Comedy, Improv, Musician

Business Resume

MICHAEL W. HALE

General Manager | President | Business Operator | Growth Strategist
Tigard, Oregon
🌐www.michaelwhale.com
Languages: English (native), Spanish (get by)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Results-driven Growth Strategist and General Manager with over 20 years of experience scaling multi-location businesses in highly regulated markets. Expert in navigating complex contract negotiations, designing robust loss-mitigation systems, and building high-performance management teams. Proven track record of driving market dominance through operational excellence and integrated marketing systems.

EXPERIENCE

Car In Hawaii LLC — Hilo, HI

General Manager / President | 2012–2025

  • Led day-to-day operations of a highly regulated, multi-brand vehicle rental business.
  • Recruited, trained, and developed multiple management teams.
  • Negotiated retail, commercial, and lease contracts.
  • Designed and implemented comprehensive loss-mitigation systems including security, GPS tracking, insurance coordination, police reporting, and legal actions.
  • Built and managed full-stack marketing systems: press, social media, paid advertising, websites, and intake call training.
  • Oversaw multiple brands and websites including:
    • Car in Hawaii
    • Big Island Auto Rentals
    • Rainbow Car Rentals

Key Skills: Operations Leadership, Risk Management, Contract Negotiation, Team Development, Marketing Systems

Surf In Style Inc. / BigIslandFix.com — Pahoa, HI

Business Acquisition Analyst / Owner | 2006–2013

  • Acquired, built, and improved small to mid-sized businesses across multiple industries.
  • Advised business owners on business plans, marketing plans, feasibility studies, and financial modeling.
  • Built websites and marketing systems; consulted on market penetration and expansion strategies.
  • Assisted with implementation and operational execution post-acquisition.

Selected Projects:
Punatic Cyber Café, Mail & Ship, Surf In Style Computer, Car In Hawaii LLC, Mermaid’s Grotto, 808 Classifieds. Additionally, there are Big Island Candy, Lavalicious, Planet Granite, Lava 105, and others.

Beach Dog Computer Center / Internet Café — Hawaii

Co-Owner | 2002–2008

  • Acquired a single rent-to-own business and pivoted operations to computer sales, service, SaaS, public internet, and WiFi networking.
  • Created strategic partnerships with media, locations, and suppliers.
  • Negotiated win-win marketing agreements with radio, print, and digital media.
  • Expanded from a single acquisition to 11 statewide locations.
  • Captured 75% market share in public internet access on Big Island.
  • Engineered a high-value exit in 2008 after increasing business valuation by 4,000%.
  • Pioneer in public WiFi and internet access in Hawaii.

PROJECT LEADERSHIP

Pure Hawaii Inc. / Pure Inc. / Geo Global Cooperative

President / General Manager | 2018–2019

  • Revamped business and marketing plans.
  • Presided over four boards (5–15 members each).
  • Managed 50+ team members across multiple island-based projects.
  • Led compliance, sales training, and investor communications.

OHSU Healthcare Hackathon — Portland, OR

Team Leader / Presenter | 2020

  • Led a cross-functional team in a healthcare problem-solving business plan sprint.
  • Presented solutions and business models to sponsors and investors.
  • Utilized modern collaboration tools, streaming, and video presentation.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

San Jose State University | Evergreen College | Hawaii Community College
Continual learner with extensive coursework, seminars, and workshops in:

  • Advanced marketing and consultative sales
  • Business and financial planning
  • Leadership, empowerment, and motivation

Prudential Financial — Financial Planner

  • Tested equivalent to MBA-level business knowledge
  • Licenses held previously:
    • Series 6, 63, 65, 7
    • Life & Health Insurance

CORE SKILLS

Strategy & GrowthOperations & RiskLeadership
Business AcquisitionLoss Mitigation SystemsBoard Governance
Market PenetrationContract NegotiationTeam Mentorship
Full-Stack MarketingMulti-brand ManagementInvestor Relations

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

  • Hawaii State Senate Candidate (Primary Winner)
  • Airbnb Super host (2017–2018)
  • Best Internet Café & Best Business Center — Hilo Tribune Herald (2005–2007)
  • Most Productive Agent — Western Region, Prudential
  • Best Financial Planner — Hawaii Island
  • President / VP of Multiple Boards & Community Organizations
  • Commendation from Mayor of San Jose
  • Eagle Scout

ADDITIONAL INTERESTS

Stand-up comedy & improv performer (5 years); comedy club business research and development. Musician (vocals and multiple instruments), visual art, basketball, cycling.