Transcript

Asking Hong Kong Millionaires How They Got RICH!

From School of Hard Knocks · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 21 min · 5,366 words · 140 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Asking Hong Kong Millionaires How They Got RICH!", an episode of School of Hard Knocks published December 30, 2025 (21 min, about 5,366 words). It mentions 17 people, works and ideas, including Justin St., Christmas ornament manufacturer, Charlie James, Jane Buffett, Lee Marvin.

What this episode is about

The content explores interviews with wealthy individuals in Hong Kong, focusing on their paths to immense success and wealth. Key points include insights on entrepreneurship, the value of perseverance despite skepticism, and personal experiences of billionaires detailing their journeys, secrets, and the financial milestones that shaped their fortunes.

Key takeaways

  • In a world of billionaires, becoming a millionaire is just the warm-up act.
  • Being a high school dropout in entrepreneurship is like reading the prologue and skipping to the finale.
  • Hong Kong: where the density of billionaires could give Wall Street a run for its money.
  • The '1% doubt' factor: a crucial ingredient in the recipe for success.
  • Vertical integration: because why just manufacture when you can control your entire supply chain?

Who speaks in this episode?

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 5:00: Christmas ornament manufacturer, Lee Marvin, McLaren, Rolls-Royce
  2. – 10:00: McLaren, Pagani, Charlie James, Peninsula Hotel
  3. – 15:00: Entrepreneur Community, Jane Buffett, Justin St., OMG Hair Brand
  4. – 20:00: construction
  5. – 21:01: Entrepreneur Community

Notable quotes from "Asking Hong Kong Millionaires How They Got RICH!"

  • Sir, a question for you. How old were you? Wait, real quick. Real quick. How old were you when you became a millionaire? Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait, wait, wait, wait. I'm going all…
    about McLaren · at
  • Yes. we've done hundreds of millions of dollars in one year. Yeah. I'm a high school dropout. You're a high school dropout? Yeah. I'm a high school dropout. Did you have people…
    about Christmas ornament manufacturer · at
  • What was your name? Charlie. Charlie James. Thank you for your time, man. I appreciate you. You see him? Is he in the back? You see him? Oh, he's stopping. Yeah. Should I break…
    about Charlie James · at
  • Saw you guys on Instagram before. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I follow you guys. Most common mistake you see people make. I got a goal. Hey, have a good one, man. Thank you for your…
    about Justin St. · at
  • Can I interview you off to the side real quick for one minute? Okay. Is that okay? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Did you have people that doubted you early on? Of course. Like everybody…
    about Jane Buffett · at
  • It was because of access. I had access to all of the millionaires and billionaires that you see me interview on this channel. And I got mentored by these entrepreneurs that I…
    about Entrepreneur Community · at
  • And what's the company worth today? Around $100 million. So, you built a $und00 million company? Yeah. With my team, not myself. How old are you now? 40 something. You're in…
    about Lee Marvin · at
  • Oh, I just I'm a business guy. And what line of business? construction. Can I interview you for 30 seconds up here? For what kind of video? I grew a channel to 18 million…
    about construction · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Justin St. — Person · Interviewee (billionaire, crypto/blockchain advoca · 2 mentions · first at
    Claims to have become a billionaire at 25 by building a major blockchain; strongly recommends buying Bitcoin and discusses AI/crypto.
  • Charlie James — Person · Interviewee (manufacturing executive) · 1 mention · first at
    Runs a major Christmas ornament manufacturing business; explains vertical integration, tariffs impact, and Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial history.
  • Jane Buffett — Person · Referenced expert / celebrity investor · 3 mentions · first at
    A billionaire claims he paid for and attended a lunch with Warren Buffett, recounting Buffett’s advice and a disagreement about Bitcoin.
  • Lee Marvin — Person · Interviewee (consumer brand founder) · 2 mentions · first at
    Founder of OMG Hair Brand; describes building a ~$100M company, dropping out of high school, and the importance of teams/investors.

