Client Testimonials

What People Are Saying

  • Logo for Hawaiian Electric featuring purple geometric shapes and text.

    "Craig brought our leadership team together at Hawaiian Electric. He built trust, respect, and cohesiveness during difficult times, and his work helped develop local leaders who could rise to the top. Craig’s impact is still felt across our company and community."

    Alan Oshima, Ret. CEO HECO

  • Stylized logo featuring a shark fin above water within a circular design.

    “Craig helped me move from being stuck and frustrated to leading with clarity and confidence. His coaching unlocked breakthroughs I didn’t think were possible and gave me peace about succession planning.”

    Jim Yates, Ret .CEO Par Hawaii 

  • Text reading "YOUNG BROTHERS" with "YOUNG" in blue and "BROTHERS" in yellow, set against a white background.

    "Craig’s partnership with Young Brothers was a game-changer for us. He brought EOS, alignment, and efficiency to our organization, and that clarity gave me the space to focus on what matters most. Craig’s support has been instrumental in our success."

    Jay Anna, Former President, Young Brothers 

  • School emblem with a warrior holding a spear and shield, surrounded by the text 'KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS 1881 IMUA'

    Craig taught me the importance of servant leadership. He reminded me to always lift the people I work through, and that mantra has guided my career and shaped my leadership. Craig’s wisdom continues to influence me deeply.

    Dee Jay Mailer, Ret. CEO Kamehameha Schools 

  • Logo for Kōha Foods with the name written in blue and green letters, featuring a spiral design around the letter 'o'.

    "We started using Craig three years ago for Coaching & EOS process. He focuses on team dynamics and getting to the root issues, breaking down walls and creating space for real vulnerability. Our team grew stronger, even through tears, because of Craig."

    Danny Kim, CEO KOHA

  • HMSA logo with blue text, a medical cross, and a shield with a falling rain pattern.

    “Working with Craig sharpened my decision-making and improved my relationships with colleagues. His direct, actionable feedback helped me navigate one of the most challenging seasons of my career.”

    Emily Oshima – Senior Vice President Strategy, HMSA

  • Logo for Accel Event Rentals with the company name in cursive font, established in 1996, on a white background.

    “I would strongly recommend Craig to anyone ready to grow as a leader. He has a unique ability to read situations, build healthier teams, and guide leaders with both care and competence.”

    Scott Rabe – Former CEO, Accel Events

  • Logo for Elite Mechanical Inc. in blue with wavy line underneath

    “Craig challenged me in just the right way — encouraging yet direct. With his guidance, our culture has transformed into one of trust, teamwork, and clear direction.”

    Tom Nishi – Ret. Owner, Elite Mechanical

  • Logo of Pacific ComTech LLC with a globe and Wi-Fi signal icon

    “What stood out most was Craig’s ability to listen deeply and ask powerful questions. He’s helped me bring my values and faith into the workplace in ways that feel authentic and impactful.”

    Ka’eo Gouveia – Owner, Pacific ComTech

  • Logo of IST Integrated Security Technologies with blue and white color scheme

    "Craig has a way of making leadership both fun and practical. He helped me navigate confusion about my role with clarity, and his coaching has made my life and our company stronger. I look forward to many more years of partnership and growth."

    Andrew Lanning, Founder & Visionary, IST Hawaii 

  • A logo featuring stylized letters in orange, white, and black on a black background.

    “Craig’s coaching gave me confidence and perspective. Thanks to the Birkman and his team-building approach, our managers are more connected, and turnover has dropped significantly.”

    Tiera Covington – Owner, IFSH

  • Hawaii 5-0 Properties logo in red and blue on a white background.

    “The tools and practices Craig shared have stuck with me. He gave me new ways to engage with challenging personalities and lead with more clarity and truth.”

    Kathy Kagawa – CEO, Hawaii 5.0 Real Estate Development

  • American Floor & Home logo with blue text and a stylized blue curved lines symbol.

    “His coaching style is both challenging and supportive. Craig helped me grow in patience, humility, and empathy, transforming how I work alongside my father and lead our company.”

    Daniel Arita – President, American Floor & Home

  • Logo for Makai HR with a stylized mountain design above the text 'makai hr' and the tagline 'Built for Hawai'i' on a dark background.

    “Craig helped me slow down and focus on what truly matters. His coaching brought clarity during a time of chaos and gave me the confidence to lead with resilience.”

    Valerie Wang – Former President, Makai HR

  • “The biggest change for me was learning to lead with confidence instead of second-guessing. Craig’s holistic approach challenged me to align my leadership with my life mission.”

