Jeffrey Kao, MBA, LUTCF®, CLTC®, FSCP®
Partner & Financial Adviser
CA Insurance License Number #0G77429
(808) 529-6316 Business
(808) 599-1869 Fax
Background
Born and raised on Oahu, Jeffrey understands the challenges that families and small business owners face here in Hawaii. With over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry, he knows that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and everyone’s situation is unique. He takes pride in taking the time to get to know his clients beyond just the numbers. He and his team will work with you every step of the way to create a plan tailored to your needs so you can enjoy each stage of your life. Whether you’re a young person saving for a new home, a couple planning for retirement, or an entrepreneur building your business, they’ll provide the right professional guidance to bring clarity to your financial picture and help make your goals and dreams a reality.
Jeffrey is a graduate of Hawaii Baptist Academy and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He later went on to obtain his Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Hawaii at Manoa Shidler College of Business in 2006, with an emphasis in International Finance. That same year, Jeffrey joined New York Life and, in 2008, was named the New Agent of the Year. Jeffrey has since gone on to receive numerous awards and achievements with New York Life, most notably being a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table1. Jeffrey has also consistently qualified as a member of New York Life's Chairman's Council,2 one of New York Life’s most prestigious recognitions of its agents across the country.
With his entrepreneurial mindset, Jeffrey cofounded an ice cream business in 2016 that has since grown to a successful enterprise with two locations and an expanding retail presence. This hands-on experience has given him a unique perspective of what it takes to build and sustain a successful small business here in Hawaii, an expertise that may be beneficial to his clients with similar ambitions.
In his free time, Jeffrey enjoys spending time with his family at home in Pearl City, cheering on his boys at their little league baseball games, cooking, and coming up with new ice cream and dessert recipes.
Achievements
Million Dollar Round Table Lifetime Member
Million Dollar Round Table Top of the Table Member (2021, 2022)
New York Life Chairman’s Council Qualifier (2017 – 2022)
New York Life Annuity Elite Member (2013 – 2022)
Obtained CLTC® (Certification for Long-Term Care) Designation (2021)
New York Life Triple Crown Award Recipient (2015, 2019)
New York Life Premier Centurion (2015)
New York Life's Life Allstar (Since 2014)
New York Life President's Council Member (2012 – 2016)
New York Life New Agent of the Year (2008)
Obtained LUTCF® Designation (2008)
New York Life Executive Council Member (2007 – 2012)
Obtained MBA at University of Hawaii at Manoa, Shidler College of Business (2006)
Agent with New York Life Insurance Company (2006)
Community
Jeffrey is blessed to be part of a career that he is passionate about and committed to helping to build a stronger, more resilient community through financial literacy and community involvement.
A frequent speaker at the University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business and University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College, Jeffrey is also a current member of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). In his role, he helps NAIFA advocate for and promote the financial services industry as a whole while helping to guide and enhance the professional and ethical qualities of its members.
As the father of four young children, Jeffrey is passionate about educating and inspiring Hawaii’s youth. Since 2018, he has been an active board member of Junior Achievement of Hawaii. He devotes time to teaching classes designed to instill financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship skills to youth in grades K–12, particularly those in socioeconomically disadvantaged Title 1 schools across the state.
Team
Kevin Martin
Client Experience & Operations Manager
Kevin has over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry and has been integral in managing the operations of the office. He ensures that Jeffrey’s systems and processes are constantly providing their clients with the best possible service and experience. Born in Medina, New York, Kevin has called Hawaii home since 2007. He is an animal lover and enjoys fishing and cooking. He currently resides in Pearl City with his family, enjoys being a father to a curious and energetic toddler and loves his backyard garden projects.
(808) 529-6370 Business
(808) 599-1869 Fax
Nicole Kawahara
Client Services Specialist
A graduate of Mililani High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Nicole ensures that all client servicing requests are handled thoroughly and processed expeditiously. Her keen attention to detail and incredible work ethic are matched only by her enthusiasm and warm personality. She assists the office in maintaining an organized workflow and smooth communications so all of Jeffrey’s clients receive only the highest level of service and attention. Nicole enjoys singing karaoke and traveling to Europe and is currently the longest reigning Miss Oahu Filipina.
(808) 547-2445 Business
(808) 599-1869 Fax
The team at HIPac Financial is licensed and services clients in these states.