Companies & orgs

  • Christmas ornament manufacturer — Company · Featured business (case study) · 3 mentions · first at
    Presented as one of the largest ornament manufacturers, illustrating vertical integration, global distribution, and tariff risk.
  • Entrepreneur Community — Company · Promoted offering (host’s network) · 5 mentions · first at
    The host promotes a paid community/network promising access to entrepreneurs and weekly live calls with millionaires and billionaires.
  • OMG Hair Brand — Company · Featured business (case study) · 2 mentions · first at
    A hair care brand cited as being worth around $100M, used to discuss entrepreneurship, investors, and product quality standards.
    And what's the company worth today? Around $100 million. So, you built a $und00 million company? Yeah. With my team, not myself. How old are you now? 40 something. You're in…

Products & tech

  • McLaren — Product · Status symbol / interview hook · 3 mentions · first at
    The host uses luxury cars like a McLaren to identify and approach wealthy individuals for interviews; one interviewee claims ownership of two cars.
  • Pagani — Product · Status symbol / wealth proof point · 2 mentions · first at
    An interviewee identifies a Pagani and states its price, reinforcing the extreme-wealth theme of the episode.
    You ended up making it yourself. Yeah. I never got any help from my family. So for people that don't know, what's the name of that car right there? Pagani. Pagani. How much did…
  • Rolls-Royce — Product · Status symbol / scene-setting · 1 mention · first at
    Rolls-Royce vehicles are repeatedly referenced to signal wealth concentration near luxury hotels and to prompt interviews.
    Excuse me, sir. Do you speak English? Do you speak English? Sorry, I'm in a hurry. So, real quick, I grew a channel to 18 million followers. I interview successful people for…
  • Lamborghini — Product · Status symbol / interview hook · 1 mention · first at
    Used as a prompt to approach potential interviewees at the Peninsula Hotel arrival area.
    Inform our P. I can talk to them. Do you know where they are sir? I don't really know what they suggest you. Okay, we'll just talk to them real quick. You can contact them on…
  • G Wagon — Product · Status symbol / interview hook · 1 mention · first at
    The host uses spotting a G Wagon to approach someone and ask if they are an entrepreneur/business owner.
    Excuse me, sir. Do you speak English? Do you speak English? Sorry, I'm in a hurry. So, real quick, I grew a channel to 18 million followers. I interview successful people for…

Concepts & topics

  • construction — Concept · Featured industry (case study) · 2 mentions · first at
    An interviewee describes being a main contractor/engineer in Hong Kong, discussing revenue, costs, and operational sacrifice.
  • Tesla — Concept · Referenced innovation example · 1 mention · first at
    Used alongside Bitcoin as an example of 'building something new' that deserves a premium in capital markets; recommended to Warren Buffett.
    Can I interview you off to the side real quick for one minute? Okay. Is that okay? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Did you have people that doubted you early on? Of course. Like everybody…
  • Artificial Intelligence — Concept · Supporting concept (future finance narrative) · 1 mention
    Used to argue that machine-native systems will prefer crypto over traditional fiat, positioning Bitcoin as 'money for the internet.'
    With Warren Buffet. Yes. Yes. And was it worth it? Yes. It's totally worth it. What did Warren Buffet teach you in that lunch? He said, Be careful with the one you marry. You…

Places & events

  • Peninsula Hotel — Place · Filming location (wealth concentration) · 1 mention · first at
    Presented as a hotspot where luxury cars and wealthy individuals arrive, enabling multiple interviews.
    What was your name? Charlie. Charlie James. Thank you for your time, man. I appreciate you. You see him? Is he in the back? You see him? Oh, he's stopping. Yeah. Should I break…
  • Four Seasons Hotel — Place · Filming location (conflict point) · 1 mention · first at
    The crew is asked to stop filming there, marking a transition and reinforcing the on-the-street nature of the interviews.
    What was your name? Charlie. Charlie James. Thank you for your time, man. I appreciate you. You see him? Is he in the back? You see him? Oh, he's stopping. Yeah. Should I break…

Full transcript with timestamps

Sir, a question for you. How old were you? Wait, real quick. Real quick. How old were you when you became a millionaire? Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait, wait, wait, wait. I'm going all over Hong Kong interviewing the richest people. I'm going all over. Is that okay? How old were you when you became a millionaire?

