A View From The Top

Island Fin Poke CEO: 'Company culture is backbone of success'

Mark Setterington, CEO and Co-Founder of Island Fin Poké, discusses the importance of Ohana, which is Hawaiian for family.

Mark Setterington, CEO and co-founder of Island Fin Poké, and his daugther, Taylor, who works in one of the locations, say culture is part of the brand's backbone. Provided

January 7, 2022

By Mark Setterington, CEO and Co-Founder of Island Fin Poké

Since 2016, Island Fin Poké has been serving up our signature menu item to communities across the country: Hawaiian-style build-your-own poke bowls. In addition to capturing the traditional Hawaiian essence of the dish through our brand's use of locally and responsibly sourced ingredients, Island Fin Poké's company culture is heavily influenced by the concept of Ohana, which is Hawaiian for family. To us, Ohana is an inclusive term that refers to our growing group of blood-related and chosen family that makes each and every visit to Island Fin Poké about more than just a poké bowl.

While many small businesses struggled to overcome the pandemic's challenges, Island Fin Poké's Ohana provided a welcoming family atmosphere. That was our secret to overcoming problems that plagued the restaurant industry, such as ever-changing dining regulations and shortages related to labor and supply chains. This deeply rooted culture in our brand ensures that all employees are truly cared for and treated as an extension of our family. Just as we want to form an emotional connection with our guests and avoid a transactional relationship, we want our team members and vendors to feel the same appreciation and respect.

As a result of instilling the value of Ohana in all of our team members, each customer or vendor is treated as a guest in our Island Fin Poké home by greeting them with warm welcomes and sending them off with a fond farewell until the next visit. This tight-knit family we have created and grown over the years has always been a priority for us, but it truly became essential when the pandemic hit. Thanks to the Ohana we have formed, our employee retention throughout the pandemic was high. This proved to us that family is everything and the key to resiliency in tough times.

In each Island Fin Poké location, we have a four-foot sign that says, "No friends, just family Ohana."

These are not just words to us and we aim to incorporate this message into as many aspects of the brand as we can. Everything we do, every team member we hire, every vendor we interview or partner with has to embrace this concept. It is obvious to all if this value is not instilled in everyone we work with, as it takes away from the natural part of the unique, family oriented experience that is Island Fin Poké.

As we continuously look for ways to innovate within the fast-casual dining space, Island Fin Poké will always put the need to be the glue that holds residents and local businesses together first. After surviving and ultimately thriving during one of the most difficult times for the restaurant industry, I can honestly say that it makes all the difference in the world to go back to the basics and start with building a strong community. Without our Ohana, we wouldn't be where we are today and we will keep giving back to those who have been there for us every step of the way.

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