Regardless of how one defines success, society has established concrete ways to attain it. Many believe that achieving success starts with finding one’s purpose. Others argue that to be successful, one must have a clear direction in life or seek new experiences and knowledge. An English business magnate asserted that a common characteristic among successful people is their ability to recognize and seize opportunities as they present themselves. Complementing this is the aptitude to create opportunities on one’s own.
This philosophy of maximizing opportunities and creating new pathways has shaped the journey of Sir Gary Sze Kong, J.D., a self-made real estate mogul and philanthropist. Born in Fujian, China, the accomplished businessman moved to Hong Kong at the tender age of five, where he stayed for ten years. At 16, he embarked on a journey to the United States to begin his pursuit of the American Dream. Even with meager resources, Kong navigated his way into the Land of Opportunity, leveraging his inherent talents, entrepreneurial spirit, and interest in business to recognize emerging trends and pave his way toward success.
Accompanying Kong in his journey is an onslaught of challenges brought by seemingly impenetrable barriers of self-doubt and fear of the unknown. First and foremost, the then-teenager had to learn English, a complex language that can take years to master. Adding to the numerous challenges of being an immigrant is adapting to an entirely new culture encompassing diverse social customs. However, despite the blockages on the road, Kong handled them with grace and charm, another testament to his passion and perseverance.
The distinguished entrepreneur started working as a dishwasher at a famous restaurant in Manhattan, eventually climbing his way to the top. With an innate talent for understanding the mathematics behind real estate, Kong penetrated the real estate industry. At 18, he owned his first building. Consequently, he spent the next 25 years positioning himself at the forefront of the industry.
Kong obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from New York University Stern School of Business and Southwest International University Law School, illustrating his dedication to propel himself to greater heights. With a desire to become one of the first Chinese immigrants to own a vineyard in the state, Kong crafted “The 1 Wine,” his signature cabernet wine that received acclaim with a 92-point review by James Suckling.
Kong later launched “Classic New York Beer” to expand his reach in the beverage industry. His efforts led to the brand earning recognition at prestigious events, including congressional affairs. To further establish the brand, Kong opened a wholesale operation in Freeport, Long Island, and Inwood, Suffolk County, offering The 1 Wine, Classic New York Beer, and other spirits.
Following these ventures, the City Gala celebrated him as an “Outstanding Entrepreneur” in 2018, and CBS featured him in 2019 for his accomplishments in the winery and beer industry. With his contributions to various industries, the visionary gained more accolades, including the Wall Street Top 50 Asian Entrepreneurs Award and the Platinum Sponsorship Award from the New York Asian American Realtors Association.
Currently, the man of many hats holds influential positions on various boards, including Sino-American Commerce, which he is president, and the Global Hero Foundation, which he founded.
Overwhelmed with the desire to give back to positively impact other people’s lives, Kong made it his mission to support causes, such as The First Lady of Mongolia’s foundation. It is worth noting that his impactful contributions go beyond financial support. Kong also strives to create opportunities for individuals with similar backgrounds, showcasing his commitment to serving his community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated 40,000 surgical masks and 800 N95 masks to aid fellow New Yorkers. His initiative during the state of emergency earned Kong the title of “Hero of the Day” by Fox News.
The pandemic prompted the forward-thinking business magnate to diversify and create new ventures. Today, he is in the development of a bottled water venture entitled WASA Water out of Wausau, Wisconsin. He has a full team in place, owns and operates his own factory, and is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2024.
When asked about his reflections on his journey toward success, Kong answered, “The most important thing is to not give up on your dreams and work smartly. As long as you work hard, understand the importance of timing, and never surrender even in the face of obstacles, you’ll succeed and reach far in life.” Ultimately, Sir Gary Kong’s journey from overcoming adversity as an immigrant to achieving business success and beyond attests to the power of seizing opportunities and breaking barriers to embrace the American Dream.
Published by: Holy Minoza