It's an interesting question cuz I'm a billionaire. You're what? I'm not a millionaire. I'm a billionaire.

You're a billionaire? Yes. Excuse me, sir. Is this Is this your McLaren? Yeah. Yeah.

Both is mine. How did you get rich, man? I go all over the world. Anybody's billionaires and successful people. I have our own brand.

So you started a company? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'm the founder. And what's the company worth today?

Around $100 million. So what was the most amount of money you made in a single year?

Uh I don't know. Probably £100 million. 100 million? Yeah. Yeah. 80 million. 80 million.

A year? Yeah. Are you serious? Yes. I mean, we've done hundreds of millions of dollars

in one year. Yeah. I'm a high school dropout. You're a high school dropout? Yeah. I'm a high school dropout.

Did you have people that doubted you when you started your business? Are you kidding me? Everyone, almost 99% they doubt me. There's a young 20-year-old watching this right now. They want to make a hund00 million. 100 million pounds in today's world. Give them the blueprint right here.

Wow. I mean, I just flew across the world over 20 hours to land in one of the richest cities on the planet. This is Hong Kong, a city where more billionaires live per square mile than almost any city on Earth. But today, I'm not here for the views. I'm here to interview the millionaires and the billionaires who actually built this city. These are the people who move billions of dollars. They built empires and operate at a level that most people will never see. So today, I'm going to be asking the people of Hong Kong, how they got rich, how they made their not just millions, but billions of dollars out here, you guys. So stay tuned from start to finish because this video is about to be insane. With that being said, let's get this video on the way.

Excuse me, sir. Do you speak English? Do you speak English? Sorry, I'm in a hurry.

So, real quick, I grew a channel to 18 million followers. I interview successful people for the hurry.

All right, my man. Thank you. Is this your G Wagon? Are you an entrepreneur? Sorry, my English was not

Are you a business owner? No. Okay, no worries, man. Have a good one. You what?

I saw you on Instagram. Yeah, I was going to try to interview you. All right, you guys. Rolls-Royce. Come on.

How you doing, bro? Good to see you, man. Nice to meet you. Excuse me, sir. Is this your Rolls-Royce? Sir, real quick. Is this bro getting married? Oh, excuse me, sir. Sir,

how old were you when you became a millionaire? Um, sorry. Give me Maybe next time.

Hey, real quick, sir. I'm I'm from the United States. I grew channel to 18 million followers just interviewing successful business owners.

I got to finish this off. I'll talk to you in like 5 minutes. All right, brother. Appreciate you. All right, you guys. As you can see, look, man. These people are not willing to stop and talk, let alone get an interview. It's going to be nearly impossible right now, you guys. But look, all we're going to do is keep on going. Look, we're in Hong Kong right now. I'm all the way across the world from where I live. I norally film these in the States, so I have no idea what we're going to be getting into today. We're not going to stop until I find some billionaires out here in one of the financial capitals of the world.

Yes. Sorry, I'm too shy. He's wearing pajamas. He's like, it's all good. Well, are you from Hong Kong?

Yeah. What is it that you do for work? I work in the Well, family business. What do you do? What do you guys do?

We are a Christmas ornament manufacturer. Are you serious? Yeah. Are you one of the biggest in China?

Yeah, the biggest. Yeah, actually. Yeah. Hey, but I'm too shy. Yeah. So, one question though. I came all the way from Texas to interview people out here. I wanted to ask you, how did your family get into the business?

