What started as experience became expertise.
Now I’m helping ambitious entrepreneurs write their own success story through clarity, strategy, and real-world mentorship.
sTAN GLANDER
Founder of Strategic Motivational Guidance
Stan Glander is an entrepreneur, business coach, and the founder of Strategic Motivational Guidance (SMG). With decades of experience in hospitality, franchising, and leadership, Stan helps individuals and businesses bring their ideas to life through structured planning and accountability.
Born in Honolulu and raised between Hawaii and the mainland U.S., Stan built a career in restaurants and hotels before stepping into executive leadership as COO of a major East Coast hotel group. His entrepreneurial journey took off when he acquired Kono’s Northshore, a popular eatery on O‘ahu known for its slow-roasted kālua pig and award-winning breakfast burritos.
Under his leadership, Kono’s grew from a single location into a multi-unit success story, launching its first franchise opportunities in 2022. Stan’s focus on quality, affordability, and community helped establish Kono’s as a local favorite and a nationally recognized brand.
Today, through SMG, Stan mentors business owners, startups, and teams to help them get unstuck, clarify their goals, and build systems that support sustainable growth. His approach is practical, direct, and focused on assisting others to execute, not just plan.
"While many of my achievements are in the restaurant industry, they were earned through the same perseverance, strategy, and entrepreneurial mindset it takes to start and grow any successful business."
– Stan G.
Awards and Accolades
2020 #1 Restaurant in HI – All Islands
2019 #1 Restaurant $30/$60
2018 Hawaii’s Fastest Growing Small Businesses
2001 Hotel Manager/Rooms Director of the Year
2018 & 2019 Diner’s Choice Award
i can help.
Bring your ideas to life
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Build your confidence
It can be intimidating to start your own business. Learn to present yourself and your concepts with confidence.
Expand your potential
We want to help you meet your maximum potential, whether it’s helping you building brand loyalty or expanding your business offerings.
Explore our programs
Who Closed Last Night dives into the real conversations behind entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. It’s about the wins, the lessons, and the strategies that turn ideas into results.
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