“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey and the people you meet along the way.”
The debut of the new segment, “Spinning Chair,” on the September 12th episode of “On the Chair” brought stories of individuals who have experienced significant twists and turns in their lives and careers. The editorial team hopes that these stories will inspire viewers to embrace positive changes in their own careers.
In this first edition of “Spinning Chair,” host Dang Viet interviews Mr. Le Minh Thanh about his journey and the challenges he faced when he decided to venture into the used car business, leaving behind a successful 7-year career as the top seller of Lexus official cars.
Host Dang Viet: Welcome, Mr. Le Minh Thanh. You were at the peak of your career, having been the top seller of Lexus official cars for 7 consecutive years. What prompted you to make this bold change?
Le Minh Thanh: Greetings to the audience of “On the Chair.” Thank you, Viet, for this wonderful question.
My time at Lexus provided me with invaluable experience and knowledge. However, I have always had a dream and ambition to establish my own brand. I wanted to offer my clients a truly premium experience in the automotive industry. By venturing out on my own, I could unleash my creativity and turn my passions and aspirations into reality.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Host Dang Viet: You had a successful and secure career at Lexus. Why did you choose to leave and embark on a challenging entrepreneurial path?
Le Minh Thanh: We all have our unique perspectives in life. For me, the sense of security that came with working at an official dealership was never enough. I have bigger goals and aspirations in life and my career.
Founding my own brand was a significant milestone in my career. It marked a new chapter, bringing with it new challenges and goals. I believe that change brings positive outcomes. When we embrace change and renew ourselves, our thinking evolves and improves.
Ultimately, by establishing my own brand, I aim to provide my clients with even more extraordinary experiences.
“The key to success is to start before you’re ready.”
Host Dang Viet: You transitioned from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur and a boss. What challenges did you face in this new role?
Le Minh Thanh: Previously, as a sales consultant at Lexus, my primary responsibilities were selling cars, achieving sales targets, and customer care.
Stepping into the role of an entrepreneur brought new challenges in team management, finance, business operations, and marketing. Balancing all these elements harmoniously is a constant and significant challenge. At times, the pressure of running a business can be overwhelming, but these challenges have also been instrumental in my personal growth. They serve as a motivation for me to strive for improvement every day.
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
Host Dang Viet: How did you convince your colleagues to join you in this entrepreneurial journey?
“There is no limit to what we can achieve when we work together in unity.”
Le Minh Thanh: The used car business has its unique characteristics, and one cannot succeed alone. To achieve success, I needed the unity and support of my colleagues.
From the beginning, my primary focus has been on building trust. I am fortunate that my colleagues believed in my personal integrity. When I shared my vision of establishing a used car showroom, they were enthusiastic and offered their help.
This trust and support from my colleagues were the foundation for our journey together.
“Don’t just follow the crowd, let your brand stand out.”
Host Dang Viet: What sets your new brand apart from other used car showrooms in the market?
Le Minh Thanh: Currently, the used car market includes businesses dealing with various car brands. However, none of them exclusively focus on Lexus vehicles. While we trade in all luxury car brands, our primary focus is on Lexus products.
With the experience and knowledge gained over 7-8 years at the Lexus official dealership, I aim to offer our clients the best and most premium experience. Our showroom is a trusted place for customers looking to buy or sell high-quality Lexus cars. I want to establish our brand as a reliable destination for anyone seeking to purchase a Lexus vehicle.
Host Dang Viet: How do you effectively reach out to your existing customers and expand your customer base?
Le Minh Thanh: Over the 7-8 years at the Lexus official dealership, I focused on building strong relationships and trust with our clients. When I decided to leave and build my own brand, these loyal customers were the ones who encouraged and supported me. The first few cars we sold were gifts from our previous customers—the same cars that I and my colleagues had sold to them when we worked at the dealership.
Additionally, we actively utilize social media marketing to reach new customers while continuing to nurture relationships with our existing clientele.
“Personal branding is essential in today’s digital age.”
Host Dang Viet: How do you build your personal brand and that of your team?
Le Minh Thanh: In this digital age, building a personal brand is crucial.
I recognized the importance of personal branding early on and started working on it from my first days at the Lexus official dealership. I believed that eventually, everyone would want to pursue their own path and build something of their own.
Knowing this, I focused on building my personal brand from the start. While working at the dealership, I strived to associate my personal image with the brand, from the way I spoke and interacted with customers to sharing product information on sales channels. I aimed to set myself apart from my colleagues across all social media platforms.
This approach continues with my new brand. We aim to convey an image of luxury and elegance. In terms of our team, we envision ourselves as “gentlemen car sellers.”
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”
Le Minh Thanh: I have a passion for Italian suits and have cultivated an image around this style for many years. With this attire, customers perceive a sense of meticulousness and trustworthiness, from their first impression to their overall experience.
Host Dang Viet: What advice would you give to others who aspire to make a similar career shift?
Le Minh Thanh: My advice is to excel at whatever role you are in. Life presents opportunities to everyone. When the time comes, seize the opportunity and pursue your dreams with determination. Always keep hope in your heart, and do your best in whatever task lies before you, no matter how small it may seem. Consistency and perseverance will lead to success.
Host Dang Viet: Thank you, Mr. Thanh, for your insightful sharing.
The “On the Chair” program is a collaboration between Ho Chi Minh City Television Station and VCCorp Joint Stock Company, with AutoPro as the implementing partner, AdWheel as the commercial developer, and Giovanni as the accompanying partner.
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