Tweet
incent Hosang - Spreading Caribbean flavours across America
published: Monday | March 28, 2005
- WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
Vincent Hosang
Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
IT IS easy to pass the story of Vincent Hosang's business success off as the typical American dream or a classic case of rags to riches. But there is more to the man than meets the eye.
Like so many other Chinese Jamaicans, he grew up seeing his parents operate the only shop in his district of Springfield, St. James, in the 1930s and 1940s. But having an overdose of generosity, his father literally gave away everything.
Today, Mr. Hosang heads the largest Caribbean frozen food plant in North America. But he has not forgotten the days when he made US$60 per week. From the first small restaurant, Royal Caribbean Bakery and Caribbean Food Delights have emerged as giant beacons of reliability and pride for Jamaicans overseas.
Hard dough bread, nine different types of patties, Easter buns and cakes are served and delivered to grocery stores, supermarkets and the large chains like Costco, Walmart, BJ's, Win Dixie and Sams, from the company's headquarters in Rockland County.
NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN
At age 64, the Cornwall College old boy (taught by Professor Rex Nettleford), shows no signs of slowing down; instead, he is now focused on providing the necessary experience and example for his four children to follow, and in four months, will launch his latest project - JerkQ'zine - a franchise store offering jerk chicken, fish and other items. Over 600 persons have made initial enquiries since last year's announcement.
Through charities, such as Team Jamaica Bickle, for the past 10 years, Mr. Hosang has driven his truck loaded with three meals per day for athletes attending the annual Penn Relays. They also assist with accommodation and transportation at the games and provide scholarships for others.
Recently in the island to attend the VMBS Boys' and Girls' Championships, Mr. Hosang, who heads a number of charities geared to the betterment of Jamaicans, spoke with The Gleaner about his remarkable 27-year journey, his love for his home, helping athletes excel at the annual Penn Relays and his plans for the future.
BE: Take us back to your childhood and explain how it all began for you.
VH: My parents operated a general store and sold groceries, hardware, fabric by the roll, a bakery and a rum bar. Henry Hosang was a very generous man. We lived in a rural community and neighbours would come and asked Maas Hen, for favours and he always gave them, eventually giving away the store. There was no industry and people were poor, so he helped.
All eight of us had to split up and live with relatives. I attended Cornwall College and my uncle who took me in, once asked me what I planned to do in life. I told him I wanted to be a doctor, and he said it was a good profession, but he needed help in the store. He asked me quit school and help him and when I became a man, he'd set me up in my own store.
I wrote to my big brother King, and asked his advice. He said no because at least one of us should finish high school; he even offered to pay my boarding, drove over from Mandeville where he was and spoke to my uncle, but when he left, I thought to myself that when I needed help my uncle was there for me. I also think the Lord was directing me that He had better plans for me.
Now looking back on my life, I have inherited the generosity of my father, so I would have been a poor doctor.
I helped my uncle for a few years, but my father opened a new store in Kingston and the same big brother came to tell me to go and help him, so I went. Then in 1968, I decided to go to the United States because as a boy growing up, I always saw the farm workers return home with nice things and thought America must be a great place.
My first job was putting hinges on briefcase for US$60 per week (US$49 after taxes). I began to pick up the pennies on the streets, so I could buy newspapers to look for advertisements. I found a better job delivering milk at nights and made a big improvement of US$148 per week.
But I learnt that no matter how small your wages, do your best because on my US$60 a week job, my boss noticed my attitude and gave me a raise. He told me I was the only one getting it. Even though it was $1.60 per hour, I did not take unnecessary breaks; I refused to give less. The country was cold, and delivering in the snow was hard, but I stuck it out till my older brother again advised me to go on my own.
He told me to look for a business and he'd help me.
I wanted to make patties and bread, but I found a fried chicken restaurant in a great location in Bronx, New York. It was a losing business, but I saw what they were doing wrong: the place was not kept clean and the food was not good. I turned it around in six months and then began paying myself $100 weekly. I was at that time married with one son.
