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In Search of Excellence, Island Style

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by Larry Gonzales

16 episodes

Updated Daily

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Podcast Overview

In Search of Excellence, Island Style™ is a podcast about leadership, values, discipline, and what it really takes to build something meaningful that lasts. Powered by The Broker Mortgage Experts, this show features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches, creators, and difference makers who are raising the standard, not just in what they achieve, but in how they lead. Here, excellence is not loud. It is consistent. It is relational. It is built on values. It is lived with aloha. Each episode explores the principles behind real performance, decisiveness, discipline, culture, integrity, and resilience under pressure, with insights that apply to business, family, community, and everyday life. If you care about leadership, legacy, and building with purpose, this podcast is for you. This is In Search of Excellence, Island Style™. Let's raise the standard.

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4/1/2026

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Recent Episodes

July 22, 2026

How One Single Mom Bought Her First Home in Hawaiʻi (And You Can Too)

Can you really afford to buy a home in Hawaiʻi? For many first-time buyers, military families, and veterans, homeownership feels impossible. High home prices, rising HOA fees, insurance costs, and uncertainty about mortgage rates often keep people renting longer than they planned. In this episode of In Search of Excellence: Island Style, Larry Gonzales sits down with Uliya Sparks to discuss what it really takes to become a homeowner in Hawaiʻi—and why waiting for the "perfect time" isn't always the best financial decision. Uliya shares her incredible journey from being born in Russia, choosing adoption at a young age, serving in the U.S. Army, and building a successful federal cybersecurity career before purchasing her first home in Ho'opili using her VA home loan benefit. She explains how refinancing at the right time helped lower her payment, the lessons she learned about homeowners insurance and HOA costs, and how long-term planning made homeownership possible. The conversation goes far beyond real estate. Uliya also opens up about leaving the security of a GS-14 federal career to follow a greater purpose through entrepreneurship, launching her nonprofit Cyber Seeds and cybersecurity consulting company Reckless Technologies. Throughout the episode, Larry and Uliya discuss faith, courage, leadership, resilience, and trusting God's direction during life's biggest transitions. Whether you're thinking about buying your first home, transitioning out of the military, building a business, or simply looking for encouragement to take your next step, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiring perspective. In This Episode <ul class="e-10492-type-list sc-iCYwPs UwzyF" role="list" data-slate-node="element" data-encore-id="typeList"> <li data-slate-node="element">Buying a first home in Hawaiʻi</li> <li data-slate-node="element">VA loans and military homeownership</li> <li data-slate-node="element">Affording life in Hawaiʻi</li> <li data-slate-node="element">Refinancing and mortgage strategy</li> <li data-slate-node="element">HOA fees, insurance, and hidden ownership costs</li> <li data-slate-node="element">From Russia to America: Uliya's adoption story</li> <li data-slate-node="element">Army service and building a federal career</li> <li data-slate-node="element">Leaving a GS-14 career for entrepreneurship</li> <li data-slate-node="element">Cybersecurity, AI, and protecting people online</li> <li data-slate-node="element">Faith, surrender, leadership, and finding purpose</li> </ul> Episode Chapters 00:00 Meet Uliya Sparks 00:33 Buying Her First Home in Hawaiʻi 03:25 Refinancing at the Right Time 05:20 Sticker Shock: The Reality of Hawaiʻi Home Prices 06:07 Growing Up in Russia & Choosing Adoption 07:07 Why She Joined the Army 10:08 Army Life & Logistics 12:38 Building a Career in Cybersecurity 14:41 Becoming a Single Mom 15:17 Advancing to GS-14 17:46 Why She Rented Before Buying 20:02 Homeowners Insurance Challenges 27:57 HOA Fees & Community Living 33:29 Making Hawaiʻi Affordable 34:16 Leaving Government for Entrepreneurship 36:16 Following a New Calling 37:05 Young Adults & Financial Mindset 39:14 Taking a Leap of Faith 40:10 Parenting in a Technology-Driven World 44:04 Surrender Over Fear 46:28 Building Community 49:31 Anger, Ego & Personal Growth 58:49 Mentorship & Trusted Relationships 1:03:29 Burnout & Discovering Purpose 1:07:16 Launching Reckless Technologies 1:11:51 Final Thoughts Connect with Uliya Sparks 📱<a class= "e-10492-text-link e-10492-overflow-wrap-anywhere encore-internal-color-text-announcement e-10492-text-link--use-focus sc-IjcUl dBdbDN" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-uliya-sparks-47026046/" data-encore-id="textLink" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true">⁠ LinkedIn⁠</a> 🌐 <a class= "e-10492-text-link e-10492-overflow-wrap-anywhere encore-internal-color-text-announcement e-10492-text-link--use-focus sc-IjcUl dBdbDN" href="https://cyberseeds.org/" data-encore-id="textLink" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline= "true">⁠Cyber Seed⁠</a>s 💻 <a class= "e-10492-text-link e-10492-overflow-wrap-anywhere encore-internal-color-text-announcement e-10492-text-link--use-focus sc-IjcUl dBdbDN" href="https://reckless-technologies.net/about/" data-encore-id= "textLink" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline= "true">⁠Reckless Technologies⁠</a> 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? If this conversation encouraged you or helped you better understand homeownership, military life, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, or leadership, we'd love your support! 