Datapoints | Presented by Pinpoint Guam

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Join Pinpoint’s President Ryan Mummert as he dives deep into conversation with local real estate professionals about Guam’s housing market challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a buyer, investor, or industry professional, this data-driven discussion reveals what’s really happening in Guam’s real estate market. Datapoints is presented by Pinpoint, Guam’s leading real estate data company. Our mission is to help you make informed decision on real property purchases through detailed market analysis and insights.

  1. Jul 12

    #33: Ho S. Eun – Building Guam by Taking On the Risks Others Avoid

    What does it take to build projects that can shape an entire island—and carry the risk when everything goes wrong? 🇬🇺 In this episode, we sit down with Ho S. Eun, Founder and Chairman of Core Tech International, to unpack the decisions, sacrifices, and long-term vision behind one of Guam’s most influential companies. Mr. Ho arrived on Guam in 1989 expecting to stay for only two years. Nearly four decades later, Core Tech has grown from a construction company into a major force across real estate development, affordable housing, hospitality, renewable energy, property management, media, and Guam’s military buildup. We trace that journey from taking over troubled developments such as Emerald Towers to acquiring major tourism properties just before COVID, financing a 60-megawatt solar project, and accepting responsibilities that extend far beyond the traditional role of a contractor. Mr. Ho explains why he sees himself not only as a businessman, but as an employer whose responsibility is to keep people working. He shares why protecting what you have can sometimes sabotage future success—and why he has repeatedly chosen to move forward when the safer decision would have been to walk away. We also get into the realities of financing large projects on Guam, the structural problems behind the housing crisis, why many young people no longer believe homeownership is possible, and how infrastructure and government policy could unlock more development. The conversation then turns to Guam’s broader economic future: the importance of rebuilding tourism, the potential of new Asian visitor markets, alternative construction methods, and the construction cliff Guam could face when the military buildup begins winding down around 2034 or 2035. This is a conversation about leadership, faith, resilience, responsibility, and what it actually takes to solve problems at a scale that can move Guam forward. Topics: How Ho S. Eun came to Guam and built Core Tech International Why focusing on process matters more than controlling outcomes Taking over difficult developments others were unwilling to touch Evolving from contractor to developer, financier, owner, and operator Why an employer’s responsibility goes beyond making a profit The risks behind financing major construction and energy projects Acquiring major tourism properties before the COVID shutdown How affordable housing programs work—and why homeownership remains out of reach The role of infrastructure in lowering the cost of housing Why overprotective policies can create unintended consequences Alternative and modular construction methods for Guam Why tourism remains essential to Guam’s economy The potential of Korea, Taiwan, and China as visitor markets What happens when Guam’s military construction boom ends The losses, setbacks, and responsibilities behind large-scale execution Why Mr. Ho continues taking on difficult problems after 35 years in construction Streaming everywhere — only on Datapoints. #guam #guamlife #guameconomy #datapoints #coretech #construction #realestate #business #leadership #entrepreneurship #housing #tourism

  2. Apr 7

    #30: Jay Jones – How Triple J Is Scaling Guam’s Economy

    In this episode, we sit down with Jay Jones—Executive Vice President of Triple J Enterprises—to break down how one of Guam’s most established companies has evolved across generations, industries, and technological shifts to stay competitive in a small but complex island economy. Jay shares how Triple J built a powerful business flywheel across autos, rental cars, food distribution, and restaurants—leveraging vertical integration and local market dynamics to create durable advantages. From expanding across Micronesia to investing in EV infrastructure and exploring self-driving, this conversation maps out what it actually takes to build, scale, and future-proof a business on Guam. We cover: Building a business flywheel: how Triple J connects autos, rental fleets, used car sales, and food operations into one integrated system. Why Guam rewards vertical integration: opportunities that wouldn’t exist in larger markets—and how to capitalize on them. Betting early on infrastructure: why Triple J invested in EV charging stations despite knowing it wouldn’t be profitable for years. Self-driving on Guam: why the island may be one of the best testbeds for autonomous vehicles—and what needs to happen first. The data advantage: how monthly industry “report cards” shape strategy, marketing, and competitive positioning. The talent problem: why hiring off-island often fails—and how building from within has become essential. Bringing the next generation back: what Guam needs to offer young people to return and build careers locally. Entrepreneurship gaps: why access to capital isn’t enough—and what’s missing in mentorship and advisory support. Tourism as the core bet: why Guam’s future depends on creating experiences—not just infrastructure. A practical path forward: how small policy shifts—like lowering startup costs—could unlock a new wave of local businesses. If you’re building a business, investing in Guam, or thinking about the island’s economic future, this episode offers a grounded, operator-level perspective on what works, what doesn’t, and where the real opportunities are. Listen now—and see how one company is building systems that compound across an entire island economy.

