Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Desmond Hsu, who created mobile software startup TrueBlue and has built his company with a focus to support small local businesses. We caught up with him to find out what inspired his idea and what advice he would share with other young professionals…
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WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
TrueBlue provides businesses a branded mobile solution to empower their organization with loyalty and convenience to build stronger customer relationships
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I have always known that I wanted to build my own business, to see my hard work become something successful and grow much greater than I had ever imagined possible. As my own boss, I’m accountable for my actions and their results, be it positive or negative – you quickly learn from your mistakes.
TrueBlue began with three other partners who shared the same entrepreneurial spirit. We noticed that several local businesses still used the traditional and annoying loyalty stamp or points cards. We saw an opportunity in which businesses could utilize technology to connect them to the growing population of tech-savvy consumers. Loyalty and consumer retention is so much more than just that free coffee or muffin. It’s about engaging your consumers to create a memorable experience, an impressive brand that values their consumers and their loyalty.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
I remember the day I made our first sale. It gave me a huge sense of accomplishment and relief. They recognized all of our hard work, the benefits and potential of our product, and believed in the same vision. Who’s next?
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I hope to see TrueBlue expand and penetrate new industries and networks. We believe our product is so much more than just a loyalty app for businesses – it’s an all-in-one, boundless, flexible platform that empowers consumers. I look forward to investing back into the Canadian startup community and spending time in helping future young entrepreneurs, just as our current advisors are helping us.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Believe in your idea and do not give up! For every 10 rejections, I receive one approval. You will hear people tell you, “there is too much competition,” “you are too new,” “the technology isn’t proven.” Learn to filter through the comments, openly accept and appreciate constructive criticism, and just keep on innovating.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
Red Door Shelter and Second Harvest are charities that we truly believe in. We donate our time and services to these charities because we believe in giving back to the community that we live in. Our mantra is to help small businesses within our community… how can we do that if we don`t give back and lead by example?
On a personal basis, I have been interested in helping our older Asian generation at primary care services like Yee Hong Foundation and Mon Sheong Foundation. I am actively involved in helping with their events, fundraising initiatives, and socializing with the seniors.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
The first full-time job is always the most difficult. With an engineering background and some mediocre marks in school, I would always see others get more interviews and land jobs quicker during the co-op terms. I proactively reached out to different companies ,either in person or by phone, and asked to meet the hiring manager in order to show my passion, willingness to learn, and my inclination to be involved as a team member.
This helped build my tenacious character, preparing me to work even harder as I started my own business. Building a business is about knocking on doors, dropping your pride, and talking to real people.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
“Notable” is what makes you different, what makes it worth my time, what can you do to make a difference.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Some people don’t believe this, but Chinatown has some of the most interesting shops. I am a sucker for trying some of the rundown “authentic” locations for food. There are a lot of hidden gems that are economical like King’s Noodle for some barbeque pork or Pho Xe Lua for a nice bowl of warm pho. Nothing beats a warm plate of rice with some sizzling barbeque pork, especially when you are running a lean business.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Reddit; I can get lost in there.
Imagine Dragons – Demons.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
ASAP Science on YouTube. It’s easy to understand and they always ask questions that are relevant to you. It is basically Smarter Every Day but with cartoon drawings.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I still love Canada. We have the most versatility and diversity in terms of multiculturalism, food, urban centres, and natural wonders. There is something for everyone.
The next country I would want to visit is Egypt for its ancient pyramids and rich history.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
My greatest fear is missing out on a chance to take an idea and evolve it into a business and to make it succeed. Opportunities pass us by all the time. It is up to us to take the leap of faith in order to make the most of each one. Whether it is relationships, business, or life in general, I always say, go take a chance. There is no worse feeling than regretting not doing something. What they say is true – business is all about preparing yourself, taking chances, and making most of the opportunities that are presented to you.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
TV shows: Arrow and Suits. The acting isn’t great but the actresses are. Also, Suits is filmed in Toronto! What is there not to love?
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I spend a lot of money on food. Instead, I definitely should be spending more at the gym.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success is being happy.
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