My brother then taught me to make patties. I improved on his formula and by giving good service and quality products and with the support of Jamaicans, business thrived.
Two years later, we bought a bakery in a changing German neighbourhood. Everything blossomed from what was a losing proposition. We outgrew it and kept expanding and grew from 2,500-sq-ft into a 20,000 in Mount Vernon.
We outgrew that and made only bread at that location, but we bought a new place in Rockland County. It's 10 acres and we built a 75,000-sq-ft property. That was 11 years ago; two years ago we ran out of space again. God has blessed me, He has work for me to do and right now we are in the process of further expansion. We are adding a freezer to hold 25 trailer loads of product.
We supply the entire country, as well as overseas, including the U.S.. Virgin Islands. The mainstream market is now taking on our products.
BE: Who are some of your major customers?
VH: We supply patties to Costco, Wal Mart, BJ's, Sams, Win Dixie, independent supermarkets, grocery stores and many other outlets.
BE: This is impressive for someone who started life in a dented car. Tell me about that.
VH: When I started I bought a Dodge with a big dent in the side; I once went to a customer who saw it and said, "Poor Chiney man." I have never forgotten it.
BE: So what do you drive now?
VH: A Mercedes 500 but that's material. I am grateful to God.
BE: Are your children in the business?
VH: I have four children; two are still in college, but I would love to see them take it over and carry on with their children, but I'm not forcing them. I have told them, "You were born in America, but you must always remember that your roots are Jamaican and when Jamaicans call on you for help, don't turn your back; help if you can; don't give away the store like grandpa, but help.
BE: How difficult was it for you - a Jamaican in 1968 - to go to the United States to get your residency?
VH: It was very easy, in six months, you got your permits and residency, then I became a citizen.
BE: How difficult or easy was it to set up business?
VH: The first store was not problematic because we got it from an American who guided us in understanding taxes and so on. Prior to that when I was delivering milk and I asked the owner of a Jamaican store how to set up something like his, but he was very negative. We don't help each other enough, we are not sufficiently united.
Each new business got easier to set up, but there were many hurdles and we have to go through all municipalities, such as planning and zoning boards; we have to attend several meetings and the public has to be informed, so they can vote on it. It took us one year to get approval for the freezer we are now putting in.
BE: I understand you are setting up a building where Jamaican organisations and community groups can hold their meetings. Tell me bout that.
VH: It will be a place where the public can hold meetings, council members, alumni associations and assembly men and women can meet. It can hold 150 and presently that is where my high school alumni meets. They can use it for fund-raising activities or anything else. I would love to see us united and be a strong force.
BE: We hear frequently that Jamaicans are lazy and don't want to work, but we also hear glowing reports about the excellent quality of work done by Jamaicans when they go overseas. What percentage of Jamaicans/West Indians do you hire and how do you find them?
VH: I do employ a majority of Jamaicans; we are a Jamaican company and supported by Jamaicans and this is a way of giving back. I also employ Mexicans, Phillipines and South Americans. From practical experience some workers don't give 100 per cent and I find their attitude wanting at times. I also find some with the wrong attitude, so I tell them a good attitude will take you far. I want to see good attitude and courtesy at all times, so we are developing a programme to improve on that. But, I am happy with them.
BE: Where do you see the company going in 15-20 years?
VH: Within a five-year period, we hope to double revenue and continue with spreading the new franchise.
BE: Will the Rockland County property be enough to handle future growth or will you need to call the real estate agent soon?
VH: It will be able to handle expansion and we have already received permission to construct space.
BE: You are about to expand the group with a chain of JerkQ'zine fast food type restaurants and I understand you will be selling franchises for this. How will that work?
VH: We will open the first one in New York and our scouts are looking for location. We hope to be up and running in four months. We have over 600 requests for stores already from right across America. This will create jobs for Jamaicans. It will offer the gamut of dishes that customers can either eat on the spot or purchase to reheat at home. Interested persons can purchase a franchise for US$300,000 to $500,000, depending on the location and size. The menu is being fine-tuned, so it does not overwhelm customers. We will do burgers and other quick menu items.
