The Centered Cover Story: Meet The Ripplemaker

Ping Chu RippleMaker

Katherine Young interviewed me several months ago. We spent quite a long time together and I was struck by her thoroughness and professionalism. I just found out that that interview has turned into this brilliant cover story in Centered on Taipei magazine (May 09). Thank you, Katherine, Roma Mehta and Emily McMurrinfor helping us to tell our story.

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Meet The Ripplemaker

Text: Katherine Young, Images: Emily McMurrin

Yes, a ripple maker I will be,

as I cast these thoughts to you…

Pick your pebbles carefully,

Cause you’re a ripple maker too!

Denise Lanford

Meet the Daymaker

At a recent birthday dinner at Nonzero, I observed owner Ping Chu, stylishly outfitted in black and white, as he played consummate host to a group of forward thinking movers and shakers in Taipei. While skillfully engaging and tending to his guests, he made time to periodically slip back to us, nestled in a back corner, usually with someone on his arm that he wanted to make sure we “knew.” When, in the course of one of these forays, he got wind of our celebration, he grinned widely and disappeared, only to return shortly after with a decadent double chocolate cake.

Mind you – this was my first introduction to Mr. Ping Chu.

Days later in our correspondence to arrange a meeting, I beheld, under his name: “Businessmaker, Daymaker, Ripplemaker.”

You can’t help but smile when reading that, can you?

So, who is this man and where do such titles come from? After several hours with Ping and Centered editor, Roma Mehta, I feel as though I am just scratching the surface. He is indeed a maker of all sorts and through our conversations I gained a sense of this man-a man who prefers to rephrase the commonly asked, “How do I balance work and life?” to what is in his mind a better question: “How can I integrate work and life?” He spoke at a conference in November about ‘making a life rather than making a living. “ With this in mind, he aims to create sustainable and holistic businesses, where ultimately, the business doesn’t actually need him to proceed, allowing Ping to realize what he termed as his primary goal when he entered this realm – freedom. By all counts it seems to be working. He still manages without a mobile phone – though he admitted the recently unveiled iphone is awfully tempting.

Ping has arrived at his views through vast business experience and travel, paired with exacting analysis and appreciation of what works and what doesn’t in practice. A consummate storyteller, we reveled in fascinating snippets of his life, in particular, those that have shaped his values and views.

When Ping discovered the Beatles and the world they inhabited while in high school, his desire to travel was piqued. After completing his degree in Taiwan, he went stateside to do a BS in Pharmaceutical Science; at this point he thought he was all set – “I’m a pharmacist” rolled easily off the tongue. But then came a critical twist in his life – his father became ill. He put all on hold, returned to Taiwan and spent six months with his father in the hospital. In that suspended space between life and death, he found himself questioning five more years in school and a life that was, “all set.” When his father passed away, his obligations were few, and so he set out on a year of wandering. Through the United States and Europe his travels took him, and in that time, he clarified his decision not to return to his pharmacy program, or as he put it, “to step off the treadmill” and avoid the “salary trap.”

Meet the Businessmaker

Ping Chu Ripplemaker 2

Even at that time Ping was drawn to products of quality, particularly a certain black and white bottle that raised the standard on any hair care products he’d previously used. As I gazed at Ping in his elegant black jacket with its mandarin collar and crisp three button white shirt, I easily envisioned him and his excitement upon discovering the likes of Paul Mitchell, a new company offering a philosophy of hair care and real style. He paused here in the story, inspired by these memories it seemed, to offer a bit of advice to the young: Enrich your life experience for you never know what will happen. Replace the fear of uncertainty with curiosity. Ping was curious about that black and white bottle and what it represented, and so he became a Paul Mitchell enthusiast, and it seems Mr. Mitchell reciprocated!

His seemingly simple decision to use these products led to a rather extraordinary string of events. While trying out a string of jobs in the United States, from waiter to salesman, Mitchell asked Ping if he would bring his line to Taiwan. The early stages were markedly humble – with stock lining makeshift shelves in his living room and his mother labeling bottles, he set out to introduce a philosophy of hair care that was diametrically opposed to the then Taiwanese approach of having your hair washed exclusively at the beauty parlor. Ping educated and illustrated how one must give, in order to get – in this case, he showed salons that by ‘liberating’ their customers and teaching them how to take care of their own hair, they could actually increase their income by focusing on more technical, work intensive processes. Ping knew at this stage that he wanted to create a business based on trust, community, common sense and honesty. He offered all the salons the guarantee that he would buy back any product that they didn’t sell, and he brought in sales people who wanted to be part of a team. He paid them a salary, rather than making it contingent upon sales, and created the idea that success was not based on the “master sales person” but rather the integral functioning of all involved in the process. This idea that success is shared by all continues to define his businesses today.

