Alan Launched a Successful Fitness Apparel Businesses in Hong Kong
What’s your story?
My family business has been importing goods from the Far East since 1973. I am very lucky to come from a very strong business background, with a lot of experience in dealing with the Asian market place.
During my eight years in the family business, I worked with my father and all four brothers & sisters at different stages. Although challenging at times, having this experience has been absolutely critical in setting up my own companies in Hong Kong. And I am still working with my brothers through our Bailey & Brooke brand. I run the trade shows in Hong Kong and work with our suppliers in China.
I set up Newlands Sourcing in 2017. We source goods out of China for the US and European markets. I have over ten years of experience in sourcing and manufacturing goods in China. When it comes to manufacturing in China, many businesses are taking a gamble, because in reality, they “don’t know what they don’t know.” This can be a very risky approach. Newlands Sourcing provides services that help mitigate the risk for companies. NewlandsSourcing https://www.newlandssourcing.com/
Earned Athletic Apparel was successfully launched on December 9th, 2019 with Ed and Ant Haynes – the “fittest men in China.” The company was born through the vision of athletes and coaches who paved the way for CrossFit in Asia. We are a group of individuals investing in our fitness journey, hoping to inspire others to invest in themselves. Because THEY EARNED IT.
We are constantly building and refining using the input and experience of athletes. It is a brand inspired by forward-thinking individuals, looking to continuously innovate to enhance the training experience. We provide quality functional fitness attire, which represents our basic beliefs of success, passion, hard-work, and continuous product and personal improvement.
Earned Athletic Apparel – https://earnedathleticapparel.com/
What excites you most about your industry?
I have loved the process of building a business. I find being involved in a sport like CrossFit and creating apparel for athletes is an exciting and cool industry in which to work.
What’s your connection to Asia?
As I mentioned, my family business has been importing goods from China since 1973 and I have been coming to Hong Kong for over 10 years. Three years ago I moved to Hong Kong full time.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Hong Kong for sure, I love it here. It’s a great mix of East meets West and there are so many opportunities to get business done.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Rest at the end, not in the middle.” – Kobe Bryant
Who inspires you?
My brothers inspire me in different ways. Also, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk always gives me a good pick up. I listen to a lot of his podcasts.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
The selfishness of people during hardships.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Start earlier. Moving to Hong Kong was the best choice I have ever made, but I wish I had come out here in my mid to late 20’s.
How do you unwind?
I go to the gym most days and this definitely helps me unwind.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
I love Bali and Vietnam. I recently had some very nice holidays in these places.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE,” by Phil Knight
Shameless plug for your business:
Quality fitness attire that represents our beliefs for success – passion, hard work and the desire to constantly seek improvement in training and life – uncommonly dedicated!
How can people connect with you?
https://www.instagram.com/earnedathleticapparel/
https://earnedathleticapparel.com/pages/contact
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connects’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