BE: You have plans to assist a Jamaican orthodontist in New York to give free service to needy people here and in other countries; explain that for me.
VH: Dr. Streete is an orthodontist who partners with other doctors who visit the islands to take care of the less fortunate. They need a facility to work from and a mobile unit is needed. We are helping to get one for Jamaica, and through fund-raising we will help. I keep thinking that if I were a doctor, I'd be in that same boat.
BE: So you have no regrets about not becoming a doctor?
VH: No, I can do much more for others this way. I am happy; I have made lots of strides.
BE: What about retirement; is that in the cards for now?
VH: No, I am looking forward to taking it easier and with expansion, I want to see the children gravitate to it because nothing beats experience. No matter how many college degrees you have, nothing beats experience. Over the years when you develop, you correct mistakes.
BE: What gives you the most satisfaction?
VH: When I look back and see how God has blessed me and the people have supported me, and I'm able to give back, it's gratifying. However, when I help an individual, I tell them to remember and help someone else when they have made it.
BE: What's a typical day like and what do you do on weekends?
VH: I am up at five in the mornings and if managers are away, I start earlier and work till 12 or 12 hours daily, but I get a break sometimes. I don't do this everyday. Sundays I like to relax. I began as a Baptist in the country, but I later became a Catholic.
BE: Any hobbies?
VH: Fishing sometimes in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and last year I went to the off-shore of Mexico and caught lots of tuna. I love it. I don't travel a lot, but I have been to China once. I still read the newspapers to see what's happening.
BE: You are here every year and with access to the Internet, you are able to know what's happening here instantly. Give me your honest feelings about the crime situation that we cannot seem to overcome.
VH: Crime is a big problem and I know many Jamaicans in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom have property here and have received advice not to build homes here. I am concerned and more jobs have to be created to keep idle hands occupied. Some will always want fast money.
BE: What lessons for life have you passed on to your children?
VH: I tell them not to look down on anyone, no matter what height you reach. Remain humble.
More Business |
published: Monday | March 28, 2005
- WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
Vincent Hosang
Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
IT IS easy to pass the story of Vincent Hosang's business success off as the typical American dream or a classic case of rags to riches. But there is more to the man than meets the eye.
Like so many other Chinese Jamaicans, he grew up seeing his parents operate the only shop in his district of Springfield, St. James, in the 1930s and 1940s. But having an overdose of generosity, his father literally gave away everything.
Today, Mr. Hosang heads the largest Caribbean frozen food plant in North America. But he has not forgotten the days when he made US$60 per week. From the first small restaurant, Royal Caribbean Bakery and Caribbean Food Delights have emerged as giant beacons of reliability and pride for Jamaicans overseas.
Hard dough bread, nine different types of patties, Easter buns and cakes are served and delivered to grocery stores, supermarkets and the large chains like Costco, Walmart, BJ's, Win Dixie and Sams, from the company's headquarters in Rockland County.
NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN
At age 64, the Cornwall College old boy (taught by Professor Rex Nettleford), shows no signs of slowing down; instead, he is now focused on providing the necessary experience and example for his four children to follow, and in four months, will launch his latest project - JerkQ'zine - a franchise store offering jerk chicken, fish and other items. Over 600 persons have made initial enquiries since last year's announcement.
Through charities, such as Team Jamaica Bickle, for the past 10 years, Mr. Hosang has driven his truck loaded with three meals per day for athletes attending the annual Penn Relays. They also assist with accommodation and transportation at the games and provide scholarships for others.
Recently in the island to attend the VMBS Boys' and Girls' Championships, Mr. Hosang, who heads a number of charities geared to the betterment of Jamaicans, spoke with The Gleaner about his remarkable 27-year journey, his love for his home, helping athletes excel at the annual Penn Relays and his plans for the future.
BE: Take us back to your childhood and explain how it all began for you.
