Women Who Lead: Vivian Wong
Vivian Wong
Chairwoman, Pacific Gateway Capital, LLC
Vivian Wong has a vision of the two nations she calls "home" conducting trade in an easy and beneficial manner, and she's working diligently to bridge the cultural gap in business between those two very different groups of people.
Born in Hong Kong, Vivian immigrated to the U.S. in 1963, officially becoming a citizen in 1968. She began her higher education in China and later attended Furman University majoring in Spanish. Vivian was in the restaurant business for 35 years while also working in real estate and development throughout the Southeast.
In 2001, Vivian founded Pacific Gateway Capital to encourage Chinese investment in the U.S. and vice versa. Her knowledge of each nation's cultural nuances is critical in her mission to help companies get acclimated in a foreign country.
"Currently we are assisting Lau's, a Chinese manufacturer of rubber gaskets and seals, get acquainted and ready to open for business here in S.C. We help set up their offices, develop marketing plans, implement manufacturing and distribution channels, and even establish a suitable lifestyle."
Vivian has received many honors, including the Order of the Palmetto in 2002 and being named as the S.C. Honorary Trade Ambassador to China.
Vivian says her greatest career achievement is her real estate business and having the opportunity to truly live out her passion. "You must put your heart 100 percent into everything you do. If you get burned out, step back and reevaluate. Determine if you have the drive and desire to move forward or leave it alone and this is how you find success."