Monday, April 14, 2008

Managing the Dragon

We recently attended a talk about doing business in China given by Pittsburgh native Jack Perkowski, author and CEO of ASIMCO Technologies. The talk was held at Robert Morris University in Moon Township, PA.

Perkowski discussed his experience living in and establishing a now-thriving automotive-component business in China over the past 17 years. According to a flyer distributed at the event,

Under Perkowski's leadership, ASIMCO has established a reputation for developing local management in China and integrating a broad-based operation into the global economy. In 2005, ASIMCO was named one of the "Ten Best Employers in China."

Perkowski's talk focused on China's current and exploding role in the global economy and how American entrepreneurs/businesses can tap into it. His recently published book, Managing the Dragon: How I'm Building a Billion-Dollar Business in China, recounts his experience building his company and the cross-cultural lessons he learned while doing so.

Perkowski's presentation demonstrated a strong understanding of and appreciation for Chinese culture. For example, he amusingly recalled having eaten "every part of every animal" served to him at business meals.

Like his informative and enjoyable talk, Perkowski's book would be a valuable resource to anyone interested in learning more about, or doing business in, China today.