VH: My parents operated a general store and sold groceries, hardware, fabric by the roll, a bakery and a rum bar. Henry Hosang was a very generous man. We lived in a rural community and neighbours would come and asked Maas Hen, for favours and he always gave them, eventually giving away the store. There was no industry and people were poor, so he helped.
All eight of us had to split up and live with relatives. I attended Cornwall College and my uncle who took me in, once asked me what I planned to do in life. I told him I wanted to be a doctor, and he said it was a good profession, but he needed help in the store. He asked me quit school and help him and when I became a man, he'd set me up in my own store.
I wrote to my big brother King, and asked his advice. He said no because at least one of us should finish high school; he even offered to pay my boarding, drove over from Mandeville where he was and spoke to my uncle, but when he left, I thought to myself that when I needed help my uncle was there for me. I also think the Lord was directing me that He had better plans for me.
Now looking back on my life, I have inherited the generosity of my father, so I would have been a poor doctor.
I helped my uncle for a few years, but my father opened a new store in Kingston and the same big brother came to tell me to go and help him, so I went. Then in 1968, I decided to go to the United States because as a boy growing up, I always saw the farm workers return home with nice things and thought America must be a great place.
My first job was putting hinges on briefcase for US$60 per week (US$49 after taxes). I began to pick up the pennies on the streets, so I could buy newspapers to look for advertisements. I found a better job delivering milk at nights and made a big improvement of US$148 per week.
But I learnt that no matter how small your wages, do your best because on my US$60 a week job, my boss noticed my attitude and gave me a raise. He told me I was the only one getting it. Even though it was $1.60 per hour, I did not take unnecessary breaks; I refused to give less. The country was cold, and delivering in the snow was hard, but I stuck it out till my older brother again advised me to go on my own.
He told me to look for a business and he'd help me.
I wanted to make patties and bread, but I found a fried chicken restaurant in a great location in Bronx, New York. It was a losing business, but I saw what they were doing wrong: the place was not kept clean and the food was not good. I turned it around in six months and then began paying myself $100 weekly. I was at that time married with one son.
My brother then taught me to make patties. I improved on his formula and by giving good service and quality products and with the support of Jamaicans, business thrived.
Two years later, we bought a bakery in a changing German neighbourhood. Everything blossomed from what was a losing proposition. We outgrew it and kept expanding and grew from 2,500-sq-ft into a 20,000 in Mount Vernon.
We outgrew that and made only bread at that location, but we bought a new place in Rockland County. It's 10 acres and we built a 75,000-sq-ft property. That was 11 years ago; two years ago we ran out of space again. God has blessed me, He has work for me to do and right now we are in the process of further expansion. We are adding a freezer to hold 25 trailer loads of product.
We supply the entire country, as well as overseas, including the U.S.. Virgin Islands. The mainstream market is now taking on our products.
BE: Who are some of your major customers?
VH: We supply patties to Costco, Wal Mart, BJ's, Sams, Win Dixie, independent supermarkets, grocery stores and many other outlets.
BE: This is impressive for someone who started life in a dented car. Tell me about that.
VH: When I started I bought a Dodge with a big dent in the side; I once went to a customer who saw it and said, "Poor Chiney man." I have never forgotten it.
BE: So what do you drive now?
VH: A Mercedes 500 but that's material. I am grateful to God.
BE: Are your children in the business?
VH: I have four children; two are still in college, but I would love to see them take it over and carry on with their children, but I'm not forcing them. I have told them, "You were born in America, but you must always remember that your roots are Jamaican and when Jamaicans call on you for help, don't turn your back; help if you can; don't give away the store like grandpa, but help.
BE: How difficult was it for you - a Jamaican in 1968 - to go to the United States to get your residency?
VH: It was very easy, in six months, you got your permits and residency, then I became a citizen.
BE: How difficult or easy was it to set up business?
VH: The first store was not problematic because we got it from an American who guided us in understanding taxes and so on. Prior to that when I was delivering milk and I asked the owner of a Jamaican store how to set up something like his, but he was very negative. We don't help each other enough, we are not sufficiently united.