Over time, he developed a friendship with Aveda founder, Horst Rechelbacher, who came to Taiwan annually when sourcing products. With similar philosophies and interests, theirs was a natural fit. The rest is history.

Long before Nonzero’s arrival, Ping had loved the idea of opening a restaurant that would translate the philosophy of Aveda into the culinary arena, but had no practical knowledge or idea how to approach it. He envisioned a community eatery that focused on taste through the use of organic foods, and that highlighted an aesthetic presentation.

Ping Chu 2

Nonzero, now two years old, has undergone several transformations since it opened, and if you haven’t visited lately, you’ll be tantalized when you do. Gazing at the restaurant and street front, my eyes dart back and forth – do I believe what I am seeing? Allowing my eyes to linger, I realize that the street is in fact quite lovely. Upon designing his office on this narrow alley – there is an Aveda Salon on the street as well – Ping resolved to, “stop complaining how ugly Taipei is and do something about it.” With that, he gave his designer free reign to emphasize the outside view, the goal being to offer “a gift to the neighbors.” The ripple of this action inspired the health food store/restaurant across the street to make their own effort to beautify the block by placing a table and benches outside their shop. Now, the rest of us get to revel in a quaint stretch of downtown Taipei, complete with an outdoor iron sculpture. When the corner building (now Nonzero’s location) opened up, the owners, residents on the street and witnesses of the street’s transformation, approached Ping, “I want you to have it. I’ll wait for you.”

Ping put the idea out into the universe as only a good ripplemaker can and in due time met the critical component, an experienced restauranteur, who could help him transmit the dream into reality. “I have a great space,” he told him – “help me.” Nonzero was born. He has dreamt into reality the most prepossessing watering hole. The style, be it shabby chic, rough luxury or recycled beauty, is tasteful and accommodating. Glass shelving shows off French porcelain and serves to divide the two rooms, while natural light streams in. Both intimate and larger community style tables grace the restaurant, the latter crafted from handsome pieces of wood and stay true to Ping’s vision of offering ‘liked minded’ a meeting point to engage and share ideas.

The day’s vegetables are on display in an open refrigerator at the back, and recently our waiter encouraged us to peruse the offerings before selecting, reminding me of meals in a rustic Italian trattoria. All produce is sourced locally, and much boasts special distinction– organically grown by Pierre Loisel – on the menu. Ping’s experience of the last two years has inspired some changes both in the physical layout of the space and the menu. We were there recently for the latest unveiling, which continues to include all dishes ala carte and as well as set menus for 700nt, 900nt and 1500nt. Our appetites were sated and our taste buds tickled with the 700nt menu: homemade bread for dipping in a beautiful French olive oil and aged Italian balsamic; hearty mushroom soup; traditional Panzanella (Italian bread salad); perfectly cooked risotto (free range chicken or local mushroom) followed by an Aveda like herbal tea infusion. As local Taiwanese mushrooms were the specialty of the day, we also opted to savor one grilled. It arrived on a rustic wooden cutting board accompanied by a pungent pepper spread. The elegant simplicity of the food; the thoughtful service, including a visit from the able chef; the warm atmosphere – they all intertwine so seamlessly that we shook our heads in disbelief when we finally wandered out late into the evening.

Meet the ripplemaker.

Ping expressed gratitude often for the luck that he has had in his life; certainly, luck has played a role, but infused, no doubt, with a forward thinking approach to business and living. Aveda has a dedicated and ‘critical number of customers that support it,” allowing him to engage and support many other ideas and beliefs close to his heart, Nonzero being one of them. The soiree when I first met Ping was, in fact, part of his broader vision to inspire intellectual discourse in Taipei. And indeed the group that night gathered together, around his community tables, sharing ideas and discussing the future. He takes this quest on in many ways-his blog, his restaurant, his involvement in BQ (the Big Question) and his support of TEDxTaipei. Through each he aims to inspire active communication and dialogue and to raise consciousness. Kindly, he has also provided a venue where such folk can convene.

The effects from Ping’s beliefs and actions seem to be reaching greater distances these days. His blog reads – Be inspired Get involved Take action – he certainly seems to embrace this credo on a daily basis.

快樂製造機(3)

我想與大家分享第二個快樂製造機的故事。AL 參加了我在學學的私塾後,決定嘗試自己的快樂製造機。這是AL與我的email對話。

3/11

Dear 朱平老師

我在台中開了個『養生銀行』,現在已經有二家分行,我每天最開心的事,就是聽到小朋友大聲的喊,這裡有牛ㄟ,有魚ㄟ(我們有個小牛的雕像和一個魚 池)。那天,我也做了個實驗,我自己換了100元零錢,只要是來結帳的客人在掏零錢的時候,我就用這些零錢先幫他支付,客人可以還我,也可以不還。我想知 道 一天下來,我會比100元多,還是少於100元,你猜到結果嗎?