We've been doing it for 50, 60 years. Actually, do you run the company today? I run the company today.

So, let me ask you this. What are you doing to grow the business right now? Well, right now you have to diversify and you have to pivot and you know keep on moving. So,

so do you own like different verticals like you own the manufacturing? Yeah, we're a vertically integrated company. So, we own the entire supply chain.

Explain that. What are the different verticals that you own? Bring me on the spot.

What are the different verticals that you own? We import raw materials, buy the raw materials, we blow, injection mold. We have a lot of different types of production lines all vertically integrated. We pack it, we distribute it, we ship it to America or ship it to the UK or Europe and then our customers, they sell it in their retail stores.

Have the tariffs had a big impact on your business? Oh yeah, huge. A lot of uncertainty. It has created a lot of like ups and downs. So it went up to 145 and then went back down to 30. My category was at 0% tariff and now it's at 30% tariff. A lot of customers don't feel very certain about future.

What's the most amount of money the business has generated? I mean, we've done hundreds of millions of dollars

in one year. Yeah. I I appreciate you and your time, man. That was awesome. And And why are there so many successful entrepreneurs in Hong Kong?

20, 30 years ago, Hong Kong was the gateway to China. And in the 80s and 90s, a lot of people from Hong Kong opened factories in China because at that time, China was a fishing village. They opened the economy up. And then after that, they are hundreds of thousands of people came in, migrant workers, to find jobs. Hong Kong has over the last 30 years, 50 years has just been economic trading hub.

You got great advice, man. Thank you so much for your time, man. I appreciate you. Where would you say what I find the wealthiest entrepreneurs in Hong Kong? Is this a good place to be?

This is a good place to be. You can go to the Rosewood. All the young entrepreneurs, they'll be around this area for sure.

Awesome, man. Great to meet you, man. What was your name? Charlie. Charlie James. Thank you for your time, man. I appreciate you.

You see him? Is he in the back? You see him? Oh, he's stopping. Yeah. Should I break the ice with him?

Okay. Now, now he's coming. Okay. I just wonder why you keep interviewing our Yes sir. Yes sir. So I have one of the biggest business social media channels. Got

you. So I have this channel right here where I interview a lot of uh Who am I here with today?

Dr. Shak inform our P. I can talk to them. Do you know where they are sir? I don't really know what they suggest you.

Okay, we'll just talk to them real quick. You can contact them on the day, not sorry for that.

No worries. Thank you. All right, you guys. So, as you can see, that did not last long, right? We just got kicked out of filming from the Four Seasons Hotel. But while we were at it, we at least got one. And we interviewed the owner of one of the largest Christmasman ornament manufacturers in the entire world. What did he say the secret to success to making hundreds of millions of dollars a year was? Is they had a vertically integrated business. That's where the money is. But while we're at it, we're going to go find the next spot to go find the ultra rich out here in Hong Kong, you guys. Come on. All right, you guys. So, we just got to our next destination out here in Hong Kong. All right, we're at the Peninsula Hotel. There's, as you can see, a fleet of Rolls-Royces, Bentley trucks, Lamborghinis, coming in and out of the valley, right? So, we're going to be going up to these people coming in and out of these cars, right? This is where some of the wealthiest people not only come here to stay, but live out here in Hong Kong, you guys. So, let's go see who we can walk up to and find. Come on. Excuse me, sir. Is this your Lamborghini?

And how did you get a Lamborghini, man? What did you do to become wealthy? Sir,

can I interview you for one minute? I I grew up to 18. All right, man. Have a good one, man.

Excuse me, sir. Is this Is this your McLaren? Yeah. Yeah. Both is mine. How did you get rich, man? I go all over the world interviewing billionaires and successful people. What did you do for a living?

I'd rather not say. So, so I'm I'm from the States. I've interviewed 32 billionaires in the last four years on their advice to the younger generation. I've interviewed like Mark Cuban, Shaquille O'Neal. Let me ask you this. What types of businesses did you run?

