Tony Koo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Tony , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Thanks for having me, I’m looking forward to chatting. I’d say a recent proud moment for me has been launching Neo Camper, our off-road division of Neo Smart Living. We design and manufacturer overlanding and off grid RV trailers. Camping and the outdoors have always been part of my life, but my father-in-law, Sam, introduced me to off-road RV camping many years ago. It completely changed my perspective and became one of the most meaningful ways I connect with my wife and family.
Being able to blend that personal passion with my work is incredibly special. I often think about how proud and excited Sam would be to see this venture growing, and that makes the journey fulfilling.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Absolutely- I founded my first company over 21 years ago and have been building businesses across multiple industries ever since. In recent years, I’ve cofounded Neo Smart Living, Neo Camper, and Pi Grill – three brands operating within a broader ecosystem we’re intentionally building.
Neo Smart Living manufactures modular and factory-built spaces. Neo Camper focuses on off-road overlanding trailers. And Pi Grill is a battery-powered pellet grill and smoker designed for off-grid use. Together, these companies support a lifestyle centered around mobility, minimalism, and outdoor living.
At the core, we’re not just building products. We’re building an integrated platform that allows people to live, travel, and gather more freely without being tied to traditional infrastructure.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There wasn’t a single defining moment, but I learned early that how you win matters.
I’ve always prioritized integrity and doing right by people, even when it costs leverage, profit, or scale. That decision has shaped how I build, who I partner with, and how I measure success.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self it’s okay to have doubt. Just don’t confuse doubt with fear. Curiosity and questioning are strengths. They push you to build better and think deeper.
I’d also tell him not to be so hard on himself. Chasing perfection at all costs can come at the expense of your health and peace. Do your best. What will be, will be.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
This one will be fun. I believe that higher levels of success often require tradeoffs most people don’t openly talk about. The pressure to compromise integrity increases with power and scale. I’ve seen how incentives shift at higher levels. That belief has made me very intentional about the lines I won’t cross.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Truthfully, I’d step away from it all. I’d travel indefinitely, explore different cultures, and experience the simplest ways of living across our earth.
I’d stop looking at time, and enjoy moments in nature with my wife and people I care about. I’d definitely spend 2 months of each year in Glamis. Riding the dunes, catching the cotton candy sunsets, and being close to Sam.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/tonykoo
