8 minute read
DAVID WONG ☆ Folio.YVR ☆ Issue 26 July 2024 ☆ Luxury Lifestyle Magazine
David Wong, a seasoned marketer with over twelve years of experience, co-founded Oration Global with Carl Brodie, MA, CFP, in 2023. Together, they have built a venture that is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of services that stand out in the market, helping business owners grow, secure funding, and reduce costs in unique and effective ways.
Oration Global works with Canadian business owners of all sizes throughout the business lifecycle, from acquiring start-up capital to business growth to wealth preservation as they approach retirement.
Oration Global serves its clients through its portfolio companies, OnticGrowth, Oh Granted, and Stone Owl Family Office. The company is a community hub, taking pride in its specialized team and partnerships with Canadian vendors, positioning itself as an 'air traffic control' for business solutions, and actively engaging the community through events showcasing its work, clients, and partners.
"We are fostering the growth of the OG Consortium, a vibrant networking and mastermind community, because we believe in the power of collaboration and shared success," explains David.
The Journey Begins
David's entrepreneurial journey took flight in 2012 when he ventured into the world of freelance photography, with a keen focus on sporting events. His journey, marked by resilience and determination, is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship
In the early stages David faced a significant challenge. He hesitated to reinvest in his business, fearing losing the money if he did not set aside all profits This scarcity mindset initially hindered the business's growth. However, he overcame this fear and it eventually led to a transformative shift in perspective
David's journey took a turn when he broke free from thinking. He came to understand that money is not a stagnant resource but a dynamic force that fuels growth This shift in perspective was a game-changer.
It empowered David to reinvest profits strategically, leading to improved operations, expanded product lines, and advanced marketing efforts.
David fondly recalls the early days of his journey, where every small victory felt like a monumental achievement.
The first seamless order fulfillment, the first glowing testimonial from a satisfied client, and the first time his podcast entered the Top 100 list on Apple Podcasts were the sparks that ignited David's belief in his path. They were the tangible proof that his hard work and perseverance were paying off.
Launching the First of Many
In 2015, David launched his first real registered business, Ratchet Monkey Shop, an e-commerce store selling home and garden goods, and began freelancing as a digital marketer.
With his first marketing client secured via UpWork, he built the company and ultimately worked with industry giants like Grant Cardone, Frank Kern and notable clients including UBC, Shopify, Fairchild TV, and Modelo. These achievements are a testament to David's entrepreneurial prowess and ability to secure high-profile partnerships.
2018 was a pivotal year for David as he attended a podcast mastermind hosted by Jay Wong just one day after the death of a close family member.
He vividly remembers walking into the venue, knowing his life would change. He met Justin Tsui, who became his first mentor and introduced him to the Law of Attraction
Inspired, David launched his podcast, ' The Self Mastery Show,' documenting his journey toward becoming the best version of himself. The podcast quickly gained traction, becoming a 'New and Noteworthy' podcast and reaching the Top 100 list on Apple Podcast within the first week, alongside giants like Lewis Howes, Jay Shetty, and Tim Ferris.
In 2019, David co-founded a B2B marketing company that quickly grew to an international team of 15, servicing clients in Canada, the USA, Australia, Singapore, and Germany. The pandemic lockdowns worked in his favour as business professionals sought to replace in-person networking with LinkedIn, where the company was positioned as an expert.
Before selling in 2023, David gained valuable experience in operational management, people operations, and enterprise sales. The company had also ventured into government grants to help clients fund their investments.
Later that year, David became a co-founder and partner of Oration Global, and in the past year alone, have helped over 820 Canadian businesses access over $52 million in funding.
He focused on identifying and nurturing these high-impact partnerships to jumpstart their growth.
This involved investing time and resources into building strong relationships, understanding partner needs and goals, and finding ways to create win-win situations.
Then came the collaborations on joint ventures, co-hosted events, and cross-promoted services. By aligning efforts, they achieved exponential growth that would not have otherwise been possible
Additionally, David leveraged successes to attract more high-quality partners.
Sharing case studies, testimonials, and success stories helped demonstrate the value they could bring to potential partners. This credibility made it easier to form new alliances and expand their network.
A New Partnership
David met fiancee Emily Chow in high school, but their romance did not blossom until they studied together at the University of British Columbia.
"It didn't take me long to realize that she was going to be the person who would stand by my side through every challenge and triumph."
After seven years, he proposed while on vacation in Big Sur, California.
"Emily's drive, passion, and unwavering commitment to our shared goals made it clear that she was in it for the long haul, dedicated to building a future together and overcoming any obstacles that came our way."
As a young couple, David and Emily know they must work together to move forward professionally and personally.
"When people speak of work/life balance, I always counter with the idea of work- life integration. Yes, there is a balance to be made, but that is not to say that the two sides cannot coexist."
"At the beginning, I had the unrealistic expectation that I needed to separate work from my life outside of work, which made it harder because there were times when I just needed to work on something in the evening or on the weekends. Not tending to those work activities because I was trying to strike a balance just added more stress to other areas of my life."
"Another way to think about it is that your competitors will not wait for you, so what are you willing to do to stay ahead and relevant?"
"This is where you can put your personal opinion forward. This question is important because of the hustle you have exhibited in the past as a single man.
"Now, you will get married and must modify your work to find a balance. People are always curious about what this looks like for people they admire."
Guiding the Next Generation
David has started giving back by mentoring young entrepreneurs through organizations like Futurpreneurs and New Ventures BC. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, allowing him to share his knowledge and insights with the next generation of business leaders.
"When I meet new Futurepreneur members, I am always struck by their emerging talent and innovative ideas. I am noticing a shift towards abstract thinking and creative problem-solving, reflecting these individuals' quality, drive, and motivation Their passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities instills hope for a future where their collective efforts lead to groundbreaking advancements and positive change in our field."
New Ventures BC is a natural fit for David, who shares, "To be able to be a part of an organization that recognizes, encourages, and develops entrepreneurship regardless of age or background is very fulfilling and exciting. I know that so much talent is out there shaping the future of tech. I am grateful to be part of a community providing resources that were not as readily available during my early days."
Oration Global
From the beginning, Oration Global has presented a business model to help owners secure financing, grow businesses, and reduce costs. This unique approach follows a company's natural progression from start-up to maturity.
"Another aspect of our model is that our financing and cost-reduction services are 100% performance-based. Unlike others who charge a fee regardless of the outcome, Oration Global only makes money if our clients successfully secure funding or save money," says David.
"By the end of 2025, Oration Global aims to help Canadian business owners access over $200 million in grants and financing. This substantial injection of funds into the economy will empower businesses to innovate, expand, and thrive. We are committed to playing a pivotal role in the growth and success of Canadian enterprises, ensuring they have the resources they need to reach their full potential."
The vision for Oration Global and the OG Consortium to become a premiere business hub, creating a vibrant ecosystem where business owners come to grow and access a comprehensive range of services This hub will be a one- stop destination for financing, marketing, cost reduction, and strategic planning, all delivered by experts who are masters in their respective fields.
To learn more about David Wong "In His Words", click through to PORTFOLIO.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, Issue # 4.
