Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
FocusOn: Commercial Real Estate and Negotiating for a Win
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Events unite the business community to enhance the state’s economic climate by fostering success for businesses and business leaders alike. Attend or sponsor a Chamber event to promote your company, build brand awareness, market to your target demographics, expand your network and invest in your local community.

Registration for this FocusOn has closed. Walk-ins welcomed. Mahalo!
FocusOn returns to provide an intimate educational and network opportunity to help startups, small to medium-sized businesses and mid-career professionals succeed.
Register to attend the October edition of FocusOn: Commercial Real Estate and Negotiating for a Win presented by Spectrum Reach.
We want local businesses to thrive in Hawaii, but where can we start? Whether you are a small business owner looking to open a brick-and-mortar shop, maybe searching for a space to operate out of but need some guidance on where to start, or just want to be more equipped to win negotiations, this event is the place to be.
Join us as we are pleased to have Jo McGarry Curran, First Vice President with CBRE, Rich Stula, Vice President with Teddy's Bigger Burgers/Tex808/and the upcoming Tio's, and Aubrey Wood from Spectrum Reach/founder of Sommbox as our featured guest speakers. They will bring their extensive knowledge and experiences to prepare and enrich you to win big!
Learn from experts in the field on this topic:
- Tips for negotiating a commercial lease
- How to succeed in operating new business ventures
- How to be a strong negotiator
- Tips and tricks to implement into your business
- Network with other like-minded business owners and professionals
Registration includes coffee and complimentary pastries provided by 1132 Cafe & Catering.
Registration will close on Wednesday, October 11. For assistance, please contact Marisa Pangan at: mpangan@cochawaii.org.
Featured Speakers:
Jo Mcgarry Curran
First Vice President
CBRE
Jo McGarry Curran is a First Vice President with CBRE Retail Services in Hawaii. Jo moved to Hawaii from her home in Scotland more than 25 years ago quickly became known as an expert in the food and beverage industry, publishing Gusto Magazine, hosting a long running radio show/podcast and working as a consultant to restaurant owners.. A natural transition to Commercial Real Estate 15 years ago to continue to help those in the F&B industry, has seen Jo complete more than $75 million in combined retail and industrial transactions.
Through her relationship with tenants and her ability to see new trends, she has been able to bring a mix of some of the most exciting restaurant and retail tenants to the market in recent years, including: The Pig and Lady, Pint and Jigger, Istanbul, Tamura Enterprises, Rabbit Rabbit Tea, Kamikura Noodle, Piggy Smalls, Village Bottle Shop, Bethel Union.
Jo has a strong understanding of the challenges faced by clients new to the Hawaii market and by those expanding within the islands as evidenced by her work with corporate clients, such as Y Hata and Chef Zone, and including Wendy?s and Pielogy ? whose expansion in Hawaii has included more than 12 new locations ? with five more planned for 2023/ 24.
Rich Stula
Co-Founder
Teddy's Bigger Burgers, Tex 808, Tio's
Account Executive/Founder
Spectrum Reach/Sommbox
Aubrey Wood is a versatile entrepreneur with expertise in advertising, sales, and the wine industry. As the founder of Sommbox, Hawai'i's premier wine subscription service, he connects local residents with world-class wines, overseeing all aspects of business development, from concept to marketing.
Additionally, as an Advertising Account Executive at Spectrum Reach, Aubrey helps local businesses advertise through cable networks and a range of digital marketing solutions.
His diverse career path includes a role as a Staff Attorney at the Hawai'i Immigrant Justice Center, time as a Fine Wine Specialist at Young's Market Company, and Manager of the critically acclaimed Le Bistro restaurant.
Aubrey holds a Juris Doctor from the UH Manoa - William S. Richardson School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from U.C.L.A. His diverse skills in law, hospitality, advertising, and wine continue to shape Hawai'i's business landscape.

Date and Time
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM HST
9:00 - 9:30 AM: Registration
9:30 - 10:45 AM: Presentation
10:45 - 11:30 AM: Networking
Fees/Admission
COMPLIMENTARY for Chamber, YP & HFMA members
Non-Member Rate: $15
Parking: Not included in registration. Parking available at Alii Place on Alakea Street.
1099 Alakea St., Ste. 2440, Honolulu, HI 96813. $3 flat rate for 2-hours.
Members who cancel without 48-hour advance notice will be charged a $10 no-show fee.
Cancellation policy for non-members:
5 days or more prior to event full refund
2-4 days before event 50% refund
0-1 day before event no refund
Contact Information
Marisa Pangan
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