In the heart of Maui, Brandy Cajudoy and her team are dedicated to creating beautiful, safe, and enduring homes. Serving the island with a deep love for its people and land, Brandy’s journey from a high school Algebra 2 teacher to a key figure in residential construction is both inspiring and heartwarming.
A Passion for Maui
Brandy Cajudoy’s commitment to Maui goes beyond construction. It’s about her love for the island, its community, and its culture. “We truly love our Aina in Maui,” Brandy shares, reflecting the deep connection and respect she has for the land and its people. This passion drives every project her company undertakes, whether residential, commercial, or state jobs.
Transition from Teaching to Construction
Before diving into construction full-time, Brandy was an Algebra 2 high school teacher. “I loved it. I had so much fun, loved the kids, still miss the coworkers because my only coworker now is my husband,” she reminisces. The decision to transition was influenced by a desire to work from home as their children grew older. With over 20 years of experience inside construction projects, Brandy and her husband made the leap, obtaining their general contractor license and turning their passion into a thriving business.
Building Relationships and Growth
The success of Brandy’s construction company is built on relationships and word of mouth. “We’ve never advertised. It’s all about the relationships that we’ve made with the people in our community,” she explains. Starting with family jobs and expanding through referrals, the business has seen impressive growth. This approach underscores the importance of community trust and connection in their work.
The Value of Remodeling vs. New Construction
Brandy advises clients that remodeling can sometimes be more expensive than building from scratch. “Remodeling can almost be double your price sometimes because you’re having to pay for that demo and then rebuilding it back,” she notes. For budget-conscious clients, starting with a clean slate often proves more cost-effective.
A Heartbreaking Project in Lahaina
One of Brandy’s most memorable projects involved a multi-generational home in Lahaina. The family had saved for years to build an eight-bedroom house designed to bring them together under one roof. Tragically, the house was 98% complete when a fire destroyed it. “These steel beams just melted like butter,” Brandy recalls. Despite the devastation, she remains hopeful and committed to rebuilding. “The family is going to come back, and so is the rest of Lahaina,” she affirms.
The Emotional Rewards of Construction
Transitioning from teaching to construction has provided Brandy with a similar sense of fulfillment. “There is that like, ‘Oh, my goodness, the light went off.’ “And this finished project, it’s beautiful,” she says, comparing the joy of completing a project to a student understanding a challenging concept. The happiness and gratitude of the families they serve fuel her passion for the work.
Giving Back to the Community
Brandy’s commitment to giving back is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Inspired by her grandmother’s teachings, she strives to contribute to the Hawaiian community. “We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for the people of Maui and the Hawaiian people. So, to just be able to give back to our community every single day, it sends chills down the back of my spine,” she expresses.
Navigating Challenges and Seeking Help
As a woman in construction, Brandy advises others to have tough skin and be prepared for challenges. Despite obstacles, she emphasizes the gratification and emotional rewards of the industry. Joining WBEC-West has been instrumental in navigating these challenges, providing resources and support, especially in securing state and county jobs.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Lahaina
Brandy’s current focus is on the long-term recovery of Lahaina. With 1,700 homes to rebuild, she calls for resources and skilled volunteers to expedite the process. “We need all the help we can get out here on Maui,” she urges. The permitting process has been streamlined, making it an ideal time for the community and beyond to come together and support the rebuilding efforts.
Connect with Brandy Cajudoy
To learn more about Brandy Cajudoy’s work or to offer support, visit cajudoy.com. Brandy Cajudoy’s story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the drive to create a better future for all. Through her work, she continues to build not just homes, but stronger, more connected communities. To learn more about her journey, listen to the most recent episode of Women in Motion using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/compassionate-construction/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
