Why Ral West?
I’ve been in your shoes.
Entrepreneur for 45+ years. Bestselling author. Coach to entrepreneurs who want a life.
I opened my first business in 1981, a tourism marketing consulting firm in Anchorage. I’ve been an entrepreneur ever since, for more than 45 years now.
The biggest chapter was Hawaiian Vacations, which lasted 25 years. John and I built it into a scheduled charter airline flying 30,000–35,000 passengers a year between Anchorage and Honolulu. We grew it to mid eight figures in annual revenue, and in 2008 we sold it to Alaska Airlines.
It wasn’t a straight line. For years, everything landed on us, and we were exhausted. What got us out wasn’t working harder. It was learning to run the business as owners instead of doing every job ourselves.
You don’t have to choose between a successful business and a life of your own. You can have both.
A few things I learned the hard way
Take calculated risks, not blind ones. We once chartered a DC-8 based on a spreadsheet analysis, and we sold every seat.
Pay attention before you need to. When we noticed Alaska Airlines was earning its ETOPS certifications, the approval to fly long routes over water like ours, we saw an opening. We pitched them first.
Step back on purpose. About five years after we started building real systems, we hired a COO and a CFO. The business kept running. We got our lives back.
How I Help
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- I help you stop being the employee your business can’t function without.
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- I help you move from operator to owner, so your business can run without you and support the life you want.
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- Together, we build a strategic roadmap for what to eliminate, delegate, simplify, and systematize to make that freedom possible.
The Six-Legged Stool
Think of your business as a six-legged stool. If one leg is short, the whole thing wobbles, and you end up holding it steady yourself. The six legs are Systems, Measuring Performance, Leverage, Culture, Team, and Customer Service. All six work together. When they’re solid, the stool stands on its own, and so does your business.

I’m a contributing author in three bestselling anthologies, with a fourth on the way: From Inspiration to Success! The Entrepreneurial Journey (coming soon). I’m also a speaker and a frequent podcast guest. You can hear some of those conversations on my Podcasts page.




Giving back has always mattered to me. I’ve served as a board member and officer of the Alaska Visitors Association, Chair of the Alaska Tourism Marketing Council, and a Trustee of Pacific Northern Academy and Alaska Pacific University, and I’ve served on a few other boards. I’ve also mentored a lot of entrepreneurs along the way.
I earned my Bachelor’s in Organizational Management, and I’ve taught as an adjunct university professor and led seminars for business owners. Real-world experience is still my best teacher.
The Short Version
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- 1981: Opened my Anchorage tourism marketing consulting business.
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- 1982–2008: Built Hawaiian Vacations, with John, from a Hawaii condo-rental business into a scheduled charter airline flying 30,000–35,000 passengers a year between Anchorage and Honolulu.
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- Grew it to mid eight figures in annual revenue and sold it to Alaska Airlines in 2008.
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- Built a diversified business portfolio, including small cruise ships, commercial and residential real estate, and multifamily syndications.
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- Serial entrepreneur for 45+ years.
What Livin’ the Dream Means to Me Now
For years, we split our time between our homes in Alaska and Hawaii, cruising on our yacht, and enjoying luxury global travels. These days, I live in Texas and I still love worldwide travel and cruises.
But for me, it was never really about where I live. It’s about time. The freedom to say no and to do what I please, when I please.
That’s what I want for you, too. If you’re done carrying everything alone, let’s start with an honest look at where you are right now.
You Built a Successful Business.
So, Why Does It Still Need You for Everything?
Take 3 minutes to find out where your business still depends on you, and what it would take to get your time and your life back.
What Others Are Saying


Ral and John were very successful. They asked me to join their Hawaiian Vacations Board of Directors. The Board meetings were very well organized and Ral presented the financial results; the company was very profitable. That is also why Alaska Airlines purchased their Hawaiian Vacations company. Ral could have joined her father’s company but instead became a very successful entrepreneur on her own with her very sharp husband John. Ral can be a great consultant in any business including Real Estate Development. “
Immediately, Ral’s suggestions were just the right lubricant to get my gears turning smoothly again. I pulled together some KPIs, put basic systems in place, and clearly set expectations for my team. It wasn’t just about holding them accountable—it also forced me to be accountable, even from four hours away. I felt an immediate sense of relief melt off my shoulders and chest.
Fast forward two months: my new manager has stepped confidently into his leadership role, now with a stronger sense of direction and accountability (he was actually happy about everything I implemented!). We went from losing revenue every single month of 2025 to finally breaking the curse in May—just one month after implementing Ral’s strategies—and we’re trending strong into June. I’ve also gained the courage to add new services I’ve been afraid to tackle for over a year.
Ral’s willingness to share her success in both business and life has truly been a Godsend. I’m forever grateful to have met her and to be blessed by her wisdom and belief in me. Not only has it helped me turn my situation around, but I now move forward with confidence that I can be a successful business owner—even from afar.
Thank you Ral!! “







