Elliot Park is a second generation entrepreneur, who we are pleased to announce as the MBDA June Entrepreneur of the Month. Mr. Park is the CEO of Shine Electronics Co., Inc., which is a wireless telecommunication industry leader that specializes in the reverse logistics of wireless and cell phone products.
Shine Electronics was founded by Park’s father, Kyu H. Park, in 1974 as a service center that provided high-quality, quick-turn, repairs and refurbishments of costly electronic products to companies, such as Motorola, LG Corporation and U.S. Cellular. In 2014, the company identified a niche in the marketplace for the refurbishment of pre-owned mobile and electronic products, and honed in on the need for devices in emerging countries.
Park attributes much of his entrepreneur mindset to his father, and mentor, who guided him for 15 years at Shine Electronics, before making the decision to take over as CEO.
“Being a minority entrepreneur makes me proud. As a second generation entrepreneur, I was a firsthand witness to the effort and dedication my parents exerted into running a business while disadvantaged by both language and cultural barriers” said Park. “As a result, I thoroughly enjoy working with other minority-owned businesses, and helping each other build companies that will succeed and cultivate the next generation of minority business owners.”
The teachings of his parents have instilled a desire to enhance the sustainability of minority-owned business, and Park attributes many of the connections made, to help achieve this, to MBDA. Not only has MBDA served as a link between minority-owned businesses, but also large corporations that have provided opportunities to grow Shine.
He also recognizes that, “the organization [MBDA] has assisted Shine Electronics in introducing us to different countries for the export of our products.” In fact, last year, Shine Electronics was announced as the Minority Export Firm of the Year, during the National Minority Enterprise Development Conference (MED Week).
Park continues to lead a multifaceted company that is able to combine its extensive industry experience with the duty of social responsibility, and truly operates on the premise of recycling, reusing and conserving resources.
Elliot Park’s Advice to Entrepreneurs
For all those aspiring minority entrepreneurs, my one piece of advice in approaching business opportunities: be patient, be consistent, be communicative, be honest, and never give up!
About Entrepreneur of the Month
In January 2016, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) kicked off a new campaign called Entrepreneur of the Month, a showcase for business owners and executives who have leveraged MBDA’s programs and services in unique ways to foster growth. At MBDA, our core mission is infused with the energy and vision of minority business entrepreneurs. In highlighting those who exemplify passion, innovation, and determination, we hope to inspire business owners of today and tomorrow.
Do you know a stellar entrepreneur that exemplifies excellence, leadership, and determination? Nominate him/her today for our Entrepreneur of the Month! Please submit a nomination letter stating your reasons to Alicia Sowah at asowah@mbda.gov.
Posted at 11:24 AM
Entrepreneur of the Month
