Meet Lyonel Tan - The Entrepreneur and drummer from Singapore
Turning a part-time into a full-time - Back in 2009, I was still a commercial banker. Godspeed Auto Accessories was my part-time business/passion selling mostly car accessories from only 1 brand. Due to politics, I left the banking industry in the midst of the financial crisis without a job. It probably wasn't a very smart thing to do then but it happened. I then had no choice but to focus on Godspeed which was the only thing that could feed me for the time being.
All the resumes I sent out had no response due to the crisis and I was practically living on my own savings and I had a car to maintain as well. Was I screwed? Maybe for a while but I decided to build up the brand I carried and the Godspeed name. Slowly, people got to know me and my reputation started to grow and expand. I worked with 1 or 2 workshops to get my items installed on my customer's car. In less than 6 months, I managed to see the profit and paid myself a small salary to get by. The business grew over the years and I managed to open my current workshop with a partner in 2014.
Since young, I've always loved anything on 4 wheels especially sports cars. I'd never see myself opening a garage and having a career in cars but I guess I believe God has a plan for each and everyone one of us.
2 greatest passion - I think I've been really blessed in this life to be able to indulge in 2 of my greatest passions and make a living - cars and music. I guess it doesn't matter if you're a business owner or an employee, we all have a choice to chase our own dreams/passions and make time for the things we love. I'm thankful to have an understanding wife and daughter.
They support me wholeheartedly when I gig outside and even come back late. I believe in today's stressful society, everyone needs an outlet and mine happens to be gigging. Playing just the 1st set will distract me from the worries I have and it has worked well for me for a long time. As i gig more and more, I get to meet and perform with different/new musicians.
Many a times, they will ask me to sub and to me, this is my reward. I only have gigs about 2-3 times a week so I do get to spend time with my family in the evenings and weekends.
I have strong values of my own that I live by.
Waking up early is truly an important aspect for me as I will feel I can accomplish so many more things in the morning and throughout the day. Punctuality is also a trait that I strongly live by to get things done and gain respect from others. I believe that everyone single one of us does need to adopt habits that make us a better person.
It can be shown through our actions, conversations with people, body language and even eye contact. These will in turn build character, personality and who knows, you might even get big opportunities because someone respected you for certain good habits that you have!
Wearing the hats of a business owner, father, husband and a musician is not an easy route to take. As a musician, I would love my daughter to be interested in music, which is why I've introduced gigging to her during this circuit breaker period by recording songs while she sings. She's also learning the piano and I'm trying my utmost best to keep her interested by making things interesting for her. I believe music has helped me in many ways and I know it will help her too. If she decides to make music her career, I will never stop her. Ultimately, we live in this world for a short period and it's really important to be happy with what we do with our lives. The normal route of study hard and having a good degree and get a good job doesn't apply in today's world anymore. 20-30 years ago maybe. Even my father has accepted this fact.
To be thankful - I'm not exactly very old but I've had my fair share of ups and downs in the past 40 years of my life.
Having said that, I've been extremely blessed with the things that have happened in this lifetime. As much as it's hard to do, during my downtimes, I try to think of 3 things that I can be thankful for. Because it's true that whatever your situation you are facing, there are always people having it worse than you. It's easy for me to say but when you do try this, you will find comfort and relief especially if you are on your own. There are always 3 things we can be thankful for.
If I had a chance to go back in time, I'd never take anyone for granted. During my younger days, there are countless hurtful things I've said to loved ones and those words can never be taken back. Remember our lives on this earth is only temporary. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind and how do you want people to remember you when you're gone.
Find out more about Lyonel Tan
GODSPEED AUTOTECHNIK