When Stan Lau launched Hawaii Tech Support in 2004, he did so with “a singular mission to help businesses harness technology for growth and efficiency,” as he recently told Pacific Business News.
Now, 20 years later, Lau continues to do just that.
The company provides IT support, security solutions and consulting across industries that include health care, nonprofits, architecture and construction, and more.
“Hawaii Tech Support caters to the diverse IT needs of local businesses, ranging from resolving technical issues to safeguarding digital assets against cyber threats,” Lau said. “Our services encompass comprehensive security solutions, cloud management and responsive tech support, ensuring our clients' systems remain robust and resilient in today's dynamic business landscape.”
But as Lau sees it, what really sets the company apart is its “core values [that] underpin all of our interactions and decisions.”
"Service excellence is of the utmost importance and that is why we aim to be trustworthy, helpful and compassionate,” he said.
Lau, a Pearl City High School graduate, earned degrees in computer science and electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. Afterward, he worked at a consulting firm and a tech startup in LA before returning home to Hawaii.
In his role as CEO of Hawaii Tech Support, Lau sees his primary responsibilities as being people-centric.
“As CEO, my focus revolves around nurturing relationships — with our team, clients and stakeholders,” he said.
Tell me about how you built up the company over the years. What was your strategy in growing your client base? Sometimes, I myself am amazed that from humble beginnings in my apartment living room back in 2004, Hawaii Tech Support has evolved into a trusted IT partner for businesses across the Islands. Our sector is highly competitive, and technology is always changing, so our commitment from day one has been trust, service and flexibility. It sounds simple, I know, but our goal is to serve as a solid foundation for our client partners so that they can focus on their own growth, agility and impact. Prioritizing our clients’ success has afforded us loyalty and steady growth over the past 20 years.
What is currently your biggest priority for the company? Like many other CEOs, my foremost priority is to foster growth and resilience within our organization. By building a cohesive team and nurturing client relationships, we aim to ensure mutual satisfaction and success. Going forward, however, HTS is focused on keeping the lines of communication open with our client partners, so that we can be proactive with service resolution but also value-added offerings, such as our Hawaii Tech Summit, monthly IT trainings and executive series. We’re also keen to strengthen collaborative partnerships with organizations, such as the Building Industry Association [of Hawaii], Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Pearl City High School and the Family Business Center of Hawaii. We have membership or some affiliation with each of these organizations owing to our shared core values and commitment for Hawaii and its people.
How would you describe your leadership style? My leadership style is ever-evolving. It’s been a growth journey to bring clarity on how I can best help the HTS team, which is to articulate a clear vision and empower them with the necessary tools and resources — and then get out of their way. We do our best to foster a culture of collaboration and excellence, but with the IT workforce in short supply, it’s a constant challenge to balance that effort with necessary guidance to eager and high potential IT professionals. We see this in all sectors, of course, but it’s especially pronounced in the IT sector.
What is one thing you wish all local companies knew about IT? They say that change is the only guarantee; I’d say that an accelerated change in technology is the only guarantee. Look at the rapid increase of cyberattacks as well as AI implications in just this past year alone. Let’s view IT as a strategic asset that can propel businesses forward rather than an expense. By investing in technology and cybersecurity, companies can significantly enhance operational efficiency, foster customer trust and gain a competitive edge in the market. If you want sustained innovation, and therefore success, a change in perspective on tech investments must occur.
Stan Lau
Founder and CEO, Hawaii Tech Support
Address: P.O. Box 17159
Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-535-9700
Email: info@hitechsupport.net
Website: hitechsupport.net