I have a few. I have trading. I have a law firm. What made you want to become an entrepreneur? A lot of people, they don't want to take that risk and do their own thing.

My family was really poor. So my dad grew up really poor and he made it up himself and he always told me that if he made it himself I would find my own way.

You ended up making it yourself. Yeah. I never got any help from my family. So for people that don't know, what's the name of that car right there?

Pagani. Pagani. How much did that cost? How much was that? 2.5 million. And you bought it cash?

Yeah. Yeah. Both of them. Yeah. Yeah. Actually. So So what was the most amount of money you made in a single year?

Uh I don't know. Probably £100 million. 100 million. How was that possible? What business was that primarily? Was that the law firm? What trading? No, trading everything. We do global markets. So, yeah.

So, do you own your own brokerage, your own exchange or what? No, no, no. We do IPOs and everything.

You take companies public. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You actually How did you get into that business?

Well, everyone wants to bring their company to public, right? So, uh we bring them over. We do all the things for them. We take the pot and then we partner up with everyone. Do

you think businesses should go public in today's world or is there a risk there as well when you take in all those different investors like public?

Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Interview. Hey. Hey, sometimes you got to do business mid interview. It happens.

One more. One more. How old are you now? I'm 31. 31. There's a young 20-year-old watching this right now. They want to make a hundred million. 100 million pounds in today's world. Give them the blueprint right here. Second 60. Give them the blueprint.

Well, everyone has their own way out. There's no way you can copy me. There's no way I can copy you. So, everyone's different.

I understand that from competition. It's competitive in the businesses that you're in. What do you

No, no. I mean, my my market is really niche. We only have a few people in the in the business.

So, the riches are in the niches. Definitely. How did you come upon that niche of anything you could have done?

I mean, I have a double degree in economics and law. But what's more important? Books smarts or street smart?

Street. Definitely street. Books won't bring you anywhere, right? If you're only books smart, then no matter how good you are, I don't care where you graduated from or anywhere, you might be working for me anyway. So,

love that. That's why they say see students from the world. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I never ask anyone who works for me. I never require them to have any specific educational wise. I don't require them to have that. I need them I need them to be smart.

What do you look for that tells you somebody's going to be successful? What's the one trait you've seen the most successful people?

Street smart. Definitely street smart. How did you get your street smarts? I really don't know how to tell you, but I'm just like you and I. You're street smart. You guys are all street smart. I can tell. It's born, right? It's born with it. Is it inside you?

It's definitely born with it. I mean, you you cannot pretend for it. It doesn't work that way.

Give me your best negotiation tactic for anybody in business. Wow. Always know what you're worth and then keep that in your mind.

So, you weren't afraid to walk away if somebody didn't come. Yeah, definitely. Definitely. Definitely.

Thank you so much for your time, man. What was your name, man? Bobby. Bobby. It means a lot, man. I actually saw you guys on Instagram before. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I follow you guys.

Most common mistake you see people make. I got a goal. Hey, have a good one, man. Thank you for your time, bro. Have a good one, man. Hey, so we got my guy pulled up in the McLaren. I guess there was a Pagani behind it that turns out he actually owns both of them like he said, but he made $100 million in a year, man. I'm glad we ran out to that man in Hong Kong, man. Like he said, books smarts don't mean anything if you don't have the street smarts. That's how you make it in business. Great interview out here in Hong Kong, man. Let's keep this thing rolling. Come on. All right, you guys. We got a van pulled up from the valley right now. Excuse me, sir. Sir, got a question for you. How old were you? Wait, real quick. Real quick. How old were you when you became a millionaire?

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait, wait, wait, wait. Hey, real quick, real quick. I'm going all over Hong Kong interviewing the richest people. Hey, one minute real quick. I'm going all over. Is Is that okay?

