Maui Wowi Hawaiian is a leading franchise and retailer of premium coffees and fresh made fruit smoothies. The products are served from a mobile unit known as the Ka’anapali Cart, which has the flexibility to bring festive flair and fun drinks to just about any location you can think of. Beth Howie is the owner of the new Maui Wowi franchise that recently made its debut in Omaha.
Tell me a little about your business. – I own and operate a mobile smoothie and Hawaiian coffee business. My smoothies are all natural, fat-free, gluten free and kosher. Not only do I do all events at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, I also do fairs and festivals. I’m working on expanding the catering side of the business and reaching out to local businesses in Omaha that have an Employee Appreciation Committee. Who wouldn’t enjoy a healthy smoothie served from a Tiki Hut?
How did you get started in the business? – In my search for a business I could buy into, I found Maui Wowi Hawaiian. I had a connection since I had been to Maui in 2007. Their Mainland staff are so supportive and work well as a team. Even though this is my business, I have a very strong support team in the ‘ohana (family). One of the many things that attracted me to this company is that they believe in a quality product, minimizing their carbon footprint, and giving back to the community.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy motorcycling, walking, bicycling, and spending time with family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I have been teaching motorcycle safety for 10 years. I teach for the Nebraska Safety Council as well as Harley Davidson through the Dillon Brothers Harley-Davidson dealership.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My parents taught me to be self-reliant. It’s always a great sense of accomplishment when I attempt something I didn’t think I could do and am able to complete the task on my own. It means more to me than if someone helped me do it…though getting help once in a while is also nice.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To be in more than one place at a time!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Psychology. People are fascinating.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – My favorite author is Dean Koontz. My two favorite books that he has written are The Watchers and Lightning.
What is your favorite movie? – I enjoy a lot of movies, but my favorite would have to be My Cousin Vinny. But I am also secretly a Transformers fanatic.
What is your favorite TV show? – Just as with movies, I enjoy a lot of TV shows. I don’t know that I can pick a favorite. I enjoyed the Breaking Bad series, and really like the Sons of Anarchy series. I also loved the Lost series and thought the ending was fantastic.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You can contact me through Facebook at Maui Wowi – Hang Five, via email at hangfive@mauiwowi.org, or call me at (402) 672-4342.