Testimonials

I am a 65 year old artist and community builder. I have known Poki for 31 years. We met at a highly charged time when we each were the creator/owners of two very unique and magical restaurants....Poki had launched the notorious cafe called Free Mars and I had just opened the art and health establishment called Gravity Bar. (both in Seattle) Since selling Gravity Bar in 2000, I have been painting, writing and traveling, while building the community rapport and networking for the creation of an intentional land-based community. During our friendship, we have found ourselves focused similarly on the dynamics of Visionary Cultural Evolution through the development of our businesses, our community networks, and in our own personal lives. When I consider illuminating Poki's character, I offer the view of a man whose immense energy and vision are matched by his widely varied skills. As both a leader and collaborator, he is a deeply feeling and heart-centered person with a passionate nature. Whether he is visioning, strategizing, problem-solving or just plain dancing his ass off, there is nobody who lives more outrageously in alignment with his values and high ideals. I am honored to consider Poki my friend and trust that our friendship will always find new dimensions to explore together.
- Laurrien Gilman
Co-founder of CultureSeed and Atlan

   
Hugo is a unique individual whom I admire and respect greatly. I have known Hugo for five years. I met Hugo as a direct report to me in our respective prior lives, but more importantly, Hugo was concurrently a colleague, confidant, personal adviser and teacher of mine regarding the service industry we served. Hugo brings to any situation in which he is allowed to contribute, an unusual combination of passion, insight, creativity, customer focus, and a commitment to excellence. He is a natural leader, coach, mentor and an uncompromising advocate for what he believes to be right for the constituents he serves. I know of no one who has a higher level of both personal and organizational integrity. I would be happy to work with, or for, Hugo at anytime in the future – or to provide additional details re my admiration and respect for him.
- Steven Baumhardt
Senior Vice President, TransCore, Inc.
Former Vice President Operations, ServiceMagic Inc (now Home Advisor)

 
Hugo combines determination, endurance and sustained focus with impeccable organizational skills to achieve tangible results.
- Jim Goebelbecker
Former Business Development Manager, ServiceMagic Inc (now Home Advisor)

 
I have known Hugo for 5 years. In my 25 years of business experience there are few men I would trust to lead and manage any project of almost any magnitude. Hugo is very effective at motivating and aligning people behind a shared vision to get the job done. His community-minded values and commitment to impeccability are matched by his skills in visioning, strategizing, designing, building, and negotiating. I have and would again, trust him with any of my business matters.
- Ted Knodel
Organizational Consultant. Owner, Measurable Chance Associates 

 
I have to say it again, it was such a complete blessing to dance with you almost every week of my stay on the Big Island. I can say with no hesitation that the sacred space you created, allowed for the freest explorations and discoveries that changed me forever. You have been moved and inspired to create something that has been touching so many people, and changed them in endless ways. I wanted to thank you for that again, as well as the spirits that guide you, and wish you the most beautiful dances for all the days to come.
- Nadine Kreisberger
Advisor to the Vice Speaker of the Parliament of Mongolia 

 
I had the privilege to work with Hugo about five years ago when he came to the Big Island of Hawai’i to offer the Gypsie Nation dances. He brought together community in a joyful and sustainable way, creating a format for healing and growth for a vast number of community members. Hugo's talents reside in his passion, integrity and commitment to a vision, as well as in the admirable quality of being able to look at himself clearly and with humor.
- Angela Rosa
Barefoot Doctor, Registered Nurse, Massage Therapist, Medical Advocate and Educator in Hawi, on the Big Island of Hawai'i. 

 
In my conspiracies with Poki, he has always blown me away by his complete thoroughness in all tasks of life, along with the integrity he carries to his commitments. He is the number one person I would want on my team to ensure success, fun, completion, creativity, and unlimited potential. His capacity for the above is at a very high level of integration to his projects.....whatever he determines to do, he will do, and do so beyond most expectations. Poki also has a keen sense of humor that partners his dedication, not to mention his sensitivity and awareness. His experiences have created a very diverse, loving, and dynamic being who is to me a very adored creature!
- Jennie Bradway
Owner,  One Earth Solutions

 

 

I have known Poki for five years and hold the position of Treasurer on the Mil Abrazos Community Land Trust board. I’ve also lived at the Mil Abrazos farm and worked closely with him for a year. Poki has an intensity to him but also an immense kindness and sensitivity for fellow human beings, land and animals. He incorporates fun into his life and work, approaches tasks with care and thoughtfulness, and always seems to find a solution for any given problem. For these reasons, I will always take an opportunity to work with him in any capacity. I have a lot of respect for him as he has left an impression on me that will carry me forward in life. 

-Windy Day Rutherford