How old were you when you became a millionaire? It's an interesting question cuz I'm a billionaire.

You're what? I'm not a millionaire. I'm a billionaire. You're a billionaire? How old are you?

I'm 34. So, what age did you become a billionaire? 25, I would say. 25. I built one of the largest blockchain in the world.

Are you serious? Yes. Can I interview you off to the side real quick for one minute?

Okay. Is that okay? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Did you have people that doubted you early on?

Of course. Like everybody around me don't know what I'm doing basically. Can you tell me a crazy business story?

Yes, of course. So, I have lunch with Warren Buffett. You had lunch with Warren Buffett?

Yes. 2020. How did you get a lunch with Warren Buffett? $4.5 million. So, you paid 4.5 million to get a lunch with Warren Buffet.

Yes. Yes. And was it worth it? Yes. It's totally worth it. What did Warren Buffet teach you in that lunch?

He said, "Be careful with the one you marry. You need to make this decision like really hard."

Warren Buffet told you. Yes. And I tell him to invest Tesla and Bitcoin. Do you own a lot of Bitcoin?

Yes. I personally have a lot. Why are you telling Warren Buffet to invest in Bitcoin?

The reason is because Tesla and Bitcoin is building something new. So, never ever exist on earth before. So that's very important because in the capital markets we always give premium to new companies to new innovations rather than you know keep manufacturing the things we have been manufacturing for thousands of years. So that's why I tell Warren Buffett Tesla Bitcoin is definitely the best and also the reason Warren Buffett told me not to hold Bitcoin is the reason I invested Bitcoin. Crypto and the blockchain is the money for the internet. Basically AI and internet won't understand the traditional finance. They won't understand the dollar. You know, we invented um basically 100 years ago now. They will understand Bitcoin and all the cryptocurrency because it's created by the machine language and created by computers. So better getting out.

You think the US dollar is going to collapse? I think US dollars eventually going to be used by people in a digital way. But it won't be dominated because US dollar is invented by human not machine. So if you wants to get into crypto, the best time is now.

Growing up, did you have any idea that you were going to become a billionaire? For myself, I think 100%. But for the people knowing me, I I I I think they have no idea I going to become a billionaire.

Did you have people that doubted you? Everybody. Everybody. Among yourself and all of the billionaires that you've met, what is that one trait that they all have in common?

Yeah. I think for the one thing all the billionaire all share for me is they all have their own business.

So if you can't get rich working for somebody else. Exactly. What's your name? Justin St.

Justin. If me and you died tomorrow and you had one more message to leave with the younger generation, what would that be?

Buy Bitcoin. Buy Bitcoin. Buy Bitcoin. It's going to become the future currency.

You got amazing advice, man. Thank you. Thank you so much for your time, man. And Justin, I have to ask you. I I connect with all the billionaires I interview. Can I get your contact?

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Guys, I just interviewed one of the richest men in Hong Kong, and we're headed right now to go get our next interview, but I need you to stop and listen to me very carefully right now. Look, I built a multi-million dollar business by the age of 23 for one reason only. And it wasn't luck. It wasn't some degree that I had. It was because of access. I had access to all of the millionaires and billionaires that you see me interview on this channel. And I got mentored by these entrepreneurs that I interview every single week. And because of that, I built a business that is now making over a million dollars a month. Now, here's the craziest part. Look, in 2026, I'm doing something that I've never done before. I'm opening that network up to you. See, one year ago, I launched and built what has now become the most powerful entrepreneur community and network in the entire world. And I'm not kidding. Inside this community that I built, you get direct access to all the entrepreneurs that you see me interview, the multi-millionaires, the eight and nine figure operators, the billionaires. Every single week, I host live calls with these people. Now, on these calls, you don't just watch these people. No, no, no. You get literal live access to them where you ask them your questions

and they give you real answers about business, how to scale these companies that you start, how to invest and make your money work for you. Real billionaire secrets. This is the exact environment that changed my life that made me a millionaire. And now I'm giving you access to it. So, let me be clear. In 2026, if you want access to the greatest entrepreneur community and network in the world, waste no more time. All you have to do is go down and click the link in the description of this video to join the number one entrepreneur community in the world and I'll see you on the inside. With that being said, let's go get this next interview.

