At 9 a.m., we arrived at Chen Huiting’s office. He was already immersed in reviewing a stack of documents and reports, showing the intensity of his daily routine. As we waited, the secretary brought him a glass of water to take a short break before our interview. While waiting, I noticed that his teacup was worn and stained with years of use. I couldn’t help but ask why he didn’t replace it. With a warm smile, he replied, “This teacup has been with me for thirty years. It’s seen me through countless challenges and successes. I just can’t let it go.â€
Chen Huiting’s journey began with a deep sense of loyalty and family. In 1993, his brother, who worked in the same factory, was unfairly fired. Remembering the promise he had made—“You have meâ€â€”Chen gave up his position as deputy general manager of a state-owned enterprise and decided to start over with his brother. That decision marked the beginning of Huilong Paint.
“I always believe in keeping my promises,†he said. “If I fail to do so, I would feel a deep sense of guilt.†This commitment extended beyond his family. Throughout his career, Chen ensured that no employee ever went unpaid for a single day. In 2000, as Huilong Paint reached its peak, Chen was making substantial profits every day. Inspired by this success, he expanded further by launching another architectural paint company. A year later, he moved to Australia, where he also ran a wine business. However, managing multiple ventures proved too much. By 2003, Huilong Paint faced a sharp decline and nearly shut down.
Faced with financial losses, Chen used his personal savings to pay his employees’ salaries. Surprisingly, he even increased their bonuses compared to previous years. His actions reflected not only his responsibility but also his deep care for those who had worked alongside him.
Over the past twenty years, Chen described Huilong Paint’s journey as both challenging and rewarding. Though there were many obstacles, he believed that the weight of his promises brought him a unique kind of happiness. When asked about his future, he shared that he plans to retire in ten years. However, he doesn’t intend to pass the company to the next generation. Instead, he wants to give opportunities to those who are truly capable and ready to lead. For Chen Huiting, success is not just about building a business—it's about integrity, loyalty, and the value of keeping one’s word.
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