"I am an opportunist," said Zhao Jianguo, chairman of Beijing Jimei Home Furnishings, with a straightforward attitude.
In 1979, a middle school teacher earning just 49 yuan a month decided to take a bold step by starting a wooden goods factory. By the early 1990s, he grew tired of the production side and shifted his focus toward business. In 1995, he founded the Beijing Jimei Home Furnishing Store, marking his entry into the home furnishings market in Beijing. However, Zhao never confined himself to just one industry. He once expressed regret for not entering the real estate sector at the right time and has since expanded into areas like red wine, bottled water, olive oil, and even health and elderly care industries. When asked about his company’s direction, Zhao gave a vague but telling answer: "We are in the market."
Over three decades, Zhao has continuously pursued new opportunities and wealth. Yet, this self-proclaimed opportunist often reflects on deeper questions, asking, "What is money? Life doesn't bring death or death."
In 2000, to support Beijing's bid for the Olympics, Zhao voluntarily handed over 60,000 square meters of retail space, wiping out 18 years of commercial success and suffering losses of over 40 million yuan. Then, in 2003, during the SARS outbreak, when Jimei was still struggling financially, he donated millions to local hospitals. He once said, "If it weren’t for the good times, I would have remained a teacher earning 49 yuan a month."
"Why did you live here? Just enjoy the moment!" Zhao explained with a smile. He thrives on challenges and takes pride in his strong sense of responsibility. "It makes sense that I could take a break, but I can’t accept that. The internet hasn’t caught up yet!" At 63, Zhao continues to push forward, showing no sign of slowing down. His journey reflects not just a pursuit of profit, but also a deep commitment to purpose and impact.
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