Today we’d like to introduce you to Brendan Otani.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I was born and raised on the island of Maui in Hawaii. Once I graduated, I pursued higher education at a private university in Oregon for three years and then transferred to Washington University in St. Louis for another two years. After five years in university, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Along the way, I developed an interest in university-grade research and a love for the biomedical applications of mechanical engineering and physics. I am very entrepreneurial because I am always looking to solve problems and create things that could improve my problem-solving capabilities and efficiency. I plan on attending graduate school soon to pursue my Ph.D. in engineering (mechanical and biomedical cross-section). I am also working on in-person and online personal training and coaching. I am certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and have started my own independent company called Malama Kou Kino Kino (Hawaiian for “take care of your physique”). Malama Kou Kino Kino is currently still in a “start-up” position but will take off when I can teach others how to train effectively and coach clients both in-person and through an online forum. I also aspire to start and own a real estate management company, where I, in partnership with those around me (like family), invest in rental properties and create a passive income stream from real estate investments while serving the community by providing affordable housing for students and others.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Of course not, The road is never smooth, and I was met with many doubters (of course, with good intent) that needed to be sure if I was in it for the long run. I had to deal with pushback from my family, my parents, and some extended family (aunts and uncles). I also had to learn a lot of business practices on my own, which means I have been approached by multi-level marketing schemes and other entrepreneurs who want to recruit people like me to their teams. I feel better off doing my things rather than making someone else’s dream come true.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Malama Kou Kino Kino?
Malama Kou Kino Kino is a small private company that provides supportive, effective, and affordable personal training and coaching services to in-person and online clients. Malama Kou Kino Kino is based in Hawaii, but any location is possible with online clients! I am the CEO and founder of Malama Kou Kino Kino and am an engineering student. I played sports all my life and have extensive knowledge of biomechanics, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. My focus as an engineer and personal trainer is to help better people find exercise modalities that work for their current physicality that is fun, efficient, and safe. I am certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM, one of the most rigorous certifying bodies for personal trainers). I constantly learn about nutrition, corrective exercises, and behavioral change coaching. Malama Kou Kino Kino has two additional trainers, Kaitlyn and Mason, who are both just out of high school and have the same passion for fitness and helping others live healthier and happier lives, whatever that would mean for them. Kaitlyn and Mason are working to be certified soon. Malama Kou Kino Kino offers personal training and nutrition coaching services to those interested, and consultations are always free. Coaching and personal training start at about $50 per hour and can be lowered if packages are purchased in full. Workout plans are made for clients and nutrition outlines that many might need to learn about. We are here to provide accurate information, efficient execution, and friendly accountability to assist our clients in achieving any goal they set out for themselves.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories are when I was able to overcome obstacles that were set in front of me. Instead, it is from me, my teachers, my family, or just the general world; I loved the feeling of being able to push through adversity and propel myself forward. Even when people doubt you, it is incredible to prove them wrong and prove those who believe in you right. I remember going to Oklahoma City, OK, as a high school student to compete in a Soil Conservation Contest at the national level since we won our island- and state-level competitions. We competed and almost got last place in all the states. Still, it was an excellent experience because it taught all of us, including our teacher who supervised and coached us in the competition, that we could do amazing things. We were the first team from our school to reach the national competition. It made me and my team proud, my teacher, and our school. It was an all-around great, fun, and learning experience.
Pricing:
- Personal Training Consultation – FREE
- Personal Training Workout Session – $50
- 10-session Personal Training Bundle – $450
- 16-session Personal Training Bundle – $700
Contact Info:
- Website: malamakoukinokino.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendan.otani/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brendankealii.otani
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-otani/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRdXNqknCxK1nd8bbysh4fA
Image Credits
Kaitlyn Otani-Hernandez