嘿嘿!我最後結算2,586 元,(扣除我的100元)

有20個客人說『不用找了』,有18個客人說『不好意思,我給你』,更有趣的是,32位客人說,『下次來再給你』,當然也有說『謝謝』的客人。我向那說『不用找了』的客人說,我幫你存了『快樂基金』,他們開心的離開。

我打算繼續實驗下去,一個月後再告訴大家我有多少快樂基金!

謝謝您給我這個實驗的發想,我很快樂!

3/13

Dear AL
You made my day by not only being a Daymaker but also a Ripplemaker. This is the best story that I’ve heard in a long time. I am in complete bliss now. I salute you for being such an inventive doer.

Please remember that I am not your teacher. I am your peer. I am so privileged to get to know you all. I challenge you all to find your own way to start this ripple effect based on the law of 1%.

May I use your story for my next ICB and my blog so more people can be reached by your ripplemaking? You will have a happy life by being a Daymaker everyday. Your business will also thrive with positive energy you cultivate. I am so proud of you.

Be the change and give love.

3/13

Dear 朱平老師

收到你的回信,真是開心,能讓我小小實驗心得讓更多的人分享,我有一萬分的願意,也謝謝你給我這個機會,讓更多的人分享這份快樂基金!

我回覆您的答案是,『我願意』. 快樂基金目前正在累積當中,現在是 3,150. 希望您有平安快樂的一天

快樂製造機 吳金津(中國時報浮世繪)

I have to give credit to 吳金津 to create this ripple effect.? 吳金津,? you are a great story teller and you have made my day.?? Thank you.快樂製造機,吳金津(中國時報浮世繪)前幾天到內湖聽一場演講,讓我印象最深刻的是主講者朱平先生,分享如何讓自己做個「快樂製造機」,他談到他每天早晨都會去逛傳統市場,每天都會製造一些快樂給賣菜的老闆們。比如他買了23元的菜,拿30元給老闆,說:「老闆,23元算25元,找我5元就好。」這些老闆們反應大致上有四種反應;第一種:起初非常驚訝,之後非常開心地找了5元,說謝謝。第二種:老闆堅持找7元,不佔客戶便宜,但老闆很開心。第三種:是多送點蔥蒜,也很開心。第四種:是最高竿的反應,「不然我幫你湊30元好了,一共是32元,算你30元就好。」哇!真是高手,原本是要讓老闆佔便宜的,反過來卻讓客戶多買又有佔便宜的感受,更是個「快樂製造機」。前日傍晚,我逛傳統黃昏市場時,決定玩一下朱先生的遊戲,暫時改了殺價習慣,想創造點快樂給老闆們。我到一家以前常殺價、討斤兩的攤販前,買了157元的青菜,結帳時,剛好聽到菜販老闆對旁人說了一個笑話,非常好笑。我非常愉快地說:「老闆,你好幽默,你的笑話很好笑,157元算160元,這裡是160元,不用找了。」老闆笑了,說:「這怎麼可以,不然妳還需要甚麼,我送妳。」老闆便送我一大塊嫩薑。」後來到了另一家買甜不辣29元,拿30元給老闆,我說:「阿伯,29元算30元,不用找了。」老闆有點訝異,一時之間反應不過來,還是找了1元給我,我笑笑地把1元還給他,說不用找,他趕緊又多放了一塊甜不辣給我,從他驚訝轉而高興的表情,我知道我做到了。回家的路上,我嘴角掛著微笑,哼著歌。睡前在日記裡寫下:「算一算,我多花了4元,賺到了甚麼?」賺到了好心情;賺到了老闆的笑容;賺到了老闆的謝意;賺到了老闆的友誼;賺到了一塊嫩薑和一塊甜不辣;賺到了愉快的晚餐。當我們決心要當個「快樂製造機」時,就會感染對方,形成一個良性的影響,讓更多周遭的人像我們一樣,成為「快樂製造機」。

  • 以下問答轉載至YAHOO!奇摩時尚頻道-名家專欄?

    1. Post bypage5566**於(2008/01/01 17:00:24)回應

      給朱平先生:2008新年快樂!!

    2. Post byvicky_ho05**於(2008/01/01 01:05:23)回應

      照片上的笑容 好棒有打動的心理的感覺心裡也跟著 有開心的感覺 這個世界上 如果人人都可以為別人多付出一點 一定更棒了

    3. Post bypingchu20**於(2007/12/19 18:57:45)回應

      Dear Page5566: You are my daymaker today. Daymaking is an intentional effort to make people’s day selflessly. To me, making people’s day is the best way to change the world.

    4. Post bypage5566**於(2007/12/17 23:49:11)回應

      覺的古代流傳至今的名言,真的很好用,”吃虧就是佔便宜”讚

    ?