Movers and Shakas
Movers and Shakas is a Hawaii-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating HITOP, a 6-week place-based acculturation program that helps newly relocated professionals and returning kamaʻāina integrate culturally and professionally into Hawaii, serving local employers across banking, healthcare, military, hospitality, and education.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersTallahassee, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Movers and Shakas does
Movers and Shakas is a Hawaii-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2020 that operates the Hawaiʻi Talent Onboarding Program (HITOP), a 6-week place-based acculturation program designed to help newly relocated professionals and returning kamaʻāina integrate culturally, professionally, and socially into Hawaii. The organization was created by volunteer CEOs during the COVID-19 pandemic as a Remote Worker Program that initially received 90,000 applications for 50 spots; in 2022 it rebranded and pivoted to HITOP to address brain drain by helping local employers retain recruited talent. As of Cohort 8 (Fall 2025) it has acculturated 197 leaders across cohorts since inception, with Cohort 9 scheduled for Fall 2026.
The underlying "product" is a human-delivered curriculum structured around three pillars—Learn (cultural education at sites including ʻIolani Palace and through the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association), Contribute (volunteer service with Kakoʻo ʻŌiwi, Institute for Human Services, Feeding Hawaii Together, PAʻI Foundation, and others), and Connect (professional networking events). Delivery is in-person across Oahu, with no proprietary software, mobile app, or AI/ML components; the core operational asset is the network of 30+ community partner organizations that co-design and host curriculum content.
Commercially, Movers and Shakas uses a B2B2C go-to-market model in which Hawaii-based employers sponsor newly relocated employees at $5,000 per cohort seat via direct sales to HR departments and executives. Customer segments span banking (Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank), healthcare (HMSA, Hawaii Pacific Health), military (U.S. Army Pacific), hospitality (Outrigger Hospitality Group), real estate (Howard Hughes Corporation), retail/food service (Zippy's/FCH Enterprises), and education (Teach for America, funded by United Airlines). A secondary revenue stream consists of charitable donations and grants from foundations (Omidyar ʻOhana Fund, Kosasa Family Fund), corporate sponsors (United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, IQ 360, Tradewind Group, Inkinen), and the state government via DBEDT. The organization is led by Executive Director Nicole Lim (Yale BA magna cum laude, Wharton MBA Palmer Scholar, former eBay senior manager and L.E.K. Consulting) with a Board drawn from major Hawaii employers and the agricultural, cultural, and executive-search sectors. Operations are headquartered at 1000 Bishop St Ste. 302, Honolulu, through Hawaii Executive Collaborative.
Movers and Shakas firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Movers and Shakas
- Legal name
- Movers and Shakas
- Website
- https://moversandshakas.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Movers and Shakas is a Hawaii-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating HITOP, a 6-week place-based acculturation program that helps newly relocated professionals and returning kamaʻāina integrate culturally and professionally into Hawaii, serving local employers across banking, healthcare, military, hospitality, and education.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Movers and Shakas industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cultural Acculturation Programs
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Destination Services (Area Orientation, Settling-In) (HSAKAJAB)
Keywords
Where Movers and Shakas is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tallahassee
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Movers and Shakas business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Cohort Seat Fees: Employers pay $5,000 per cohort seat to sponsor their newly relocated employees through the HITOP program. Discounted pre-paid packages and scholarships are available.
- Donations: The nonprofit accepts charitable donations from individuals and organizations. Donations fund cohort cultural education, volunteer workdays, professional networking events, and operational costs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | $5,000 per cohort seat for employer-sponsored participants |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels8 records
Movers and Shakas product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Movers and Shakas operates the Hawai'i Talent Onboarding Program (HITOP), a 6-week place-based acculturation program that helps newly relocated professionals and returning kama'āina integrate into Hawaii. The program is structured around three pillars: Learn (cultural education about Hawaiian history and customs), Contribute (community service), and Connect (professional networking). Employers in Hawaii sponsor their newly recruited employees to participate, paying per cohort seat, with the goal of retaining key talent and strengthening local community ties.
