Today we’d like to introduce you to Steaven Chen.
San Francisco-born Steaven grew up surrounded by the Chinese spirit known as baijiu. At age 10, he moved to Los Angeles with his parents where they started CNS Enterprises, and entered the business of importing baijiu from Asia.
He recalls the distinct smell of the sorghum-based liquor as he played around the warehouse and helped make deliveries. As the items were all in boxes, he did not think much of them at that time but, “Once I was older, my impression was that this is a serious drink, and not to be trifled with as a kid.”
He did not grow up planning to involve himself in the family business; he wanted to do something on his own. He graduated from UCLA with a B.A. degree, double majoring in Economics and Global Development Studies, then went on to become the founder of Streamline Networks, an outsourced IT consulting firm at age 28.
Streamline Networks grew to 14 employees and generated over $2 million in revenue as a service firm. He then sold the company in 2011. Building from this experience, he returned to the family business in 2012 to take over his current role of Chief Operating Officer at CNS Enterprises.
His aim is to bridge the gap between the world’s top Chinese liquor suppliers and American distributors to create a culture and team that will successfully bring this storied spirit to the general market.
In his spare time, he enjoys being with his wife and two children. He is passionate about tennis, and also continues to practice and teach the martial art of Aikido, which he has been involved in for the past 20 years. Aikido is centered on cultivation of self through sincerity, discipline and flexibility which has all been instrumental in his own personal and professional development.
Has it been a smooth road?
In returning to the family business, language has been a challenge. Doing International business with limited Mandarin has been difficult. As a result, workarounds have been created to allow relationships to continue to be built and maintained even with this limitation.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with CNS Imports – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our business is in the Wine and Spirits Industry. We import wine and spirits from primarily Asian countries. We work with Chinese Spirits called Baijiu, as well as Chinese wines, Japanese Sakes and soon Japanese Whiskies. We distribute throughout the United States our products. We have a strong niche in servicing the Asian American communities historically, but are broadening out to the General market to work with mainstream restaurants and chains. I’m very proud to be the strongest importer and distributor of Chinese spirits in the US.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the variety of people and activities in Los Angeles. Great ethnic diversity makes it very interesting. Food is varied and great. Weather is absolutely amazing as well. Nothing really not to like in Los Angeles.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7709 Industry Ave
Pico Rivera, CA 90660 - Website: www.cnsimports.com
- Phone: 626-579-9018
- Email: [email protected]
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
