, like, yeah.
Like both of them is different like but Dallas like they don't
have that like they don't have that culture like of of trust
and and you know winning and. It's more of like creating
headlines or what is it? Yeah, it's marketing.
It's business. Yes.
You know Jerry said it best. You know he when he first got
into the game it's like he put a he put his Dallas Cowboy
commercial at the first quarter and in the and in the fourth
quarter and then you make all your money all be all in between
and then that's how you blew up Dallas Cowboys like and he just
kept doing that you know advertising marketing,
advertising marketing and you know their their top football
franchise like it's it's marketing like advertising so.
So did you get that sense when you're in Dallas that it was
more about the marketing and the money than the winning?
Yeah, that's a big secret. Hey, sorry, man.
Sorry. Well, because here's the thing,
as a as a fan, lifelong generations long in my family,
that's the sense you get. It's a money making machine.
It's all about the money. Yeah, so like.
And he and he'd. Be like, hey, Stephen A Stephen
A Smith. Like, hey, talk about our team
every day. Like, I know you hate the
Cowboys and we love when you talk about the Cowboys, because
the more people see it, the better.
And the the more people see it, the more they'll hate us and the
more, you know, our ratings and everything will go up.
Like he's like basic science bro like.
Yeah, that's why he's like the Cowboys suck again.
That sucks. Jerry's like, hell yeah, so
that's. Why?
You see at the end of this year, you know, obviously the huge
debacle of the collapse. I would sign up for that again.
That's what Jerry Jones is thinking, right?
Why would I not have us in the headlines all year again?
McCarthy, come on back. Dan Campbell, come on.
Back. Come on back like.
Let's run it back. Again.
Hey, Trey. Lance, come here.
Back up a quarterback that is, you know, we're unsure of
because of great controversy. Yeah, but that's that's, you
know that's. The culture, I mean, that's what
they're looking for there. Yeah, like you want to have your
team in the front, forefront of everything, so that's what
they're getting, so and you. So the money is more important
than the Super Bowls to Jerry, you think?
Well, no, I wouldn't say that. I said.
When you compare Baltimore and Dallas, all right.
Yeah, the cultures. I mean, you're like, there's a
whole different, like, marketing, Like, like marketing.
Like ploy out there. Yeah.
Jerry's a smart man.
Like there's a reason, Dallas. Is on the America's team like?
'Cause he knows how to do it like he knows how to do
marketing. Genius.
Well, I appreciate you so much. Any last words that you can give
the people, anybody out there looking to start real estate or
anybody back home or local? Nah, I just thank you for having
having me on the podcast. And Nah, like how I started,
like just got to rush him. Like, don't be scared.
Like, you know what? I mean, we're in Hawaii and you
know, we're in tough times already.
So just I also just all in. Not scared of.
Rush him. That's it.
That's it Really shit you so much.
Yeah. Thank you.
Brother, thank you, Mona Silva. Appreciate you guys so much.
Make sure you guys follow Mono on Instagram.
What's Instagram again? The Mono Silva.
And make sure you guys DM, DM him.
Get your guys start in real estate.
Appreciate you guys so much. Still French.
Episode 67. We'll see you guys next time.