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 If you’ve ever wondered how Australian rice found its way to Hong Kong, follow Benjamin Lu’s family tree. More than 50 years ago, Lu’s grandfather had a hunch that Australian rice would be a hit in his home county. He was right. Today Lui Hing Hop Co. imports rice for some of Hong Kong’s largest supermarket chains.
And the knack for innovation seems to run in the family. As assistant manager of his family’s business, Lu is constantly looking for ways to keep the company thriving.
“I’m trying to figure out how to evolve the business and create other kinds of opportunities for import,” he said. “When I travel, I look for products that are not available in Hong Kong that would sell well.”
Lu said he is considering importing products such as fruit bars and certain kinds of bottled water, which might flourish in the Hong Kong market.
But in addition to striving for success in business, Lu also seeks balance in life. In order to achieve both, Lu has developed a way to synthesize his skills as a salesman with his passion for windsurfing.
Over the years, Lu has been seeking out the best manufacturers of windsurfing parts from various places around the world. He hopes one day to begin importing the highest quality parts to Hong Kong and selling them to fellow windsurfing enthusiasts.
Of course, after he receives the parts, he tests them himself. “It’s crucial to have personal experience with a product,” says Lu.
“In this type of business it’s important to have good customer service and be really behind your product,” he said. “These are things they don’t teach you in school. I’ve learned a lot just trying things out and doing them.”
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