👍 Like this episode <p class="e-10492-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id= "text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment= "%5B%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22Can%20you%20really%20afford%20to%20buy%20a%20home%20in%20Hawai%CA%BBi%3F%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22For%20many%20first-time%20buyers%2C%20military%20families%2C%20and%20veterans%2C%20homeownership%20feels%20impossible.%20High%20home%20prices%2C%20rising%20HOA%20fees%2C%20insurance%20costs%2C%20and%20uncertainty%20about%20mortgage%20rates%20often%20keep%20people%20renting%20longer%20than%20they%20planned.%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22In%20this%20episode%20of%20In%20Search%20of%20Excellence%3A%20Island%20Style%2C%20Larry%20Gonzales%20sits%20down%20with%20Uliya%20Sparks%20to%20discuss%20what%20it%20really%20takes%20to%20become%20a%20homeowner%20in%20Hawai%CA%BBi%E2%80%94and%20why%20waiting%20for%20the%20%5C%22perfect%20time%5C%22%20isn't%20always%20the%20best%20financial%20decision.%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22Uliya%20shares%20her%20incredible%20journey%20from%20being%20born%20in%20Russia%2C%20choosing%20adoption%20at%20a%20young%20age%2C%20serving%20in%20the%20U.S.%20Army%2C%20and%20building%20a%20successful%20federal%20cybersecurity%20career%20before%20purchasing%20her%20first%20home%20in%20Ho'opili%20using%20her%20VA%20home%20loan%20benefit.%20She%20explains%20how%20refinancing%20at%20the%20right%20time%20helped%20lower%20her%20payment%2C%20the%20lessons%20she%20learned%20about%20homeowners%20insurance%20and%20HOA%20costs%2C%20and%20how%20long-term%20planning%20made%20homeownership%20possible.%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22The%20conversation%20goes%20far%20beyond%20real%20estate.%20Uliya%20also%20opens%20up%20about%20leaving%20the%20security%20of%20a%20GS-14%20federal%20career%20to%20follow%20a%20greater%20purpose%20through%20entrepreneurship%2C%20launching%20her%20nonprofit%20Cyber%20Seeds%20and%20cybersecurity%20consulting%20company%20Reckless%20Technologies.%20Throughout%20the%20episode%2C%20Larry%20and%20Uliya%20discuss%20faith%2C%20courage%2C%20leadership%2C%20resilience%2C%20and%20trusting%20God's%20direction%20during%20life's%20biggest%20transitions.%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22Whether%20you're%20thinking%20about%20buying%20your%20first%20home%2C%20transitioning%20out%20of%20the%20military%2C%20building%20a%20business%2C%20or%20simply%20looking%20for%20encouragement%20to%20take%20your%20next%20step%2C%20this%20episode%20is%20packed%20with%20practical%20wisdom%20and%20inspiring%20perspective.%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22In%20This%20Episode%22%2C%22bold%22%3Atrue%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22bulleted-list%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22type%22%3A%22list-item%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22%20Buying%20a%20first%20home%20in%20Hawai%CA%BBi%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22list-item%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22VA%20loans%20and%20military%20homeownership%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22list-item%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22Affording%20life%20in%20Hawai%CA%BBi%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22list-item%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22Refinancing%20and%20mortgage%20strategy%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22list-item%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22HOA%20fees%2C%20insurance%2C%20and%20hidden%20ownership%20costs%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22list-item%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22From%20Russia%20to%20America%3A%20Uliya's%20adoption%20story%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22list-item%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22Army%20service%20and%20building%20a%20federal%20career%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22list-item%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22%20Leaving%20a%20GS-14%20career%20for%20entrepreneurship%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22list-item%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22Cybersecurity%2C%20AI%2C%20and%20protecting%20people%20online%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22list-item%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22Faith%2C%20surrender%2C%20leadership%2C%20and%20finding%20purpose%22%7D%5D%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragraph%22%2C%22children%22%3A%5B%7B%22text%22%3A%22Episode%20Chapters%22%2C%22bold%22%3Atrue%7D%5D%7D%2C%7B%22type%22%3A%22paragra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July 15, 2026

