Host: Hello and welcome to Employee Podcasts, where Costco employees share their stories of how their benefits helped them achieve their goals. Today, we’re speaking with Dylan Akihiro. Hi, Dylan.

Dylan Okihiro: Hi, Grace. Thanks for having me on.

Host: We’re so happy to have you. And so, tell me, Dylan. How long have you worked at Costco, what’s your position and which location do you work in?

Dylan Okihiro: So I’ve been working at Costco since October 2022, and I am currently a front end supervisor at the world’s busiest store. Hard to believe. Yes. At 687 Evilly in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii.

Have you held other positions at Costco? Yes. So I was hired during the seasonal period in October 2022. They were trying to have us prep for Christmas, Thanksgiving—that busy holiday rush. I worked my way starting off as a front end assistant, part‑time seasonal. I learned a lot of the ins and outs of what it takes to work at Costco, especially in the front end—pushing carts, helping members find items, loading items into cars, learning cashier tasks, navigating members through the store.

Once my 90‑day probation was over, I was fortunate enough to be hired as a part‑time front end assistant. I kept working hard, stayed humble, and eventually got promoted to full‑time front end assistant.

From there, I worked my way up to becoming a full‑time cashier, doing that for almost a year—learning how to help members even more and learning the registers. Eventually, I decided to apply for the SIT program, the Supervisor‑in‑Training program, which opened my eyes to what it takes to lead and be in a beginning management position at Costco.

Shortly after, I was able to apply and get accepted into becoming a front end supervisor. I am very thankful and blessed and have a lot of appreciation for the employees who trained me, nurtured me, and supported me.

Host: It’s always amazing to hear from different employees how much they’ve grown within Costco and how much Costco invests in that growth. So, speaking of giving back, what is your message today? Which benefit are we highlighting for you?

Dylan Okihiro: I would say, in terms of giving back, understanding the different benefits Costco offers—and how they can improve your life—is huge.

Being born and raised in Hawaii, it takes a lot to make ends meet, especially with the high cost of living. And for Costco to provide all these benefits, especially their financial 401(k) program with zero price to the employee, I think every employee should take advantage of that to the maximum extent possible.

Costco matches your contributions $0.50 per dollar, up to $2,000. And on top of that, they make an annual contribution to your account from your first year of service. Not many companies do that. Every employee should look into this.

Being able to save enough for retirement and live comfortably is something Costco makes possible, and employees should truly appreciate and utilize it.

Host: You’re very financially savvy—you know your stuff. It’s obvious. But can you tell me, does Costco also put money into your 401(k) even if you don’t?

Dylan Okihiro: Yeah. Costco contributes to your account through matching—$0.50 per dollar—and through additional discretionary contributions after your first year of service. That’s something every employee should be aware of.

Host: Are there any educational materials that you’d recommend?

Dylan Okihiro: They do have several videos and articles they send out. I’m subscribed to their email newsletter. They provide great advice and recommendations—how to set up your account, how much you might need later for retirement.

Everyone should take a chance to look at those when they have time. It gives a better sense of what it takes to make ends meet in the future when things can feel uncertain.

Host: What is one thing you want employees to take away from this podcast?

Dylan Okihiro: Try to use Costco benefits as much as possible. Costco offers a wealth of benefits: health, dental, vision, financial, legal advice—you name it. Whatever circumstance you’re going through, Costco has a program that can help support you. If employees understand what’s available, it can make life much easier to navigate.

Host: And finally, Dylan, what is your favorite Costco product?

Dylan Okihiro: Anything relating to vegetables or salads. That is a meal in itself. The Mediterranean Crunch—I never get tired of it. That’s my go‑to. The Sweet Kale Salad and the Asian Kashi Salad make my top three as well.

Host: Well, we appreciate you coming on, and thank you for sharing your story and for looking out for new employees and giving them advice. And thanks to those who listened in. Until next time, remember, we’re in this together.