FACES OF PACE

Lauren Pierce is the co-founder of Reeler, a platform designed to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s food system by connecting consumers directly to local fishermen. Together with fellow UH alumnus Spencer VanDerKamp, she launched the company while completing her studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Lauren earned her B.A. in Economics with a concentration in Quantitative Economics, along with a Minor in Business Administration. During her time at UH, she was deeply engaged in campus life, serving in the Associated Students of UH (ASUH), joining the Fishing Club at UH, and competing in the UH Venture Competition. Her passion for community-driven entrepreneurship led her to co-create Reeler, which has grown to serve more than 100 sellers and countless buyers across Hawaiʻi. Guided by a mission to make fresh, sustainable seafood more accessible, Lauren continues to champion innovation that benefits both local producers and consumers.

Spencer VanDerKamp is the co-founder of Reeler, a mobile marketplace connecting local fishermen directly with consumers to deliver the freshest seafood at affordable prices. Along with fellow UH alumna Lauren Pierce, he launched the company while studying at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Spencer graduated cum laude from UH Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business with degrees in Management Information Systems and International Business, and was regularly recognized on the Dean’s List. As a student, he was actively involved with the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship, competing in programs such as the UH Business Plan Competition and Summer Startup Launchpad, and earning third place in the UH Student Venture Competition. His leadership in co-founding Reeler has helped fishermen and women, particularly those impacted by the pandemic, triple their earnings on average, while providing thousands of locals with access to sustainable seafood.