Lyle Kobashigawa, assistant vice president of food service at Big Save, was recently recognized for his efforts at providing Friendship House clubhouse members with part time employment at the Kaua‘i Kookie Factory. Kobashigawa was the recipient of the Outstanding Business
Lyle Kobashigawa, assistant vice president of food service at Big Save, was recently recognized for his efforts at providing Friendship House clubhouse members with part time employment at the Kaua‘i Kookie Factory.
Kobashigawa was the recipient of the Outstanding Business Leader award for being an integral part of the Transitional Employment Program of Friendship House, said Dave Jordan, the vocational coordinator at Friendship House.
The award was presented to Kobashigawa during the First Annual Mental Health Awards Luncheon held on O‘ahu recently.
“Lyle works with our members to find appropriate work schedules that accomodate individual transportation and financial needs,” Katie Vercelli, program director for Friendship House, said in a press release. “He shows flexibility and dedication to fostering successful work experiences for our members.”
Vercelli added that Kobashigawa’s confidence in his employees also bolsters the confidence the members have in themselves.
“Employers and human beings don’t get any finer than Lyle Kobashigawa,” Jordan said. “Lyle expects good hard work from our members. He is also a key player in their rehabilitation because he teaches them how to be successful workers through his own example and his gentle and caring approach and attitudes.”
Jordan said Kobashigawa has often gone beyond the call of duty for Friendship House members due to his caring attitude.
“There should be more employers out there that are invested in the well being and successes of their employees like Lyle,” he said.
“Friendship House is thankful for their partnership with this incredible man.”
