In the midst of his 2nd Start-up business (the first one sold in 2006), Chris Nguyen, Co-Founder of TeamSave.com is a methodical, savvy, and driven young professional. Confident and composed, Chris isn’t afraid to enter into a competitive market like the Group Buying space, certain that he can carve out his niche. Get to know Chris Nguyen of TeamSave.com.
Notable: What is your Name and age?
Chris: Chris Nguyen – 28
Notable: What is the name of your business and what industry is it in?
Chris: The name of the business is TeamSave.com. We’re in the social buying space. www.TeamSave.com; Twitter: @TeamSaveToronto; Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TeamSaveToronto
Notable: Elevator Pitch (we just met on an elevator, we have 30 seconds together in the elevator, please describe your business):
Chris: TeamSave is a social buying website that provides an amazing deal each day. We help consumers find new experiences within their city at 50-90% off. From a local merchant aspect, we help drive new customers to their business by leveraging the power of group buying and social media (twitter/facebook).
Notable: Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
Chris: TeamSave was launched in April 2010. The initial idea came from my wedding planning as I utilized group buying to obtain a discount for plane tickets to my destination wedding. I wanted to take the concept of group buying and apply it to local markets. I resigned from my corporate job in November 2009 to pursue TeamSave with my former co-founder (at my previous company JobLoft) Lee Liu.
Notable: What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Chris: I work with an amazing team everyday. I’m truly passionate about TeamSave; not once have I considered my day-to-day as “work”.
Notable: What is the most challenging part of your business?
Chris: My biggest challenge is managing growth and hiring the best talent.
Notable: Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
Chris: In the next 5 years, I see TeamSave as a household name across Canada and the USA. I believe mobile is going to be a huge component in the social buying space.
Notable: Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Chris: Stay focused, execute well, and surround yourself with a great team. In the words of the band Journey “Don’t stop believing”.
Notable: What is your greatest asset as it relates to business?
Chris: I believe my greatest asset is the ability to assess the big picture and value in a concept; I’m really an “ideas guy” at heart. Most importantly, I’m able to execute and deliver on the concept effectively.
Notable: What does success look like to you?
Chris: Success is the ability to enjoy what you do. Not many people can truly say that they love their job/career. When you’re really passionate about something, money will come after.
Notable: What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Chris: There are two great milestones in my career. First, was selling my first venture JobLoft at the age of 24. When we first started, everyone thought we were crazy to enter the highly competitive recruitment industry. Second, was working with Kijiji Canada to help launch their social buying site kijijideals.ca.
Notable: Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Chris: I’m a huge supporter of The Canadian Cancer Society because there are so many of us who have been affected by Cancer, so many of us who’ve witnessed friends and family suffer from the disease, and so many people out there putting up a strong fight against their battle with Cancer. I’ve had personal loss due to this disease, so supporting Cancer research is very important to me. I also support the CHUMCity Christmas Wish Toy Drive each year. It’s important to instill hope and joy in kids with the hopes of maintaining their belief in Santa Clause for as long as possible. Regardless of a family’s socioeconomic status every child deserves a great Christmas present.
Notable: What is Notable to you?
Chris: What’s notable to me is seeing the new generation of Canadian entrepreneurs who are succeeding in their pursuits. Age is no longer a barrier when it comes to running and operating a business.
Notable: Anything Else?
Chris: Any opportunity you have to give back to the community whether time or money, don’t think twice. Actions are 100 times more notable than words… and check out TeamSave.com!