Contact Dan for “Best in Class” Fitness Equipment Or Advice on Building A Property Portfolio
What’s your story?
I have been lucky enough to build a career and a side hustle in the two areas that I am most passionate about, Property and Fitness.
16 years ago, I started in the fitness industry which led to an amazing leadership role for a US publicly listed company in the Asia Pacific Region.
At the same time, my passion for buying properties was restricted to searching weekend newspapers and design magazines. It wasn’t until the end of the 2008 financial crisis that I had a chance to take a step on the property ladder in Hong Kong. Since buying my first property with a 95% mortgage, I have been able to build a personal portfolio of interesting properties across 4 Asia Pacific countries.
What excites you most about your industry?
The fitness industry is so dynamic and driven by passionate people. This energy buzzes across the industry, across the entire network of suppliers and operators.
What’s your connection to Asia?
16 years ago I was invited to join the “Fitness First Hong Kong” leadership team and I have since made the region my home. Prior to Covid-19, I was traveling in Asia to 3 countries a week, 3 weeks per month, working closely with key customers and establishing distribution networks. As a result, I have some amazing memories of these trips. While traveling to different countries for work, I also had the opportunity to study the various property markets in each country, focusing mainly on Hong Kong, Vietnam, Australia and Indonesia.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Ho Chi Minh City. It is such a vibrant city that is always ready to do business. To me, this city has changed the most, during the time I’ve spent in Asia, and I see it becoming a leadership centre soon.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don’t tell lies, you are not smart enough to remember.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by anyone who is authentic in what they do. Authenticity and passion are contagious.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
You are never too late. Friends of mine were saving for their child’s University education as they believed a good education is very important even though they never had a formal tertiary education themselves. The son adamantly said that he did not want to attend University and that he was pursuing a career in the manual trades. They respected his wishes and used the saved education fund to enrol his mother so she could complete her education.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would not be in such a rush to get to the next stage. I’d really embrace the idea of enjoying the journey and not just hurrying to the destination. Looking back, I see the rush as a shortcut that cheats us out of some of the extra highs and lows in life.
How do you unwind?
Running alone solves everything. Some great ideas and solutions come to me when I am running.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali. The people, the food, the weather. My first Indonesian property was found through a listing on a Facebook group, by someone I had never met, and I bought it sight unseen. It has turned out to be my favourite place to relax.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“The Richest Man in Babylon,” by George Samuel Clason. This is such a simple Parable with so many lessons about how to put yourself and wealth first. Whether it’s your business or someone else’s business, everyone needs to ensure they are looking after themselves first.
Shameless plug for your business: CORE HEALTH AND FITNESS. Supplier of “best in class” fitness equipment for home, gyms, and hotels. Great products, Fun team!
How can people connect with you?
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: @dan-codling-wiles-83198068
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To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
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’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