Each new business got easier to set up, but there were many hurdles and we have to go through all municipalities, such as planning and zoning boards; we have to attend several meetings and the public has to be informed, so they can vote on it. It took us one year to get approval for the freezer we are now putting in.
BE: I understand you are setting up a building where Jamaican organisations and community groups can hold their meetings. Tell me bout that.
VH: It will be a place where the public can hold meetings, council members, alumni associations and assembly men and women can meet. It can hold 150 and presently that is where my high school alumni meets. They can use it for fund-raising activities or anything else. I would love to see us united and be a strong force.
BE: We hear frequently that Jamaicans are lazy and don't want to work, but we also hear glowing reports about the excellent quality of work done by Jamaicans when they go overseas. What percentage of Jamaicans/West Indians do you hire and how do you find them?
VH: I do employ a majority of Jamaicans; we are a Jamaican company and supported by Jamaicans and this is a way of giving back. I also employ Mexicans, Phillipines and South Americans. From practical experience some workers don't give 100 per cent and I find their attitude wanting at times. I also find some with the wrong attitude, so I tell them a good attitude will take you far. I want to see good attitude and courtesy at all times, so we are developing a programme to improve on that. But, I am happy with them.
BE: Where do you see the company going in 15-20 years?
VH: Within a five-year period, we hope to double revenue and continue with spreading the new franchise.
BE: Will the Rockland County property be enough to handle future growth or will you need to call the real estate agent soon?
VH: It will be able to handle expansion and we have already received permission to construct space.
BE: You are about to expand the group with a chain of JerkQ'zine fast food type restaurants and I understand you will be selling franchises for this. How will that work?
VH: We will open the first one in New York and our scouts are looking for location. We hope to be up and running in four months. We have over 600 requests for stores already from right across America. This will create jobs for Jamaicans. It will offer the gamut of dishes that customers can either eat on the spot or purchase to reheat at home. Interested persons can purchase a franchise for US$300,000 to $500,000, depending on the location and size. The menu is being fine-tuned, so it does not overwhelm customers. We will do burgers and other quick menu items.
BE: You have plans to assist a Jamaican orthodontist in New York to give free service to needy people here and in other countries; explain that for me.
VH: Dr. Streete is an orthodontist who partners with other doctors who visit the islands to take care of the less fortunate. They need a facility to work from and a mobile unit is needed. We are helping to get one for Jamaica, and through fund-raising we will help. I keep thinking that if I were a doctor, I'd be in that same boat.
BE: So you have no regrets about not becoming a doctor?
VH: No, I can do much more for others this way. I am happy; I have made lots of strides.
BE: What about retirement; is that in the cards for now?
VH: No, I am looking forward to taking it easier and with expansion, I want to see the children gravitate to it because nothing beats experience. No matter how many college degrees you have, nothing beats experience. Over the years when you develop, you correct mistakes.
BE: What gives you the most satisfaction?
VH: When I look back and see how God has blessed me and the people have supported me, and I'm able to give back, it's gratifying. However, when I help an individual, I tell them to remember and help someone else when they have made it.
BE: What's a typical day like and what do you do on weekends?
VH: I am up at five in the mornings and if managers are away, I start earlier and work till 12 or 12 hours daily, but I get a break sometimes. I don't do this everyday. Sundays I like to relax. I began as a Baptist in the country, but I later became a Catholic.
BE: Any hobbies?
VH: Fishing sometimes in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and last year I went to the off-shore of Mexico and caught lots of tuna. I love it. I don't travel a lot, but I have been to China once. I still read the newspapers to see what's happening.
BE: You are here every year and with access to the Internet, you are able to know what's happening here instantly. Give me your honest feelings about the crime situation that we cannot seem to overcome.
VH: Crime is a big problem and I know many Jamaicans in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom have property here and have received advice not to build homes here. I am concerned and more jobs have to be created to keep idle hands occupied. Some will always want fast money.
BE: What lessons for life have you passed on to your children?
VH: I tell them not to look down on anyone, no matter what height you reach. Remain humble.
More Business |
Comment