Running a construction company in Hawaii isn’t for the faint of heart. Every material must cross an ocean, labor costs are high, and supply chains often move at the pace of the trade winds. But for Mike Mazzone, president of Statewide General Contracting & Construction Inc., these challenges have become the fuel for creativity and long-term success.

Headquartered in Honolulu, Mazzone’s company has earned a strong reputation for delivering quality craftsmanship, while constantly exploring smarter, more efficient methods to build in the islands. From pioneering the use of stretch fabric wall systems to introducing raised access flooring to the local market, Mazzone’s approach is rooted in innovation, adaptability, and a deep respect for his team.

“We’re a typical drywall and plastering contractor by trade,” Mazzone says, “but what sets us apart is that we’re not afraid to try new things, especially when they make sense for Hawaii.”

Photos: Statewide General Contracting & Construction

From Rhode Island Roots to Island Innovation

Mazzone’s passion for construction began far from the Pacific. Growing up in Rhode Island, he discovered his love for building early on, inspired by a family project that was simple but transformative.

“As a young kid, my brother-in-law helped me build a treehouse in the backyard,” he recalled. “That was it, I was hooked.”

Through high school, shop classes and woodworking projects deepened that interest. After graduation, Mazzone joined the U.S. Marine Corps, which brought him discipline, structure, and a drive to lead, traits that would later serve him well in construction management.

After his military service, he relocated to Hawaii, where he spent two decades working under some of the state’s top drywall contractors. Those years provided him with a foundation in both craft and business.

“I worked for 20 years in Hawaii for many great drywall companies,” he says. “When I finally started Statewide General Contracting in 2004, I already knew I wanted to focus on the specialty trades I had mastered.”

A Company Built on Craftsmanship and Specialty Expertise

Today, Statewide General Contracting operates across multiple divisions—from structural framing to high-end finishes. In Division 5, the company handles cold-formed steel framing for load-bearing, non-load-bearing, and exterior applications. Under Division 7, it provides insulation services for both thermal and acoustic performance. And under Division 9, Mazzone’s team manages everything from drywall framing, hanging, and finishing to tile work, plaster, and acoustic ceilings.

But where the company truly shines is in its specialty services, particularly its work with stretch fabric wall and ceiling systems and raised access flooring.

“About 10 years ago, we became the distributor and installer for Clipso and Novawall in Hawaii and the South Pacific,” Mazzone explains. “These systems allow us to deliver a cleaner, faster alternative to traditional acoustic panels and avoid the challenges of shipping large, fragile materials across the ocean.”

The stretch fabric system has also opened up new residential opportunities. Instead of costly asbestos abatement for old popcorn ceilings, homeowners can now choose Statewide’s fabric system; an option that’s faster, cleaner, and often more affordable.

“It’s a niche market we’re growing,” Mazzone says. “We’re able to improve sound quality, aesthetics, and turnaround time all at once.”

Another innovation has been becoming Hawaii’s Tate Flooring distributor and installer, expanding the company’s expertise beyond walls and ceilings. “Most people don’t think of drywall contractors as flooring installers,” he laughs, “but the Tate-raised floor system is actually similar to an acoustic ceiling, just upside down. It’s pedestals off the floor instead of wires hanging from the ceiling.”

Photos: Statewide General Contracting & Construction

Adapting Through Challenges

Like many contractors, Statewide faced turbulence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Projects stalled, schedules shifted, and material delays stretched timelines.

“Before COVID, we were growing a little each year,” Mazzone says. “We stayed steady during the slowdowns but when that work was done, no new jobs were starting as planned. Our backlog was at a standstill.”

Yet Mazzone refused to let uncertainty dictate the future. By diversifying services and deepening relationships with clients and suppliers, he positioned Statewide for resilience.

“This year, we’ve won a couple of good-sized projects, and overall, the construction outlook for Oahu is strong. Downtown Honolulu is seeing a wave of redevelopment, turning old commercial buildings into high-rise residential towers. That’s good for everyone,” he says.

Still, Hawaii’s construction climate brings unique operational challenges. “As a specialty contractor, scheduling is always tough,” he admits. “Work can come all at once, or we have to tell good employees to stay home until the next phase starts. That’s just the nature of construction.”

Leadership Beyond the Jobsite

After nearly four decades in the industry, Mazzone’s focus has shifted from job-by-job wins to the long-term health of the construction community.

“I used to measure success by the projects we finished and the budgets we beat,” he says. “Now, it’s about the people (my employees, our apprentices, and the industry as a whole).”

Mazzone’s leadership extends well beyond his company. He has served on numerous boards and associations that support contractors, workers, and industry standards. His involvement includes:

• Hawaii Wall and Ceiling Industry Association: Past board member and director
• Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry: Served six years as director
• Finishing Contractors Association International: Current board member
• Building Industry Association and Construction Specifications Institute: Active member
• ASTM, CISCA, and SWACCA: National memberships supporting safety and trade standards

“I’m always looking for ways to improve the conditions for employees and contractors,” Mazzone says. “That means supporting apprenticeship training and lobbying for legislative changes that protect our trade.”

Locally, he also serves as a trustee overseeing benefits for union members, representing multiple trades under Statewide’s umbrella: carpenters, tapers, tile setters, and plasterers.

“We currently have 26 field employees from four different unions,” he says. “Counting our office team, that’s 30 people whose livelihoods depend on the company doing well. That’s not something I take lightly.”

A Personal Philosophy of Purpose

When asked about the hardest part of his job, Mazzone doesn’t hesitate. “It’s knowing how many lives depend on our success,” he says. “We want to continue to do well so we can provide steady work and good opportunities for every employee.”

It’s a responsibility that defines his leadership philosophy: lead with integrity, adapt with purpose, and always look ahead. His long-term goal reflects that forward-thinking mindset. “As much as I love what I do, my goal is to eventually step aside and have one of my employees take over the business,” he says. “That would be the best legacy I could leave.”

Beyond the Jobsite: A Life Well Traveled

When Mazzone isn’t managing projects or mentoring apprentices, he’s most likely halfway around the world — or planning his next adventure. He’s traveled to every continent and all but one of the world’s oceans.

“I’ve been on a cruise to Antarctica, but I’d like to go back and do an adventure cruise—kayaking, walking on glaciers, maybe even a mini-submarine dive,” he says. “The only ocean I haven’t been to is the Indian Ocean, so that’s next on the list.”

At home in Hawaii, he finds balance through hiking and outrigger canoe paddling, activities that allow him to disconnect from work. “If there’s no internet, that’s the only time my wife knows I’m really not working,” he laughs.

When the conversation turns philosophical, Mazzone’s answer to one question reveals his deep sense of family and reflection. If he could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, he’d choose his father. “I left home at 18 and never really knew my dad as an adult,” he says. “I’d love to talk with him again and hear his thoughts on life.”

A Legacy Built on Craft and Character

For Mazzone, building isn’t just about materials and measurements: It’s about people, relationships, and the lasting impact of good work. After nearly 40 years in construction, he remains as passionate as ever about learning, leading, and leaving the industry stronger than he found it.

“Construction is the best industry there is,” he says. “Every project, every challenge, it’s an opportunity to create something that will outlast us all.”

In Hawaii, where the challenges of isolation meet the rewards of innovation, that’s exactly what Mike Mazzone and Statewide General Contracting continue to do: build better, one wall—and one person—at a time.