Product overview
Movers and Shakas operates as a single-product nonprofit organization offering the Hawai'i Talent Onboarding Program (HITOP). HITOP is a 6-week, place-based acculturation program structured around three pillars: Learn (cultural education about Hawaiian history and customs), Contribute (community service), and Connect (professional networking). The program serves newly relocated professionals, returning kama'āina (Hawaii residents), and their partners, helping them integrate culturally, professionally, and socially into Hawaii. HITOP Cohort 8 launched in Fall 2025, with enrollment now open for Cohort 9 in Spring 2026. The organization previously operated a Remote Worker Program (sunsetted in 2022) but has consolidated around HITOP as its sole offering.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HITOP (Hawaii Talent Onboarding Program): A 6-week place-based acculturation program designed to help new and returning residents live and work successfully in Hawaii, supporting local employers in retaining and empowering their highly recruited leaders through cultural education, community service, and networking.
Products and services
- HITOP (Hawai'i Talent Onboarding Program) A 6-week place-based acculturation program that helps newly relocated professionals and returning kama'āina integrate into Hawaii through cultural education, community service, and networking. The program helps participants build lasting relationships and develop a sense of belonging and shared stewardship for their new home. Sponsorship is provided by Hawaii employers at $5,000 per cohort seat.
Quantifiable outcome
- 89% of cohort participants improved their sense of Hawaii as home
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Movers and Shakas
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Movers and Shakas technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Movers and Shakas partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Zippy's Restaurant (FCH Enterprises)coreZippy's Restaurant and its parent company FCH Enterprises have been long-term supporters and sponsors. CEO Jason Higa serves on the Board of Directors. Zippy's provides sponsorship support for the HITOP program.
- United AirlinescoreMajor sponsor that has funded multiple program aspects and sponsored Teach for America corps members to participate in HITOP. United Airlines co-hosted events including the Pau Hana at Olympic Village headquarters.
- Tradewind GroupcoreSponsor with Board representation through Rob Nobriga. Tradewind Group provides ongoing sponsorship and strategic support for the program.
- InkinencoreExecutive search firm with Board representation through Ben Ancheta. Provides sponsorship and strategic support for talent retention initiatives.
- IQ 360 (Public Relations)majorPR partner that executed a highly successful campaign achieving 7 billion online readership impressions and 8 million views, winning the Best Media Relations Campaign award at the 2021 Digital + Social Media Awards.
- Alaska AirlinesmajorAirline sponsor providing travel-related support for the program and its participants.
- Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT)majorState government department and startup funder supporting economic development and talent initiatives. Partnered on the Hawaii Remote Work Project that created hundreds of remote jobs for Hawaii residents.
- Kako'o 'ŌiwicoreNonprofit organization dedicated to growing and selling local produce. Community service partner where cohorts learn about ahupua'a land divisions, sustainable agriculture, and participate in taro patch restoration activities.
- Institute for Human Services (IHS)coreHomeless services organization where cohorts visit the Women & Family Shelter and Kahauiki Village to learn about affordable housing, community development, and participate in volunteer activities.
- The Pantry by Feeding Hawaii TogethercoreFood bank organization addressing food insecurity in Hawaii. Cohorts volunteer, learn about food insecurity challenges, and participate in packing and distribution activities.
- Leadership Works (Glenn Furuya and Debbie Bacon)coreBusiness development and team-building consultants who conduct leadership workshops teaching about Eastern, Western, and Polynesian history, tradition, and values that make Hawaii's business culture unique.
- 'Iolani PalacecoreHistoric royal palace where cohorts begin their journey with immersive guided tours to learn about Hawaiian history and culture as part of cultural education curriculum.
- Ka'ala FarmcoreCultural learning center in Wa'anae Valley that works with disadvantaged youth and teaches traditional Hawaiian practices including ahupua'a land divisions, kapa making, and sustainable agriculture.
- Hale KipacoreYouth services organization serving as a community partner for workdays and educational programming about youth development and community support.
- Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA)coreOrganization promoting Native Hawaiian hospitality and culture. Provides cultural practitioners and educational content about Hawaiian culture, history, and business practices for program participants.
- Holomua CollectivemajorCommunity organization providing talk-story sessions and cultural education. Executive Director Josh Wisch serves as a community voice for program participants.
- PA'I FoundationmajorArts and culture nonprofit where cohort members helped with website development, CRM systems, and artist accelerator programs. Testimonial partner citing successful collaboration.
- Chamber of Commerce HawaiimajorState chamber that partnered on Hanai-A-Classroom program where fellows mentored local high school students and participated in workforce development initiatives.
- Girl Scouts of HawaiimajorYouth organization that partnered on virtual badging programs and capital campaign for STEM Center for Excellence at Camp Paumalu property on the North Shore.
- Hawaii LiteracyminorLiteracy nonprofit that engaged cohort volunteers for various literacy support programs.
