In this success post, we are going to share the story of Zhang Yong, a Non-Executive Director of the company since the 7th of March 2016. Zhang Yong is one of the founders of the Haidilao Group and has more than 20 years of the food industry and management experience within the Haidilao Group.
He has been a director since December 2015 and is primarily responsible for participating in making major decisions for the company.
Zhang Yong served as a general manager of Sichuan Haidilao from April 1994 to March 2001.
Here are the five things that we can learn from the man who made you free manicures & popcorn while queuing for a hotpot family outing possible.
1. Grew up in a rural province in Sichuan
Zhang Yong’s journey to the top began in his hometown of Jiayang, a rural province in Sichuan. His countryside roots humbled him and gave him the drive to succeed even as he struggled in school.
Eventually, these would help him to develop a service philosophy that would shape his business over the years.
2. Dropped out of high school, but loved poetry
As he could not excel in traditional school subjects, Zhang Yong turned to libraries to gain an understanding of the world.
At the age of 14, he began borrowing poetry books by Tagore – whom many call the greatest writer in modern Indian literature; these historical works shaped his world view on human mortality and psychology.
Zhang Yong did not complete high school and admitted that at that point, he knew nothing about preparing a typical Sichuan hotpot.
3. Didn’t eat at a restaurant till 19
When he turned 19, Zhang Yong decided to visit a proper restaurant for the first time. He shares that the staff was rude to him, and he thought the food was “sub-par”.
This moment stayed with him over the years, a large influence on the way he viewed service. Zhang Yong was now convinced that customers should be given a memorable time when they went out to share a meal with the family.
4. Quit job as a welder in a tractor factory
In the year 1994, he took the plunge. Quitting his job as a factory in a tractor company, he used his life savings to open a small restaurant.
At that point, according to a report, he was earning a measly $19 per month, at his factory job.
The quaint eatery only had four tables to seat customers, but it was just a start.
5. Strove to create memorable customer experiences
Inspired by his negative encounter at his first-ever restaurant, Zhang Yong explored the possibility of giving his customers unforgettable dining experience.
This led to extra services for people in line & little touches to make guests feel welcome while enjoying a hotpot meal.
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