B. Hayman Hawaii: Dealer of the Month
August 23, 2024
This month, we are proud to feature Al Kakazu, the president of B. Hayman Company in Hawaii, as our Dealer of the Month. Al’s dedication and passion for the industry have made him a standout partner for Smithco.
B. Hayman Company has a storied history that dates back to the 1800s when it was founded by Ben Hayman in California. The company initially dealt with horse and buggies and agricultural implements, eventually becoming one of the first Jacobson dealers in the country. In 1980, B. Hayman expanded to Hawaii, where Al Kakazu has been instrumental in leading the company. Today, B. Hayman Hawaii remains the sole division of the original company, thriving under Al’s leadership for over 26 years.
Al Kakazu emphasizes the long-term relationship between B. Hayman Company and Smithco. While the exact start date of their partnership is uncertain, it has been a significant and rewarding collaboration for decades. Al credits Smithco's strong reputation and high-quality equipment for making his job easier. This longstanding partnership is a testament to the mutual respect and cooperation between the two companies.
Selling Smithco equipment in Hawaii presents unique challenges due to the geographical isolation and the need to serve multiple islands. Al and his team address these challenges by organizing field days, where they demonstrate Smithco equipment at various golf courses. These events not only showcase the equipment but also provide an opportunity for potential customers to see the products in action. Al highlights the importance of these demonstrations, especially for popular items like the Smithco GPS sprayers, which are his favorite products to sell. He praises Smithco for pioneering GPS technology in sprayers and continuously improving it. The GPS sprayers have been well-received in Hawaii, and upcoming field days will focus on showcasing these advanced machines. Al is excited about hosting Smithco representatives for these demonstrations, further strengthening customer relationships.
One of Al’s memorable moments with Smithco involved providing remote support for GPS sprayers. Despite the distance, Smithco’s support team, particularly Dave Ensz, has been instrumental in assisting with any issues. Al appreciates the reliable support and the ability to troubleshoot problems through video chats, ensuring customer satisfaction even from thousands of miles away.
Al Kakazu is committed to continuing the successful partnership with Smithco. His goal is to remain at the forefront of customer needs, offering Smithco products that can enhance their businesses. Al looks forward to many more years of mutual success and growth with Smithco.
In conclusion, Al Kakazu and B. Hayman Company exemplify dedication, innovation, and strong partnerships. We are proud to recognize Al as our Dealer of the Month and look forward to many more successful years together. Thank you, Al, for your unwavering commitment to excellence.