Very Short Interview No. 1

My entrepreneur is named Allen Chen. Contrary to the last name, he is not a family member. Mr. Chen opened up a Chinese restaurant that my father (Tony) has worked in for over 15 years, as a chef. Being his own manager at the restaurant my father works at, made it fairly convenient for me to contact him when they closed the restaurant for dinner (for the workers). He owns China House restaurant and also China House II, since business was so successful. I asked him quick questions in Chinese that I have translated to the best of my ability back into English. I wrote down his responses quickly on a notepad.

Question 1:

Me: “What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?”

Allen: “Being an entrepreneur means being able to sustain yourself, your business, and your community. Here in China House, we are across Century Village (Apartments for the elderly). I picked this location because I knew I could provide the community with food (Chinese) that they desire without having to pay a lot for the delivery fee. I have been successful.”

Question 2:

Me: “What do you think I should learn in an entrepreneurship course?”

Allen: “I went to school in China and there was no such thing as an entrepreneurship course. I had to learn through trial and error through my brothers before I started my own business. You are very lucky that you have a course in college that can prepare you for the real world.”

Question 3:

Me: “What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur?”

Allen: “Just that (relating to previous response). If I could have mentally prepared for reality, I would have been a stronger entrepreneur from the start. I wish I knew that it may take years to be successful. I gave up many times because I didn’t believe.”

Reflection: I thought that it was very smart of him to choose the location that is most beneficial for his business. The elderly are not always capable of driving to go eat a meal. I also found it really inspiring that he was able to come to America with little to no knowledge about what being an entrepreneur entails. Yet he was still able to overcome all of his problems to be where he is today.