Steve Kim Is an Example of a Successful Asian-American Entrepreneur

Some Americans from different ethnicities made their respective mark on America and fulfilled the goal of achieving the American dream. Many of these Americans are Asians –Americans who have Asian parentage or immigrants. Taking advantage of America’s leaning toward entrepreneurship, these minority entrepreneurs started small and grew their own business using the opportunity given to them and the passion they have.

One important entrepreneur that made his mark as a minority entrepreneur is Steve Kim.

Steve Kim is a very successful entrepreneur. He began on two start-up businesses that eventually came big players in the industry where he belonged – tech. From a small-time minority entrepreneur to an industry player, Kim certainly proved that starting small can prove to be successful in the future.

Kim’s Beginnings

Kim started as immigrant from South Korea. He was born in 1952 at nation’s capital, Seoul. He came to America in 1976 after serving the obligatory 2 year military service and finishing his studies in electrical engineering.

Coming to America, he worked as a laborer - stocking shelves in a warehouse for an auto parts company. He decided to come back to school and finished a master’s degree in the same field (electrical engineering) in Cal State Northridge. After this, he landed two more jobs - Burroughs, then at Litton Data Systems. Litton Data System was a small fiber-optics modem company and the company inspired him to put up his business, selling his own networking products.

Building Companies

Fibermux Corporation was his first business and it was a reminiscent of the Litton Data Systems Company. He began his company in his own garage in 1984 and it grew exceptionally after the next seven years. By that time, Kim ...

... middle of paper ...

...preneur himself, he uses his position at Alcatel Ventures to encourage the future entrepreneurs in the tech industry. In his position, many will benefit from his wisdom and knowledge.

Kim also holds other positions in other companies. He is the Chairman of the Nara Bancorp, Inc. ( a bank holding company), the Chairman of TransDimension, Inc (a manufacturer of semiconductors and semidoctor equipment), and a Board Member of Mockingbird Networks Inc. (a manufacturer of telecommunication equipment).

As an immigrant to the United State and becoming a full American citizen, Kim contributed to his industry and the world using his company and product. From a small start-up to a successful industry player, Kim is a good example on how to strike as a minority entrepreneur. Minority entrepreneurs can be a success; no matter where ones come from or ethnicity one belongs.