Think You Can’t Afford a Home in Hawaiʻi? Think Again.
In this episode of In Search of Excellence: Island Style, Larry Gonzales sits down with Army veteran, cybersecurity leader, and entrepreneur Uliya Sparks for an inspiring conversation about buying a home in Hawaiʻi, making the most of a VA home loan, overcoming life’s challenges, and finding the courage to pursue a greater purpose.
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)From growing up in Russia and being adopted into an American family to serving in the U.S. Army, building a successful federal cybersecurity career, and becoming a Hawaiʻi homeowner, Uliya shares the decisions and life lessons that shaped her remarkable journey. She also discusses why she left the security of a GS-14 government position to launch her nonprofit, Cyber Seeds, and cybersecurity consulting company, Reckless Technologies.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, military family, veteran, or someone navigating a major life transition, this episode offers practical financial advice and encouragement to help you move forward with confidence.
Guest Bio
Uliya Sparks
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)Army Veteran | Cybersecurity Leader | Entrepreneur | Founder of Cyber Seeds & Reckless Technologies
Uliya Sparks is an Army veteran, cybersecurity executive, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for helping others build meaningful careers in technology. After serving in the military, she spent years leading cybersecurity initiatives within the federal government, rising to the GS-14 level before stepping away to pursue her calling as a business owner and nonprofit founder.
Today, Uliya leads Reckless Technologies, a cybersecurity consulting firm specializing in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), while also growing Cyber Seeds, a nonprofit dedicated to creating educational opportunities and career pathways for future cybersecurity professionals.
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)Episode Summary
Buying a home in Hawaiʻi is one of the biggest financial decisions many people will ever make—and it’s easy to believe it’s simply out of reach.
Larry Gonzales and Uliya Sparks discuss what it really takes to become a homeowner in today’s market, why education and planning matter more than perfect timing, and how using a VA home loan strategically can create long-term financial opportunities.
Uliya shares how she purchased her first home in Ho’opili using her VA home loan benefit, negotiated seller credits to reduce upfront costs, and later refinanced to improve her long-term financial position. Together, Larry and Uliya discuss the realities of homeowners insurance, HOA fees, maintenance costs, and why understanding the total cost of homeownership helps buyers make more confident decisions.
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)Beyond real estate, Uliya opens up about her extraordinary life journey—from growing up in Russia during a time of political and economic uncertainty to being adopted into an American family, serving in the Army, becoming a single mother, and building a successful career in cybersecurity.
The conversation also explores one of the biggest decisions of her life: leaving the security of a GS-14 federal career after experiencing burnout to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. Uliya shares why faith, surrender, and trusting God’s direction gave her the courage to launch Cyber Seeds and Reckless Technologies, with a mission to serve others and create opportunities for the next generation.
Throughout the episode, Larry and Uliya emphasize that success isn’t measured only by career titles or financial achievements—it’s about living with purpose, investing in people, and making decisions that align with your values.
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)Timestamp Highlights
00:00 Meet Uliya Sparks
00:33 Buying Her First Home in Hawaiʻi
03:25 Refinancing at the Right Time
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)05:20 The Reality of Hawaiʻi Home Prices
06:07 Growing Up in Russia & Adoption
07:07 Joining the Army
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)10:08 Army Life & Leadership
12:38 Building a Cybersecurity Career
15:17 Advancing to GS-14
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)17:46 Renting Before Buying
20:02 Insurance & Homeownership Challenges
27:57 HOA Fees & Affordability
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)33:29 Using VA Benefits to Build Wealth
34:16 Leaving Government Service
39:14 Starting a Business with Purpose
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)40:10 Parenting in a Digital World
44:04 Faith Over Fear
49:31 Personal Growth & Letting Go
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)58:49 Mentorship & Trusted Relationships
1:03:29 Burnout & A New Mission
1:07:16 What Reckless Technologies Does
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)1:11:51 Closing Thoughts
Key Takeaways
Buying a home in Hawaiʻi starts with education and preparation—not perfect timing.
Your VA home loan benefit can be a powerful tool for building long-term wealth.
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)Understanding insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance costs is just as important as knowing your mortgage payment.
Career success means little without purpose and balance.
Burnout can become the catalyst for discovering a new calling.
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)Faith and community provide strength during life’s biggest transitions.
Entrepreneurship requires courage, planning, and a willingness to trust the process.
Mentorship and lifelong learning create opportunities that last far beyond a single career.
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)Financial literacy empowers families to make confident decisions.
Success is ultimately measured by the lives you impact, not just the titles you earn.
Listen & Watch
🎥 Watch on YouTube: Link here
Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)🎧 Listen on Spotify: Link here
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Link here
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Verify your mortgage eligibility (Aug 24th, 2026)If this episode inspired you, share it with a veteran, military family, first-time homebuyer, entrepreneur, or anyone preparing for their next chapter in life.
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