Jared Higashi joined Layton Construction Company LLC as business development manager just this past fall, but he’s already an expert at navigating complex and dynamic environments.
He joins the building industry after an 11-year tenure at the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association (HLTA), where he made his mark in the Government and Community Affairs division cultivating strong relationships and gaining vital insight into Hawai‘i’s political landscape.
Training in judo for almost two decades developed his discipline, giving him his competitive edge and resilient composure even under pressure.
The culmination of his professional experiences allows him to harness his understanding of both policy and people, bringing impactful intuition to his position.
Question: How did HLTA prepare you for your current role?
Answer: My time at the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association was all about relationships, communication and bringing people together.
Working in government affairs and community relations, you learn how to bring different groups together — often with competing priorities — to find common ground. You also learn quickly that how you communicate matters just as much as what you’re trying to accomplish.
That experience translates directly into construction. Projects move forward seamlessly when there’s trust, clarity and alignment between all parties involved.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your role at Layton Construction?
A: For me, it always comes back to relationships.
There’s something rewarding about making the right connections early and watching those conversations evolve into real projects over time. Construction is a long game, and the early stages often feel like you’re planting seeds knowing that what you’re working on today will take shape down the road.
What excites me most is being part of the intricate build-outs that push creativity and craftsmanship. We have a team of incredibly talented people who genuinely care about their craft and take pride in the details. That’s backed by the strength of Layton Construction, a company that stands on integrity and quality, which gives us a strong foundation to build from.
Q: What would you consider your proudest career accomplishment
so far?
A: I’ve been fortunate to be part of a lot of meaningful work.
During my time at HLTA I helped lead initiatives like the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, which has been a fundraising vehicle for hundreds of local nonprofits over the past five decades, launched workforce development programs and helped lead the charge in Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry’s recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. These are all experiences I’m extremely proud of.
Those efforts brought people together and made a real impact, which is something I’ve always valued.
Now, I’m looking forward to creating those same kinds of moments in my new role at Layton Construction.
Q: What aspect of your work motivates you the most?
A: I’ve always been motivated by progress and seeing initiatives move forward because you had a hand in it.
I’m also very competitive. Whether it was on a judo mat or trying to beat my friends at Catan, I’ve always enjoyed being in the game.
That same mindset carries over here. There’s something fun about competing on a level playing field with other strong, like-minded general contractors all chasing the same goal and pushing each other to be better.
Q: What’s a piece of wisdom you’ve gained that you would tell your younger self to navigate the road ahead?
A: A few things come to mind.
First, ask questions early and often. It’s one of the simplest ways to stay aligned and avoid unnecessary mistakes. There’s a difference between assuming and understanding, and that gap can be costly.
Second, learn how to manage yourself under pressure. Anyone can perform when things are going well. The real test is how you respond when timelines shift, things go sideways or expectations aren’t clear. Staying composed allows you to think clearly and make better decisions.
Third, invest in relationships before you need them. A lot of opportunities come from trust that’s built over time, not in the moment. The people you meet early in your career often become the ones you work with later.
And lastly, I would’ve told myself to go all-in on NVIDIA.
