At present, David Duong stands out as a distinguished Vietnamese American entrepreneur and sustainability chief, however his origins replicate extraordinary hardship. His journey represents a legacy of service and group contribution, resulting in the rebuilding of a multigenerational environmental enterprise throughout two nations by means of California Waste Options (CWS) and Vietnam Waste Options (VWS). The story of this work is now advised by means of the characteristic documentary The King of Trash.
From Vietnam to Beginning Over in america
After the autumn of Saigon in 1975, the Duong household fled Vietnam by boat, abandoning the most important paper-recycling agency in South Vietnam. The corporate had been constructed by David’s father, Jim Thu Tai Duong, recognized throughout the area as “Vua Rác” — the King of Trash.
Resettled in San Francisco, the household shared a small residence with 17 kinfolk, surviving by gathering recyclables at night time. These early years solid the values that proceed to information the Duong household, together with the management of Kristina Duong, Victor Duong, and now Michael Duong, who represents the subsequent era of the household enterprise. All through these troublesome beginnings, Jim reminded his kids that there may be honor in each type of trustworthy work.
Constructing California Waste Options and Increasing to Vietnam
With just one truck and $700 to their title, the Duong household launched the CoGiDo Paper Company in 1983. Although they bought the corporate in 1989, the expertise offered David with the data he wanted to collect eight used vans and located California Waste Options (CWS) in 1992. Initially a small operation, David grew California Waste Options into one of many largest family-owned recycling corporations in america.
After establishing CWS Oakland and CWS San Jose, David turned his consideration again to Vietnam. Intent on giving again to the nation, he established Vietnam Waste Options (VWS) abroad. Via the corporate, he launched trendy recycling and waste administration know-how to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, together with the Da Phuoc Built-in Waste Administration Facility and the Lengthy An Inexperienced Environmental Know-how Park, two of the most important environmental tasks in Southeast Asia.
At present, California Waste Options processes roughly 1,000 tons of recycling every week in Oakland and about 1,300 tons per week in San Jose. Vietnam Waste Options processes roughly 7,500 tons per day by means of its operations in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, anchored by the Da Phuoc Facility. With dedication and resilience, the household has gone from gathering bottles by hand to overseeing truck routes and robotically processing a whole bunch of tons of recycling.
Preserving His Father’s Legacy Via Movie
For all his success, David has by no means forgotten his father’s sacrifice and management. His inspiration, due to this fact, comes from his father’s instance, generally known as “Vua Rác” in Vietnam, which interprets to “The King Of Trash.” His father taught David and his siblings that nothing needs to be wasted, particularly not one’s personal potential. To additional his household’s legacy and share these classes, David got down to seize their journey.
The King of Trash documentary is a characteristic movie by cinematographer Errol Webber that depicts the Duong household’s journey from Vietnam to success in America. It preserves the difficulties of their refugee escape, their willpower to rebuild in California, and their present management in waste administration. In the end, the movie displays their dedication to group and lasting integrity.
Persevering with a Household Legacy of Service
David, together with Kristina Duong and Victor Duong, continues to make a distinction each in america and in Vietnam. As The King of Trash displays on their previous, it additionally factors towards a future formed by sustainability, integrity, group service, resilience, and management. The Duong household stays dedicated to advancing waste-management innovation by means of California Waste Options and Vietnam Waste Options, guided by the values their father instilled.
