Hello, my name is Ken, and I’d love to share my journey with you. I was born and raised in China and moved to Chicago in 1997. With a deep passion for food, I worked in multiple restaurants, learning the art of cooking, but faced a major challenge—I couldn’t speak English. Since I lived and worked within the Chinese community, my opportunities for language learning were limited.
Determined to grow, I made the bold decision to step outside my comfort zone. I moved to Dubuque in 2000 and took a job at Hy-Vee, where I started as a cook and, within two years, became the Chinese department manager. This experience not only refined my culinary skills but also helped me improve my English and gain confidence in a new environment.
In 2003, I took another leap—I started investing in real estate. It was a risk, but I believed in the power of hard work and persistence. By 2008, after five years of learning and building, I made the life-changing decision to leave my job and become a full-time real estate investor.
Over the years, I expanded my knowledge in real estate, but my love for cooking never faded. In 2018, I merged my entrepreneurial drive with my culinary passion and opened Oolong Asian Cuisine—a restaurant that celebrates my heritage through delicious, authentic flavors.
Today, Oolong Asian Cuisine thrives as a reflection of my journey—one built on perseverance, risk-taking, and the belief that change leads to growth. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s this: If you want to change your life, make your move. I hope my story inspires you to take your own steps toward your dreams.