Raff's Brain #13: Riffin' with Raff feat. Hoa Phan!

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SUMMARY:

The inaugural episode of Riffin' with Raff - a project of the Raff's Brain podcast!

Rob Raffety interviews his friend and former colleague Hoa Phan, reflecting on their 12-year friendship that began in 2012. Hoa shares his experience of immigrating to the U.S. from Vietnam at age 10 in 1999, initially not speaking English. He recounts his entrepreneurial venture in elementary school, where he sold wholesale candy from Costco, making a 100% markup. Despite being caught selling during class, he continued selling before and after school. Hoa highlights America's opportunities and the ease of starting businesses, despite regulatory challenges. Rob appreciates Hoa's customer service skills and entrepreneurial spirit, noting his influence on Rob's fashion sense and their shared experiences in Vietnamese restaurants.

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OUTLINE:

I. Meeting and Initial Impressions
A. Rob introduces Hoa as his first ever special guest
B. Hoa recalls meeting Rob in 2012 as an intern
C. Rob appreciates Hoa's attentiveness and customer service mentality
D. Shared experiences like going to restaurants and shopping

II. Hoa's Entrepreneurial Spirit
A. Rob highlights Hoa's fashion sense and entrepreneurial ventures
B. Hoa's story of immigrating to the US as a 10-year-old not knowing English

III. Adjusting to American Life
A. Hoa's initial impressions of the vastness and cultural differences in America
B. Discovering American candy and the differences in preferences
C. Hoa's entrepreneurial venture of buying and reselling candy at school

IV. Challenges and Lessons Learned
A. Hoa's getting caught selling candy during class
B. Adjusting his business to only sell before and after school
C. Reflecting on the importance of seizing opportunities in America

V. Reflections on Entrepreneurship and America
A. Hoa's belief in America's opportunities for entrepreneurship
B. Acknowledging the challenges small businesses face
C. Importance of creating value and making people happy

VI. Conclusion
A. Rob expresses gratitude for their friendship
B. Plan to do another interview episode in the future