  3. Mar 30

    #29: Rob Jackson – The Tech Wave is Coming to Guam

    In this episode, we sit down with Rob Jackson—better known as “The Innovation Coach”—for a deep dive into the future of Guam’s economy, technology, and workforce. Rob is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with over 27 years of service, now operating in the space of consulting, entrepreneurship, and education. Through his firm and platform, he works with businesses, government, and organizations to implement technology, improve operations, and rethink how Guam prepares for the future. But this conversation goes far beyond consulting frameworks and buzzwords. It’s about a fundamental shift that’s already happening—and whether Guam is ready for it. Ryan and Rob break down what Rob calls a “technological tidal wave”—a massive wave of change driven by AI, automation, and emerging technologies that will reshape industries, jobs, and daily life. The real question isn’t whether it’s coming. It’s whether Guam is prepared to adapt—or whether it will be overwhelmed by it. At the center of the discussion is a hard truth: Many businesses and systems on Guam are operating the same way they have for decades—and that may no longer work in the world that’s coming. Rob explains how outdated processes, lack of standardization, and resistance to change are quietly putting organizations at risk—while also highlighting the massive opportunity for those willing to innovate. More importantly, he offers a path forward: What if Guam intentionally built itself into a 21st-century tech and innovation hub? The conversation explores how that could actually happen—from workforce development and education pipelines to attracting defense, manufacturing, and technology industries to the island. We cover: • Rob’s journey from Air Force colonel to “Innovation Coach” on Guam • Why a “technological tidal wave” is already reshaping the global economy • The danger of outdated business models and false comfort in legacy systems • Why Guam is exporting talent—and how to build a pipeline to keep it local • The role of workforce development, education, and apprenticeships in shaping the future • Why most organizations only use a fraction of their technology capabilities • The importance of process, standardization, and “standard work” in innovation • How cultural resistance—not just policy—slows down progress • The concept of a “coalition of the willing” to drive real change on Guam • Why collaboration matters more than protecting ideas • The opportunity for Guam to become a defense, manufacturing, and tech hub • The GAMMA initiative and how additive manufacturing (3D printing) could change the island’s trajectory • Why Guam needs a “one-stop” ecosystem to attract major companies and capital • The gap between funding and mentorship in local entrepreneurship • How private sector leadership—not just government—can drive transformation If you want to understand where Guam is headed—and what it will take to compete in a rapidly changing world—this episode is essential. Because the future isn’t waiting. And the biggest risk isn’t change. It’s standing still while everything else moves. Data Points is presented by Pinpoint, Guam’s leading real estate data company. Our mission is to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about real property through detailed market analysis and insights.

  4. Mar 22

    #28: John Selleck – How Shipping Actually Works (And Why Guam Pays More)

