maui techohana
Maui TechOhana
Next event in February 2025
On November 20 Dan Ellis and Wayne Thibaudeau shared their vision and plans for the Pa‘ia Sugar Mill.
The Paʻia Village Company, established in August 2020, is committed to transforming the historic Paʻia Sugar Mill into a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing village. Our vision is to support livable wages, build affordable housing, and revive community spirit, continuing the sugar mill’s 150-year legacy of responsible industry.
Dan Ellis and Wayne Thibaudeau, Managing Partners of Paʻia Village Company will present key aspects of the project including:
- Advanced Manufacturing Center
- Affordable Housing
- Commercial Farming
- Village Center
- Community
- Legacy of Doing the Right Thing
(Read more details about these 6 points)
The Paʻia Village Company is dedicated to addressing Hawaii’s core needs through the creation of an advanced manufacturing village. By integrating modern industry with community values, we aim to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all. Join us in revitalizing Paʻia and setting a benchmark for responsible development.
TechOhana Agenda
5:15 – 5:45 PM | Check-in and Networking (light refreshments served)
5:45 – 6:30 PM | Guest speaker with Q & A
6:30 PM | Final Q&A, networking (and refreshments)
6:45 PM | Meeting ends
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Speaker Bio - Dan Ellis
The idea to purchase the Paia Mill and restore it to a manufacturing center was the brain-child of Dan Ellis, President of Pacific Millworks Haiku, HI. Born in London, England, Daniel came to Paia in 2003 while participating in the professional windsurfing race tour. During the next 10 years he returned to Maui often to compete and train which culminated in a world title win in 2008.
Dan lives in Skill Village, Paia with his wife, and 2 children. He owns and operates Pacific Millworks and before purchasing the company in 2016, Dan worked as an employee for 6-years performing design, cabinet making, and new business development. Dan took leadership with a vision to grow and advance through skilled personnel and technology including the installation of a CNC mill to increase the Mills capabilities. The staff has grown to over 20+ employees in a 12,000 sqft facility.
Flagship projects include:
• Koele Lodge – Lanai
• Ocean Villas at Maluaka
• Maui resorts communities including- Ritz, Wailea Beach Marriott, Grand Wailea, and others
• Numerous private residences on Maui
BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENTS
Maui Chamber of Commerce Best Small Business award 2019
Collaboration with SBA to grow and develop a manufacturing enterprise
Award of grants for Hawaii manufacturing initiatives.
Business partnership with American Savings Bank
Hawaii licensed General Contractor
Speaker Bio - Wayne Thibaudeau
Over 25 years of experience in project development, Wayne began a business development and project management career in the New England area in 1997. With a passion for bringing good ideas to the marketplace Wayne supported several start-up businesses which continue today. Relocating to Maui, Hawaii, Wayne continues to develop and manage high profile building projects and is a partner in the Paia Mill Manufacturing Village development. As part of a dynamic team he supports projects from concept and into its revenue stream life cycle.
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Developing 52 acre sugar mill property in Paia, HI.
• Identified smart technologies within national laboratory community (Los Alamos, Sandia, Lawrence Livermore) formalizing CRADA’s with private sector startups for market launch.
• Conducted training programs with top-tier educational leadership at: Harvard, Woods Hole, University of Hawaii, Scripps, Brigham and Women’s MH, Tufts, Rutgers, Mayo Clinic and others.
• Collaborated with federal and state manufacturing partnerships promoting industry growth and LEAN manufacturing.
• Discover business development opportunities and construction projects.
• International business and travel experience in Egypt, Greece, Canada, Mexico
• Project manage and supervise high profile construction projects.
• Working relationships with stakeholder groups on Maui.
• Developing and executing a vision for Maui based GC’s.
• Fiscal business developer and manager for New England construction materials start-up company.
• Experienced in opening markets and managing daily operations for start-ups
MEDB’s Malcolm Center
1305 N. Holopono Street, Suite 5, Kihei
Livestream tickets available and presentation is not recorded for distribution
Maui TechOhana meetings, organized by the Maui Economic Development Board, Inc., and supported by the County of Maui, provide an informal networking opportunity open to anyone interested in Maui County’s technology industry. Events include a short presentation on a relevant topic in business or technology, followed by the opportunity to talk with others with similar professional interests.
“It’s a great meeting with a lot of excited and like-minded people.”
“Very friendly, informative and inspiring!”
“Valuable takeaways from hearing personal experiences with challenges and successes.”
“Amazing community gathering for networking.”