We’re proud to introduce the ten incredible companies joining Cohort 10 of Mana Up, a Hawai‘i-based accelerator and economic development initiative that helps local product companies scale globally—while creating jobs, opportunities, and strengthening community across the islands.
On a quiet night during the COVID lockdown, a casual conversation over golf and overpriced polos sparked something big. What began as a joke between two family members from Ewa Beach quickly turned into a movement. Today, Sugar Caddy HI is one of Hawai‘i’s most exciting lifestyle brands—blending island pride, streetwear energy, and golf-course functionality into every drop.
“We were supposed to be social distancing,” laughs co-founder Ian Pantorilla. “Instead, we started a golf brand from our dining room table.”
Founded in 2020 by Ian and his brother-in-law Branden Agbunag, Sugar Caddy HI was born out of passion, hustle, and a deep connection to local style. With bold designs, limited-edition releases, and an emphasis on affordability, the brand is redefining what golf apparel can look and feel like—especially in Hawai‘i.
A Brand Built on Faith, Family, and Fairways
Golf wasn’t always in the picture for Ian, who comes from a baseball background. But after one visit to the driving range with Branden, he was hooked.
“It felt like being back on the field,” he says. “But when I went to buy a golf polo, they were all $90 or more. I couldn’t afford that. So we asked ourselves—why not make our own?”
With no fashion experience and just $2,000 in startup capital, the pair launched Sugar Caddy HI with three original polo designs. They didn’t take a paycheck, didn’t hire a team, and didn’t have outside funding. What they had was faith, family, and a vision: to make golf gear that felt true to Hawai‘i.
More Than a Brand—It’s an ‘Ohana
From day one, Sugar Caddy has been a family affair. Ian’s wife, Zsalei, helps design the collections, while their keiki are part of the daily operations. Together, they’ve created a brand that’s both personal and proudly local.
“It’s more than clothes—it’s our ‘ohana in motion,” Ian says.
That spirit of collaboration extends to the broader community as well. Sugar Caddy has become known for lifting up other Hawai‘i-based brands and creators, choosing collaboration over competition at every turn.
“We’re not trying to crush the competition—we’re trying to grow the entire Hawai‘i entrepreneur scene,” Ian says. “There’s room for all of us.”
Hawaii-Inspired, But Never Cliché
While not every drop is covered in palm prints or plumeria, the influence of Hawai‘i runs deep. Whether it's a nod to a local flower, a print inspired by island landscapes, or a collab with a Hawai‘i-based artist, each piece is thoughtfully created with cultural respect and originality.
Affordability is also part of their cultural mission. “Living in Hawai‘i is expensive,” Ian says. “We want our gear to reflect real life here—you shouldn’t have to choose between looking good and paying rent.”
The brand’s signature drop model—limited runs of unique designs that don’t restock—adds an element of excitement and collectibility. “It’s like sneaker culture,” says Ian. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Big Dreams, Humble Beginnings
Despite having no prior experience in manufacturing, the team learned fast—ordering samples, attending sourcing expos, and figuring things out through trial, error, and persistence.
“It was total culture shock,” Ian recalls of their first sourcing trip to Las Vegas. “Just two guys from Ewa Beach navigating the world of supply chains. But we showed up, we asked questions, and we made it work.”
That work is starting to pay off. Sugar Caddy polos have made their way across the Pacific—and even into airports. “I saw a guy wearing our polo at the gate in Dallas. He wasn’t even from Hawai‘i,” Ian says. “That’s when I realized—we’re reaching people.”
From Local Favorite to Household Name
For Ian, building Sugar Caddy HI is about more than growing a brand—it’s about building a legacy. “I want to raise my kids with an entrepreneurial spirit and show them what it looks like to build something meaningful,” he says. “And I want to put Hawai‘i’s golf scene on the map.”
Looking ahead, the vision is bold. Ian hopes to open Sugar Caddy stores across O‘ahu malls, expand to the mainland, and eventually roll out full golf and everyday apparel collections—all representing Hawai‘i style at every level.
Grounded in Gratitude
Through all the wins—and plenty of growing pains—Ian credits his wife and his faith with keeping him grounded.
“We’ve been married 15 years,” he says. “She—and God—keep me humble. That’s what helps me stay focused through the highs and lows.”
His favorite piece in the line? The UPF50 long sleeve. “Don’t get me wrong—our polos are perfect for surprise grad parties,” he laughs. “But the long sleeves? You can wear them to the beach, the range, or running errands. They’re built for island life.”
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
“Just dive in. You’ll never be fully ready. Find mentors. Ask questions. And don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. Every brand you admire started somewhere. Why not us?”
Learn more about Sugar Caddyy at sugarcaddyhi.com
Follow on Instagram: @sugarcaddy_hi