    In this episode, we sit down with John Selleck—Founder of One Micronesia World Logistics—for a deep dive into shipping, logistics, and the real forces shaping the cost of living on Guam. John is an economist by training, with a background spanning maritime economics, utility regulation, and corporate strategy. He played a role in major shipping decisions that reshaped Guam’s logistics landscape—including helping bring APL back into the market, which introduced competition and significantly lowered shipping rates. But this conversation goes far beyond shipping companies and industry jargon. It breaks down a system that most people interact with every day—but very few actually understand. Ryan and John unpack how the global shipping network works—from carriers and freight forwarders to container flows, backhaul economics, and the hidden costs embedded in everyday goods. They also explore how structural decisions, outdated assumptions, and consumer habits all play a role in why Guam pays more for nearly everything. At the center of the conversation is a question that comes up constantly in Guam: Does the Jones Act actually drive up the cost of living? John provides a nuanced answer—explaining that while the Jones Act plays a role, it’s only one piece of a much larger system that includes sourcing decisions, regulatory barriers, and decades of entrenched supply chains. More importantly, he offers a different way of thinking about the problem: What if Guam is buying from the wrong places? The discussion opens up a new perspective on how Guam could lower costs—not just by changing laws, but by rethinking where goods come from, how they move, and who controls the flow of trade. We cover: • How John went from economist to shipping strategist working on Guam trade routes • The inside story of how APL re-entered Guam and lowered shipping costs through competition • How the global shipping system actually works (carriers, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs) • Why shipping rates dropped by thousands per container once competition returned • What the Jones Act really does—and what it doesn’t do • Why Guam still relies heavily on U.S. mainland imports • How tariffs and supply chains quietly increase prices on island • The concept of “backhaul” and why shipping from Asia can be dramatically cheaper • How sourcing from Asia, Europe, or Mexico could lower costs for businesses and consumers • The hidden inefficiencies in Guam’s logistics and freight forwarding systems • Why transparency and pricing structure matter in shipping • Opportunities to rethink Guam’s entire supply chain—from food to construction materials If you want to understand why things cost what they do on Guam—and what could actually change it—this episode is essential. Because the answer isn’t just policy. It’s systems, incentives, and the way the island connects to the rest of the world. Data Points is presented by Pinpoint, Guam’s leading real estate data company. Our mission is to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about real property through detailed market analysis and insights.

  5. Mar 14

    #27: Ann Dela Cruz – Building Guam’s Future with 3D-Printed Homes

    In this episode, we sit down with Ann Dela Cruz—Co-Founder & CEO of Starsand Technologies—for a conversation about real estate investing, housing innovation, and the future of Guam’s economy. Ann is a longtime real estate investor, Army Reserve service member, and founder of the Asia Pacific Investor Network—a growing community connecting military and civilian investors across Japan, Korea, Hawaii, and Guam. Through that network, she launched the Asia Pacific Real Estate Investing Summit, an event designed to bring investors together in person while showcasing the opportunities and challenges of the Guam market. But Ann isn’t just talking about real estate—she’s actively working to reshape how housing is built on the island. Through Starsand Technologies, she’s developing additive construction systems using 3D-printed concrete homes, an emerging technology that could dramatically reduce construction costs and help address Guam’s housing shortage. The conversation explores both the opportunity and the friction that comes with trying to innovate in a complex market. Ryan and Ann discuss what it actually takes to build housing on Guam—from navigating permitting and insurance challenges to the structural issues that slow development across the island. They also explore how investor networks, better information, and new technologies could unlock entirely new possibilities for housing and economic growth. More importantly, the conversation raises a deeper question: What will it take to build a sustainable future for Guam? We cover: • How the Asia Pacific Real Estate Investor Network connects investors across the region • Why Ann launched the Asia Pacific Real Estate Investing Summit • The unique opportunity Guam has as a gateway between the U.S. and Asia • The challenges investors face navigating Guam’s housing market • Why innovation in construction has lagged for decades • How 3D-printed concrete homes could change the economics of housing • The regulatory, insurance, and financing barriers facing new technologies • Why access to data and networks is critical for investment decisions • The importance of community in building generational wealth through real estate • Why Guam may need to rethink its long-term economic strategy beyond tourism If Guam wants to solve challenges like housing affordability, economic diversification, and sustainable development, it will require new ideas, new technologies—and new networks of people willing to build the future. Data Points is presented by Pinpoint, Guam’s leading real estate data company. Our mission is to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about real property through detailed market analysis and insights.

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About

Join Pinpoint’s President Ryan Mummert as he dives deep into conversation with local real estate professionals about Guam’s housing market challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a buyer, investor, or industry professional, this data-driven discussion reveals what’s really happening in Guam’s real estate market. Datapoints is presented by Pinpoint, Guam’s leading real estate data company. Our mission is to help you make informed decision on real property purchases through detailed market analysis and insights.

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