February 2008 | Small Business News
Why I Invited Gene Simmons to the SBH Conference
By Sam Slom, President of Small Business Hawaii
Gene Simmons (yes, that Gene Simmons of KISS rock n roll fame) was the keynote speaker at the 32nd Annual Small Business Hawaii (SBH) Business and Investment Conference in Honolulu January 9.
Gene Simmons joined a long and distinguished list of former SBH keynoters including Steve Forbes, William Simon, Dr. John Rutledge, John Fund of the Wall Street Journal, Wally Famous Amos, Howard Jarvis, Governors, Mayors and Congressmen, among others.
Many business people asked me before they heard Simmons speak why would I invite a rock star to address a business conference, sprinkled with many top business and political leaders?
My response prior to the speech was that I had not invited just a music legend most people (like myself until 3 years ago) had not the faintest idea of the depth and reach of this imaginative, successful and rich entrepreneur but I invited him for his marketing genius and many paths to success.
By the way, Simmons doesnt like that word, entrepreneur, because he says, its too hard to pronounce, spell and most people dont know what it really means or even care anyway.
Simmons background is incredible. Born in Israel, immigrating to New York at age 8 with his Mother who survived the Holocaust his greatest inspiration and driving force he spoke no English and was ridiculed for it. Guess they didnt have enough lawyers and ACLU to file lawsuits for language.
Without Gene Simmons, and his marketing acumen, there would not be a KISS band and legend, still going like the Energizer Bunny 35 years later. He has licensed more than 3,000 items under the KISS name, which he and his partner still zealously own and guard, from condoms to coffins.
He owns a book company, a record company, founded NGTV.com on the Internet, a Simmons Comics group, his clothing line, Moneybag, co-starred in three movies, has written three books, appears on many business television shows as well as hosting his Gene Simmons: Family Jewels.
He and his marketing partner, Simmons/Abramson Marketing, are the worldwide branding entity for the Indycar series, which operates more than 18 major auto races, including the fabled Indianapolis 500.
But getting Gene Simmons to Hawaii was no easy task. As you might imagine, he is in demand and pricey. It took more than four months of letters, emails, phone calls, and begging to get Simmons to take a chance on Hawaii and SBH.
Along the way I became more acquainted with lawyers, television execs, the entertainment pecking order, giant egos, marketing people, airlines, hotels and car rentals.
Without our superstar co-sponsors, Jeff Stones Ko Olina Resort & Marina, Robin Campanianos AIG Hawaii, The Edwards familys 1 Hot Garage, Joe Nicholais JN Automotive and others, it could not have happened.
Part of the arrangement is that A&E is filming two half-hour Hawaii episodes to highlight the beauty and the business of our state. The programs should air at mid-year.
In his keynote speech to SBH, before a packed, admittedly curious audience in the Ala Moana Hibiscus Ballroom, he spoke not of the Ten Points to Make You Rich Like Me, but of the many more points and paths to personal success.
He stuck to the basics, like dependability, standing by your word, showing up, and the importance of a good work ethic. He was very specific and graphic. He stressed the fact that young people should do many different things and learn from each.
Simmons emphasized the importance of business relationships and of the art of listening. He was hard on some people in the audience who asked him questions after his presentation -- as a good mentor should be. He said they talked abstractly of their ideas, but had not thought out the path to realization of those dreams and ideas.
Simmons has a real soft spot for women (Mothers in particular) and girls who he said should go to organizations like Junior Achievement early. (That made the local JA Hawaii execs in the audience shout out loud.)
His speech ended with a prolonged standing ovation.
Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann presented an official proclamation declaring January 9, Gene Simmons Day in Honolulu.
Simmons was generous with his time afterwards. Yes, he signed autographs and took pictures, but he also listened to and engaged local investors with more than just business ideas.
Simmons is always listening to new business proposals and has a sharp eye and sharper mind dress British, think Yiddish to stay ahead of trends, preferring to set them himself.
Will there be some business and new Simmons investment in Hawaii? Possibly. For those of us who want a diversified and more self-reliant market-based Hawaii, and one that is taken seriously for its business opportunities, Gene Simmons, Inc. offers an outstanding opportunity. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, after the Simmons speech, akamai business and investors told me, now we know why you brought Gene Simmons to Hawaii as the SBH keynoter.
He was the best ever.
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