Buying a Home in Hawaii? Here's What Military Families Need to Know

What should military families know before buying a home in Hawaii? Is it better to buy or rent? How do you build wealth while stationed in one of the country's most expensive housing markets? In this episode of In Search of Excellence: Island Style, Larry Gonzales sits down with Hawaii REALTOR®, photographer, and military spouse Lexi Brown to discuss the financial, emotional, and personal decisions that shape a successful move to Hawaii. Lexi shares why she specializes in serving military families, how she built a thriving real estate business through authentic social media, and the biggest mistakes she sees homebuyers make. She also opens up about her remarkable personal transformation—losing 92 pounds naturally, overcoming depression, strengthening her faith, and homeschooling her two daughters. Whether you're PCSing to Hawaii, buying your first home, or looking for encouragement to overcome life's challenges, this conversation is filled with practical advice and inspiring stories. <h1 dir="ltr">In This Episode</h1> <ul> <li dir="ltr">Should military families buy or rent in Hawaii?</li> <li dir="ltr">Using your VA home loan benefit wisely</li> <li dir="ltr">The biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make</li> <li dir="ltr">Building wealth through real estate instead of renting</li> <li dir="ltr">Growing a business through authentic social media</li> <li dir="ltr">Losing 92 pounds through lifestyle changes</li> <li dir="ltr">Overcoming depression and finding hope through faith</li> <li dir="ltr">Finding community at Inspire Church</li> <li dir="ltr">Homeschooling children with autism</li> <li dir="ltr">Long-term financial planning and setting priorities</li> <li dir="ltr">Connect with Lexi Brown <ul> <li dir="ltr">📱 Instagram: @TheRealLexiBrown</li> <li dir="ltr">REALTOR® | Photographer | Military Family Advocate</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h1 dir="ltr">Chapters</h1> 00:00 Why Being Indecisive Costs You More 01:07 Meet Lexi Brown 03:17 Why Lexi Serves Military Families 05:23 Building a Business Through Social Media 08:01 Losing 92 Pounds Naturally 13:26 Faith, Mental Health & Finding Purpose 17:03 Finding Community at Inspire Church 22:01 Thriving After a PCS to Hawaii 28:48 Should You Buy or Rent in Hawaii? 35:17 How to Avoid Becoming House Poor 41:39 Homeschooling on Oahu 49:44 Hawaii Housing Market Opportunities 52:50 Mortgage Strategies Every Buyer Should Know 59:48 Final Reflections 1:03:28 Closing Thoughts 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to In Search of Excellence: Island Style on YouTube, and follow the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss a conversation with leaders who are raising the standard through purpose, values, and aloha. If this episode provided value, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

July 8, 2026

Kirsten Connell & Jasmine Bell: Your First Step To Homeownership | Pre-Approval Guide

What makes a great Realtor? According to Jasmine Bell and Kirsten Connell of Hawaiʻi Home Group, it's not about selling homes—it's about helping clients make confident, informed financial decisions. In this episode of In Search of Excellence: Island Style, Larry Gonzales sits down with two of Oʻahu's top real estate professionals to discuss what it means to put clients first. From military relocations and negotiating incredible deals to helping homeowners maximize equity through strategic renovations, this conversation is packed with practical advice for buyers, sellers, investors, and real estate professionals alike. Jasmine and Kirsten explain why they view themselves as a GPS for their clients—providing expert guidance while empowering buyers and sellers to make the decisions that best fit their goals. They also share how they built Hawaiʻi Home Group, why fiduciary duty is at the center of everything they do, and how long-term relationships matter far more than simply closing transactions. Whether you're buying your first home, relocating to Hawaiʻi, investing in real estate, or preparing to sell, you'll walk away with valuable insights that can help you make smarter financial decisions. <h1 dir="ltr">In This Episode</h1> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Why fiduciary duty should come before commissions </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> How Hawaiʻi Home Group was built on trust and teamwork </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The importance of educating—not selling—clients </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Helping military and PCS families make smart housing decisions </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Negotiation strategies that have saved clients tens of thousands of dollars </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> How renovations and project management can dramatically increase a home's value </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Why staging and marketing are critical in today's Oʻahu market </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Annual property reviews and treating your home like an investment portfolio </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Giving back to the community through the Hawaiian Humane Society and local charities </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Building lifelong client relationships that extend far beyond the closing table </li> </ul> <h1 dir="ltr">Episode Chapters</h1> 00:00 – Realtor GPS Mindset 01:55 – How Jasmine & Kirsten Got Started in Real Estate 06:58 – Building Hawaiʻi Home Group 10:34 – Fiduciary Duty Before Commissions 19:37 – Understanding the Client Before the House 22:21 – Military Relocation & Referral-Based Business 24:23 – Renovations That Create Equity 29:38 – Giving Back to the Community 36:27 – Winning in Today's Oʻahu Housing Market 42:43 – Why the Relationship Doesn't End at Closing 47:07 – Money, Relationships & Life Lessons 52:06 – Final Thoughts 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to In Search of Excellence: Island Style on YouTube, and follow the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss a conversation with leaders who are raising the standard through purpose, values, and aloha. If this episode provided value, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

16 total episodes available

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What is In Search of Excellence, Island Style?: In Search of Excellence, Island Style™ is a podcast about leadership, values, discipline, and what it really takes to build something meaningful that lasts.

Powered by The Broker Mortgage Experts, this show features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches, creators, and difference makers who are raising the standard, not just in what they achieve, but in how they lead.

Here, excellence is not loud. It is consistent. It is relational. It is built on values. It is lived with aloha.

Each episode explores the principles behind real performance, decisiveness, discipline, culture, integrity, and resilience under pressure, with insights that apply to business, family, community, and everyday life.

If you care about leadership, legacy, and building with purpose, this podcast is for you.

This is In Search of Excellence, Island Style™. Let's raise the standard.
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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