Indian American entrepreneur Kenny Dewan has spent his life building businesses, empowering teams, and creating impact across industries, from audio manufacturing to real estate. But in recent years, his focus has shifted toward something far more personal and humanitarian that revolves around supporting individuals on their journey to recover from addiction. This mission led to the creation of the Mahalo Recovery Foundation (MRF), a nonprofit launched in 2023 to fill the critical gaps that often exist once primary addiction treatment ends.
With MRF, Dewan is channeling his entrepreneurial mindset into a purpose-driven cause. Based in Newport Beach, the foundation’s mission is to help individuals not just survive addiction, but thrive in their recovery and build the futures they deserve.
Dewan’s journey into behavioral health began over a decade ago when he founded Akua Behavioral Health in 2012, a leading provider of substance abuse and mental health treatment. After nearly a decade of growth, he transitioned Akua into employee ownership in 2021, believing deeply in empowering his team and honouring their role in the organization’s success. Yet, despite Akua’s achievements, Dewan couldn’t ignore a recurring challenge, and that was; patients, once discharged, often lacked the long-term support required to maintain sobriety. Many faced financial insecurity, unstable housing, and limited access to mentorship. These factors frequently led to relapse.
This realization sparked the birth of MRF. The foundation is focused on three key areas of financial aid for sober living, peer mentorship to foster accountability, and strategic partnerships to expand recovery-related infrastructure. Dewan, who brings over 30 years of experience in commercial and residential development through his firm MondayOne, aims to use his real estate background to build supportive recovery environments.
Central to MRF’s model is the power of lived experience. The foundation seeks to connect individuals in early recovery with mentors who have achieved long-term sobriety, creating a system of guidance, empathy, and hope that continues long after clinical treatment ends. It’s a reflection of Dewan’s belief that lasting recovery requires more than medical care. it needs community.
Dewan, who also founded Advanced Speaker Manufacturing (ASM), a company that supplied components for major audio brands, is no stranger to innovation. His leadership has been spotlighted in Forbes and Builder & Developer, and his bestselling book, It’s All About the Business Culture, distills decades of insights on leadership and growth.
