Maui Wowi -- Where There's A "Will," There's A Way

D.C. entrepreneur dreams big, motivates other to do the same

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, July 28, 2004) - With his Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends® refreshment stands, charisma, and a “will” to succeed, 29 year-old Will Gist has established himself as a very successful businessman who emanates motivation.

As a franchise owner for Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends - the leading franchisor of gourmet, all-natural Hawaiian blends sold nationwide – Gist has enjoyed great success with franchise carts at venues such as the Washington, D.C. Convention Center and the MCI Center, and has earned the respect of his peers as a motivated and promising young entrepreneur.

Growing up in Los Angeles , Gist realized that good things come to those who create them, and he decided to do just that. He enrolled at Howard University in 1993, where he obtained his B.A. and later his M.A. from George Washington University . Gist then moved to Caracas to learn Spanish and, upon his return, he and a friend opened Great Xpectations Group, LLC, which operated a successful valet parking company in Washington , D.C. - a sign of Gist’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision of success.

In order to receive the necessary funding for this business venture, Gist, being the “go-getter” that he is, proactively worked with the Office of Local Business Development’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), a program designed to assist minority businessmen and women with the development and success of their businesses, encouraging him to research additional business opportunities.

Through professional relationships Gist developed with a number of individuals through the valet company, he wanted to operate another business catering to events and people. When he came across the Maui Wowi concept, he was sold.

“The Maui Wowi business model and support provided flexibility and independence, enabling me to grow and establish profitable working relationships with venues throughout the area,” Gist said.

While serving Maui Wowi products at a recent going away party for the general manager of Centerplate at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center, Gist was introduced to the president of the Hotel Association, who was so impressed by Gist’s demeanor and work ethic that she invited him to give the commencement speech at the June 10 graduation ceremony for the Marriott Public Charter High School in D.C. - an event attended by more than 500 people.

In his speech, Gist focused on self-motivation and the joy of accomplishment. He encouraged the graduates to never stop pursuing their dreams and to always go the extra step to ensure success in everything they do.

“Will is an extremely motivated and focused individual, and I believe he will continue to enjoy great success as a Maui Wowi franchise owner,” said Ricci DeLoriea, Maui Wowi director of regional support for Virginia and parts of North Carolina . “It is a pleasure working with someone who is constantly capable of inspiring me by his ‘will’ to succeed.”

The Maui Wowi home office is equally proud of Gist’s achievements and pursuit of the American dream, notes Michael Haith, CEO of Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends.

“Will Gist embodies all the traits of a successful entrepreneur and Maui Wowi franchise owner,” Haith said.

About Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends
The Maui Wowi concept started out in 1983 in a wooden shack at the Utah State Fair, with founders Jeff and Jill Summerhays serving a then unknown product- Fresh Fruit Smoothies. Before long, their delicious and original Smoothie recipe had people talking. Maui Wowi has since become a successful franchising opportunity, with substantial growth over the past 20 years.
The leading franchisor of gourmet, all-natural Hawaiian Blends sold nationwide, Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends has more than 300 units operating in 43 states and Puerto Rico . Maui Wowi's product line includes Fresh Fruit Smoothies, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees, Smoothie Rip-Sticks, Hawaiian Springs Natural Artesian Water , and EAS Supplements. Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends was ranked #33 in the category of Fastest Growing Franchises on the Entrepreneur Magazine "Franchise 500" list and ranked #219 in Inc. Magazine's issue of America 's 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies. Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends has also been featured on CNN’s “People In The News” and Bloomberg News.

View all Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies Press Releases

This article has been read 221 times.

Printer Friendly