As an entrepreneur Paul Smallwood is always looking to expand his business. So when the opportunity came to join the governor's trade mission in China, he was one of the first in line.
"I got very excited after the trip just recognizing the opportunities that are being provided in front of us."
Paul grew up in Vietnam, and after coming to the U.S. at age 14 he learned English, graduated from college, and eventually made his was to Maple Grove where he started FlowSense. "FlowSense is in the business of dealing with indoor air quality, outdoor air quality and water management," says Smallwood.
Paul says his company specializes in keeping air and water quality safe. He took on the concept after 9/11. And he thinks it's a concept that will take off in China, as that country continues to develop. "It's not going to be an overnight success and the whole point of me going over there was to explore. It's almost like Columbus trying to find his way to India and accidentally discovering America."
Paul learned that in order to have success in China, you have to be willing to build relationships over time something that FlowSense is willing to do. "I think that if you come back and revisit with me three years from now, I can almost tell you with certainty that we are going to have an office there."
Paul Smallwood says his company is also looking to expand in Vietnam in addition to China. He says he is considering learning Chinese in order to bridge the communication gap for future business.
