A Journey of Connection, Collaboration, and Compass Culture
Traveling from the Big Island to Denver isn’t exactly a hop and a skip. It’s an investment in time, effort, and ultimately, in connection and community. Fortunately, United Airlines made it easy with a red-eye direct from Kona to Denver. We decided to splurge a bit with a First Class upgrade, and let’s just say.. We were not disappointed! The lay-flat seats, glass of champagne, and a real dinner before drifting off for a few hours of sky-high rest? SO worth it.
We landed at 6:00 AM local time, which felt like 2:00 AM back home in Hawaii. Add in a chilly, rainy 45-degree morning, and we were definitely not in Kona anymore. But that changed quickly once we arrived at The Ritz-Carlton and started running into familiar faces. I got to see my Compass agent friends from across the country, buzzed on coffee and exciting early morning conversations.
There’s something about arriving in a big city after being immersed in island life. Kona’s tallest building might top out at seven stories, so the scale, the energy, and yes—the food—of Denver always feels like a welcome sensory jolt. We make it a point on every trip to explore local architecture, discover neighborhoods, and try as many restaurants as possible. Breakfast at Sam’s No. 3 (a Denver classic. The website is worth visiting) with friends and colleagues was a highlight. When one of us ordered a breakfast burrito the size of a small child and we realized the breakfast menu alone was ten pages deep, we knew we were in for a treat.
This year’s Compass Retreat spanned several downtown locations, all within walking distance. Unfortunately, us islanders weren’t prepared for the fickle Denver weather. Gloomy to sunny, then windy, rainy, and back to sunny again, all before lunch. Island dwellers take note: layers are your best friend in Colorado.
Opening night was hosted at the Denver’s Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Picture nearly 2,000 Compass agents under one roof, sharing stories, making introductions, and reconnecting. The energy was electric, exactly what you’d expect from this remarkable national gathering of top-tier professionals. These are the kinds of events that remind us how strong the Compass culture really is: collaborative, ambitious, and forward-thinking. You never know who you’ll meet or where that connection may lead.
The keynote speaker, Will Guidara, author of Unreasonable Hospitality and former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, named the world’s best restaurant, was amazing. His speech was moving, memorable, and filled with the kind of insight only earned through years of extraordinary service and leadership. I resonated with this message in particular: success isn’t just about excellence, it’s about generosity, intentionality, and human connection. His book? Already reading it…
Compass CEO and founder Robert Reffkin followed with updates about the company, our industry, and what’s ahead for us as agents. He’s always honest and inspiring and is equal parts CEO and visionary. He’s one of the few leaders who makes you feel seen, even in a crowd of thousands.
The next day was dedicated to what matters most to us: relationship-building. While there were countless valuable seminars, we prioritized meeting one-on-one with agents from around the country and even had the chance to sit down with some of our own clients in Denver. These moments are gold. Breakfast with members of REALM (an elite community of agents who represent the top 1% globally) felt like a masterclass in luxury real estate. Later, we reconnected with clients who once called Hawaii home, catching up on life, business, and next chapters.
Our last full day was wonderful. Compass sessions, impromptu networking lunches, and another chance to reconnect with clients were the highlights of my day. We also carved out time for a short but meaningful gathering with fellow Hawaii agents for dinner.
Even though some of us work in the same state, we’re often on different islands with few opportunities to collaborate. This was a rare chance to swap insights, ideas, and just enjoy being in each other’s company. It reminded us how much we can learn from one another when we make space to connect.
The final celebration was the Compass Saloon bash. True to form, it was an unforgettable evening. Robert and Benis Reffkin personally greeted each agent at the entrance, shaking hands, hugging, and thanking us face to face. With live concert, fantastic food, and an atmosphere buzzing with joy, it was the perfect close to a retreat focused on celebrating who we are and what we do.
After three fast, full days, it was time to head home. We boarded our return flight to Kona feeling mentally, professionally, and personally recharged.
Why This Matters to us…
As real estate professionals based on the Big Island, our role is not only about buying and selling homes, but also about being trusted advisors in life transitions. Whether someone is moving to Hawaii or planning their next move from Hawaii, we’re here to guide, connect, and support them.
That’s why events like the Compass Retreat matter. They’re an investment in relationships that ripple far beyond one weekend in Denver. They allow us to stay current, inspired, and plugged into a national network of exceptional agents. These are people we can confidently refer our clients to when they need a new home, wherever that may be.
We love what we do – and we’re always working to do it even better.