Excuse me, ma'am. Ma'am, question for you. How old were you when you became a millionaire?

Around my my late 20s. How did you get rich out here in Hong Kong? I have our own hair care brand.

So, you started a company? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'm the founder. How long have you been a business owner?

20 years. And what's the company worth today? Around $100 million. So, you built a $und00 million company?

Yeah. With my team, not myself. How old are you now? 40 something. You're in your 40s?

Yes. Going all over Hong Kong interviewing the richest people. Could I get one minute with you for the channel off to the side?

Just a minute. It's for the younger generation. Yeah, sure. Who am I here with today?

I'm Marvin, founder of OMG Hair Brand. So, you're a business owner? Yeah. Business owner, stylist, and I'm a high school dropout.

You're a high school dropout? Yeah, I'm a high school dropout. When I was teenage, I start my own path.

Why did you decide to drop out? Because I really want I really know what I want to do. I'm not very good in study. I'm a kind of a bit ADHD, but I don't want to waste my time and my energy. Time is our exit. That's why I just dropped out and leave my home.

What was the single biggest thing that it took to build out a hundred million dollar company?

Get some investors, some people, they have technology, they have money, all people have different knowhow. Work together instead only by yourself. If you work by yourself, you can fast. But work with a great team, you can be far and deep.

Did you have people that doubted you when you started your business? Oh, even my everyone almost 99% they doubt me.

Why did you believe in yourself? You are the only one who can believe yourself or make yourself fail. If you don't believe yourself, who can believe you? Why people believe in you? You are the only one who really know what you want before you do it. If you really believe in yourself, make it real.

What is the best piece of advice that you got throughout your career? Don't be afraid of failure. I failed many thousand times. Every time I failed, I learned. Next time I fail, I felt better. And then stand up and fail again and felt better. And then one day someone will tell you, "Yo, bro, you're now the champion." Oh, really? Thank you.

You found a product that was able to generate tons of of money and it was super successful. How did you find a winning product? What was your formula for finding the product that you knew was going to be successful?

You need to be precise. You need to be critical. Not someone tell you this good and you think this good. You need to think, oh, this is good. Can we make it something better? Because some of our client is uh the Olympic gold medal athlete, award-winning uh movie director or movie actor. They are all precise. They want something better. Can we do better? Can we have something better? But you need to learn. You need to be fast. You need to absorb and you need to critical. Then you will make something better than before.

I always like to ask people that if me and you died tomorrow and you had one more message to leave with the younger generation, what would that be?

Stay kind. No matter how worse situation you think you are now, it's your moment to shine. Stay kind. Be polite to people and stand up tall. Even you die, you don't regret.

Do you have any regrets? Me? Yeah. I miss my father. He passed away. I'm sorry for your loss. What did you learn from your dad?

Talking is cheap. Work on it. You will find fail. Once you fail, you know what is not good for you and then you learn from it and then you go again and do again. But think you can rest but don't stop.

You have amazing advice. Thank you. Thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate that.

Yeah. Thank you so much. You're very inspiring. You too. Thank you. Please share share to more people the kids. They need you.

So we walked up to the lady in between the car right before she was about to take off and she built a $100 million company after dropping out of high school. And if there's one thing that I know, especially in the culture out here in Hong Kong, that does not happen, okay? They take school very seriously out here, you guys. But she took the ultimate bet on herself, she built a $100 million business and just gave you some great advice. Ready to move out here in Hong Kong? We got to keep the seat going and go get another one, you guys. Come on. Awesome. Excuse me, sir. How did you get rich?

