Interview with Chung-Lam Chan “Charlie” from Opaljade

INTERVIEW WITH

What is your current role & how long have you been in the market for?

“I run the business and I am a mentor for the future of Opaljade, teaching them the ways of running the business, to have a successful future. I’ve been in the market for 30 years.”

What brought you into the market?

“I believe that it is a good business to be in, no matter how good they are, how rich they are, they still must eat and that is the bottom line. It’s a business that always will be around but depends how you do it.”

What is your favourite thing about the market?

“Dealing with a lot of different people, they are very understanding and very good to us. Being in the market 30 years, we have met a lot of people, young and old. Getting compliments from the customers saying how good we are, is rewarding.”

What is the biggest challenge you face in the market?

“To make sure I am healthy and clear minded as I can, to come into the market day in and day out. Make sure we are doing the right thing by our customers and suppliers. Another thing is the market hours, it cuts into our social lives having to come to work at 1am. We’ve given up a little bit of family and social lives to be here. We must make the sacrifice to get the reward. You’ll only get the reward when you do a good job.”

Do you have anything in stock that is in season?

“Asian herbs such as, betel leaf and lime leaf are in season, but they are very short in supply because of the weather changes up north. It’s hard to guess and we haven’t seen the prices go up that much. We have to look after the grower and work with them to make sure they have a good living.”

What is your favourite fruit or vegetable?

“Anything delicious! I eat anything as long as it’s not spicy.”

In your opinion, what could be done better in the market for the future of your business?

“The Melbourne Market Authority must treat everyone equal, if they set a rule, everyone must have the same rule. There is no benefit to us if they come in just for money and leave. If they don’t do the right thing, the younger generation won’t want to come to work here. The new generation are prepared to work hard for their own future. You must do the right thing to have a good business.”