Dreamers: Positive Thinkers (page 3 of 3)

Getting Ahead with the Cherngs

Andrew, what do you like best about this country?
Gosh, there’s a lot to like! I couldn’t have done any of this in any other place. Americans are very progressive, very kindhearted and broad-minded, with broad shoulders. Americans welcome people from all different corners of the world. Different colors, creeds, religions. This really is a melting pot. Can we do more? Of course we can. I appreciate everything that I have here.

What kind of person do you tend to hire?
People who are honest and sincere and committed to this journey we have started. I want the person who says when something is not quite right, who doesn’t just let it slide by.

When you’re making business decisions, are you more likely to go with your head or your gut?
Probably my gut. I think I have an educated gut. Or we’d be in trouble!

If you had it to do all over again, would you do anything differently?
I’d start earlier, and I’d spend more time with my three daughters. Back then, I didn’t think I had the luxury to do that. I thought I had no choice but to succeed. Hopefully, I’ll be a better grandfather.

Peggy, if you had to choose between good luck and good instincts, which would it be?
Good instincts. Being proactive is always going to create luck eventually.

Who inspires you?
Our associates.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Years ago, I was told I had a lot of potential but that because of my background—Asians are raised to be very humble—I needed to focus more on self-expression.

When do you do your best thinking?
In the morning, when I’m swimming. The swimming calms my body and my mind. That time is very peaceful for me, and the thoughts are random.

What most impresses you about a person?
Positive thinking.

From Reader's Digest - November 2007

 

• • Amazing People
• • Dreamers
• • Success Stories
• • Party Menu: Asian

• Former Gang Member Running TD Ameritrade
• Joe Moglia was a winning football coach who opted for an even bigger playing field.
• 
• Ken Hendricks: From High-School Dropout to Billionaire
• Ken Hendricks dropped out of high school to work for his dad. How, then, did he become a billionaire?
• 
• Michael Dell: Staying Number One
• Michael Dell built a successful computer business. What will it take to remain on top?
• 
• Steve Wozniak of Apple Computers: He Had a Hunch
• ...that ordinary people would want their own computer one day. Revolutionary!
• 
• Gary Heavin of Curves: Fit to Lead
• He's learned from his mistakes. Good thing, 'cause he's made some doozies.
• 
• The Creator of Subway: No Experience Needed
• How a 17-year-old built a multimillion-dollar business one sandwich at a time.
• 

“ Remember the golden equation for getting sick: Germ gets on hands, hands touch face, germ enters body, you get sick. ”

• See All Tips

• Be Inspired
• 10 Celebrities Who Give Back
• 7 Amazing Stories, $700,000 to Charity
• Virginia Cervasio: Making It Matter
• PLUS:
• Quiz: What's Your Celebrity Cause IQ?

I'm a police officer and occasionally park my cruiser in residential areas to watch for speeders. One Sunday morning I was staked out in a driveway, when I saw a large dog trot up to my car. He stopped and sat just out of arm's reach. No matter how much I tried to coax him to come for a pat on the head, he refused to budge. After a while I decided to move to another location. I pulled out of the driveway, looked back and learned the reason for the dog's stubbornness. He quickly picked up the newspaper I Read More

-- Jeff Wall