    Ian Caliedo – Owner, Caliedo & Son’s 

  • Hawaii Tech Support logo with geometric design in blue, black, and red next to black text.

    “Craig’s coaching is practical, insightful, and transformative. He helped us reorganize, get the right people in the right seats, and strengthen our culture for long-term growth.”

    Stanley Lau – CEO, HiTech Hawaii 

  • Logo with the words Ohana, Pacific, and Health connected by stylized lines.

    “His coaching pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. Craig introduced proven tools and perspectives that reshaped both my business strategy and personal outlook.”

    Rich Kishaba – Owner, Ohana Pacific Health

  • The emblem of Hawaii Baptist Academy featuring a black eagle, a torch with a flame, and the phrase "Christ for Every Nation" with the year 1949.

    “Craig’s approach is thoughtful and effective. He guided us through cultural change and strategic planning, helping our school gain clarity and momentum for the future.”

    Ron Shiira – President, Hawaii Baptist Academy

  • The logo of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, featuring a stylized green mountain or hillside within a circular border.

    "I’ve known Craig for 20 years, and I believe I was his very first coaching client. From the start he showed wisdom, patience, and insight beyond his years. His guidance has been a steady influence in my leadership journey, and Craig is a trusted coach and a lifelong friend."

    Terry George- Ret. CEO Castle Foundation

  • Logo of H&C D, featuring a rock with a blue and black geometric pattern and the tagline "Rock Solid Since 1908".

    "In the last couple of years, we needed direction to move forward, and engaging Craig with the EOS process gave us that clarity and focus. He helped align our team and chart a new path for growth. It’s been a transformative step for our company."

    Wade Wakayama- President, HC&D

  • Logo of J. UNO & Associates with an orange square background and white text.

    "Since we started working with Craig, we’ve seen a huge difference. I feel like I finally have a safe space to figure things out, and our team also gained that same sense of safety and openness. Craig has brought both breakthrough and balance to us."

    Rachel Akaka- CFO, J. Uno & Associates 

  • Black logo with white text reading "10 R Y S" and "Roofing & Waterproofing Inc." with a stylized roof outline above the text.

    Craig came in to help with succession planning in our family business. We used to clash as siblings, but through EOS he changed that dynamic. Now we see each other as partners rather than rivals, and our company is stronger and more cohesive because of his work.

    Mike Tory- President, Tory’s Roofing 

  • The Dale Carnegie logo in black text with a butterfly symbol above and quotation marks to the left.

    "I started my own coaching business because of Craig’s encouragement. He trusted me to walk alongside him with his clients, and together we saw organizations transformed and lives impacted. Craig inspires confidence, and he multiplies leaders everywhere he goes."

    Jan Kaeo- Owner, Dale Carnegie Hawaii 

  • Book cover titled 'Current Affairs Hawaii' with a gold background and white text.

    "Craig is kind, passionate, patient, and has connections in high places. He brings a unique mix of wisdom and relational warmth, and his support has opened doors that I never imagined possible. Working with Craig is both a privilege and a blessing."

    Philip Richardson, Retired Owner Current Affairs Hawaii

  • A logo featuring a stylized plant within a red square, with a yellow cross-like background behind it, and the text "new hope kapolei" beneath the square.

    "Thank you, Craig, for being a cheerleader when I needed one most. You helped transform our church and gave us hope for the future. Your vision guided us through change and uncertainty, and we are stronger because of your leadership and encouragement."

    Glenn Yamaguchi- Sr. Pastor New Hope Kapolei 

  • Logo of American Floor & Home with teal text and abstract curved lines.

    "Three people have made the biggest difference in my life: God, my wife, and Craig. Craig’s presence has shaped me both personally and professionally. His guidance continues to influence my journey of leadership, and I am deeply grateful for his support and friendship."

    David Arita- Founder, American Floor and Home 

  • Logo of Bluewater Mission, featuring a stylized blue waterway with a winding path and a circular background with horizontal lines, alongside the text 'BLUEWATER mission'.

    "Occasionally in life, you find friends who believe more deeply than you do. Craig and Sandy always believed in the good for us, even when we didn’t. Their faith is rare, and it releases people to be who they are. Craig’s gift is faith, fearlessness, and freedom for others."

    Jordan Seng, Sr. Pastor Blue Water Mission 

  • A woman with black hair and a black top sitting at a grand piano in a room decorated with string lights and a wall mirror.

    "Craig has coached me for over 20 years through every season of life. His insights have shaped my business, ministries, and personal growth, and the tools he gave me continue to guide me every day. I am grateful for his friendship and faithful partnership."

    Kristina Lee, Music Entrepreneur 

Featured Conversations