Oh, I just I'm a business guy. And what line of business? Uh, construction. Can I interview you for 30 seconds up here?

For what kind of video? I grew a channel to 18 million followers. I'm from the States. I interview business owners. Yeah, let's do it. Hey, look at that right there. A closed mouth does not get fed. Come on, let's get him.

Oh, let's go. You said you're in the construction business. What are you building?

We are a main contractor in Hong Kong and actually I'm an engineer. How did you get into this business?

Yeah, there's cars behind me. We just pull up right over here. Right. Right up to the side. Let's go right up here. One of the biggest contractors in Hong Kong.

So, how did you get into construction? Because my father is a a registered structural engineer. He bring me in this kind of industry.

Are you from Hong Kong? Yeah, I'm from Hong Kong. Yeah. Right. You are? Yeah, I'm Hong Kong.

What's the best year you've had? 80 millions. 80 million a year. Yeah. Are you serious?

Yes. What is the best piece of advice that you ever received throughout your career?

I just follow the the pattern because many of my friends they are older than me and then I just follow the pattern. Some of the guys they are older than me and then they do very well in their business industry. So I just follow what they have do.

So find successful people and go study and do exactly. Yes. Exactly. Yes. Did you have to sacrifice a lot to build an 80 million?

Of course. One day you have 24 hours and then you think every day and night you need to think how to get business, how to get more job, how to uh do it better. Every moment you need to think of your business.

What did you have to sacrifice? Time. Every day I would go to my office. No matter it's holiday, I need to go back to office and read some of the uh documents.

Did you have any challenges as a business owner? Of course. What's the biggest challenge you had to overcome? The biggest challenge you face?

The cost. That cost of what? The cost in in Hong Kong is very high of materials or

um salaries of of your colleagues. So the people staff yeah your staff is very high.

How did you overcome that challenge? You need to keep money running in your bank account to maintain the the flow.

And how old are you? Oh, I'm nearly 38. 38? Yeah. Nearly 38. Let me ask you this. My last question. If me and you died tomorrow and you had one more message to leave with the younger generation, what would that be?

Keep fighting. Keep going. and then do what you want to do. Thank you so much for your time, man. I really appreciate that.

That's a wrap on today's video, you guys. We just filmed in Hong Kong with the millionaires and billionaires of this city. So, I need you guys to stop right now. Look, like and subscribe for amazing content because, guys, every week. Look, I'm not just going around the states. I'm going around the world to bring you guys the biggest business owners, the billionaires that make up this entire planet, you guys. So, go ahead and subscribe and do yourself an even bigger favor, guys. go down to the link in the description of this video because you can get access to and join the number one entrepreneur community and network in the entire world where you get direct access to the billionaires and the millionaires that I interview. You get to hop on live calls every single week with the people I interview on this channel and you ask them your questions on how to build wealth and scale businesses in today's world. So, I can't wait to see you on the inside. With that being said, I'll see you in the next

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Asking Hong Kong Millionaires How They Got RICH!"?

Unknown Host (Host), Charlie James (Guest), Bobby (Guest), Justin St. (Guest), Marvin (Guest), Unknown Construction Entrepreneur (Guest).

What is "Asking Hong Kong Millionaires How They Got RICH!" about?

The content explores interviews with wealthy individuals in Hong Kong, focusing on their paths to immense success and wealth. Key points include insights on entrepreneurship, the value of perseverance despite skepticism, and personal experiences of billionaires detailing their journeys, secrets, and the financial milestones that shaped their fortunes.

What is mentioned in this School of Hard Knocks episode?

17 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Justin St., Christmas ornament manufacturer, Charlie James, Jane Buffett, Lee Marvin, Entrepreneur Community. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Asking Hong Kong Millionaires How They Got RICH!"?

The episode runs 21 min; the transcript is about 5,366 words in 140 timestamped sections.

More from School of Hard Knocks

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated January 24, 2026.