Started From a Group Text Now We’re Here!
Back in 2013 we began a group text message thread. In our group messages we talked about everything from NFL Games to politics, movie reviews, & beyond. Life events happened along the way with each of us during the years & we all managed to power through them with support via our text message group. Eventually we would call our group “The Encouragers” because we would encourage each other to spread knowledge, think outside the box, & add value to others.
We all live in five different parts of the country, in the span of four different time zones & are Tongan. We all met through friends of friends & managed to stay connected all these years.
Joesph “Joe” Tulikihakau resides in Kansas City, Kansas with his wife & children. Joe mentors ex-Donald Trump advisors. Originally from Mesa, Arizona he revolutionized the technique of smuggling hundreds of thousands of people across the American-Mexican border in what later came to be known as a “Coyote”. Just Kidding. Joe has done no such thing or has he? Hometown: Mesa, Arizona (Koloa-Tonga)
Sateki “Tek” Taukiuvea Jr. is an accomplished lighting designer & programmer. Tek has worked on various On & Off Broadway Productions in New York City. Tek started the trend of wearing Sunglasses at Night. When he’s not Dj’ing you can find Tek hunting with his Bow & Arrow like Pocahontas. Tek is single & creates the music for our show. Hometown: Reno, NV (Felemea-Tonga)
Stephanotis “Notis” Namoa Tupou-Fulivai has a background in audio engineering. He currently works as a freelance photographer & editor & lives in Reno, NV. Notis (pronounced like notice) has come to be known by his peers as a Fakamuna Master. Hometown: Reno, NV (Uiha-Tonga)
Pauliasi "Paul" Fanaika is a former American football offensive guard. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State. What they don’t tell you on Wikipedia is that Paul was former college roomates with Will Kofe & Notis at Arizona State where they did nothing but drink Kava every day & make beats. Paul resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife & kids, coaches Offensive Line at Scottsdale Community College & collects madd sneakers! Hometown: San Francisco, CA (Niutoua-Tonga)
Will “Champagne Jaxxon III” Kofe aka Professor Sniper. If you try to Google him, Google redirects you to the FBI & CIA Website.
Will brings tremendous value, insight, & perspective to our group. Will has coached D-1 Division football & also played D-1 Football under Coach Dirk Koetter where he was a 2 year starting Defensive Linemen at Arizona State. Kofe was a two-time “Scholar-Baller Award” winner & was named the Sun Devils’ Newcomer of the Year as a junior. Will earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Arizona State in 2007 & a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Sacramento State. Hometown: Long Beach, CA (Vaini-Tonga)
Thank you for getting to know us & for tuning in. We hope to encourage you, give you different perspectives, & add value to your life!
The Encouragers,
Joe, Paul, Tek, Notis & Will

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