- KupuminorYouth conservation organization providing volunteer opportunities for cohort participants.
- Mana UpminorStartup accelerator partner providing entrepreneurial mentorship and volunteer opportunities for cohort members.
- Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE)minorShidler College of Business entrepreneurship center that partnered on venture competitions and startup engagement.
- YMCA of HonolulumajorMajor nonprofit organization participating in HITOP with cohort graduates including Executive Director of Kaimuki-Waialae Y.
- BoxJelly WardminorCoworking venue that hosted closing Pau Hana events for cohort celebrations and networking gatherings.
- Elemental ExceleratorminorClimate and sustainability accelerator that co-hosted events and panel discussions with the program.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Movers and Shakas competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- BGRS: Major global mobility and destination services provider serving large enterprises. Its cultural orientation and settling-in offerings overlap directly with HITOP's mission of helping newly relocated employees acculturate to their new location, though BGRS operates at much larger scale and across many global markets.
- Altair Global: Global mobility and destination services company that helps relocating employees integrate through cultural orientation and community connection. Its three-pillar support model is structurally analogous to HITOP's Learn | Contribute | Connect curriculum.
- Sirva: Global relocation services company offering destination services including area orientation and cultural training. Comparable to Movers and Shakas in providing employer-sponsored employee acclimation support, but Sirva operates commercially and globally rather than as a community-anchored nonprofit.
- Cartus: One of the world's largest corporate relocation and destination services companies. Provides cultural orientation and area orientation programs for relocating employees of Fortune 500 clients — directly comparable to Movers and Shakas' HITOP destination services, though Cartus operates commercially across multiple global geographies while Movers and Shakas is a nonprofit place-based program in Hawaii.
- NuCompass Mobility: U.S.-focused corporate relocation and destination services provider serving enterprise employers. Similar to HITOP in providing employer-sponsored cultural acclimation for relocated employees, though NuCompass operates commercially and across many U.S. markets.
- CapRelo: Corporate relocation management company providing destination services including area orientation and cultural training for relocating employees. Overlaps functionally with Movers and Shakas' HITOP employer-sponsored acculturation model.
- Crown World Mobility: Global mobility and destination services firm offering cultural orientation and area tours for relocated employees. Comparable to Movers and Shakas in providing employer-funded settling-in support, though at global commercial scale.
- Weichert Workforce Mobility: Corporate relocation management firm offering destination services that include cultural orientation and settling-in support. Comparable to HITOP's core offering in providing employer-funded employee acclimation services for relocated professionals.
Emerging players
- RW3 CultureWizard: Cross-cultural training provider serving globally mobile employees. Comparable to HITOP's cultural education component but delivered as digital/training content rather than as an immersive, community-based, in-person program with local cultural partners.
- Berlitz: Cross-cultural training provider offering cultural orientation programs for corporate clients. Overlaps with HITOP's cultural education pillar (Learn) but delivers through commercial training/curriculum rather than a community-integrated, place-based nonprofit model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Movers and Shakas social profiles
Digital presenceMovers and Shakas financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Movers and Shakas leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Movers and Shakas funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Movers and Shakas M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Movers and Shakas
What does Movers and Shakas do?
Movers and Shakas operates the Hawai'i Talent Onboarding Program (HITOP), a 6-week place-based acculturation program that helps newly relocated professionals and returning kama'āina integrate into Hawaii. The program is structured around three pillars: Learn (cultural education about Hawaiian history and customs), Contribute (community service), and Connect (professional networking). Employers in Hawaii sponsor their newly recruited employees to participate, paying per cohort seat, with the goal of retaining key talent and strengthening local community ties.
Is Movers and Shakas a public or private company?
Movers and Shakas is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Movers and Shakas founded?
Movers and Shakas was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Movers and Shakas based?
Movers and Shakas is headquartered in Tallahassee, United States, in the North America region.
How does Movers and Shakas make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Cohort Seat Fees are the primary driver. The others are donations.
Who are Movers and Shakas's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are BGRS, Altair Global, Sirva, Cartus, NuCompass Mobility, CapRelo, Crown World Mobility and Weichert Workforce Mobility. Emerging players are RW3 CultureWizard and Berlitz.
Does Movers and Shakas have an API?
No public API is recorded for Movers and Shakas.
What industry is Movers and Shakas in?
Movers and Shakas's product category is Cultural Acculturation Programs. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAKAJAB, Destination Services (Area Orientation, Settling-In). Its SIC code is 8300.