LaoAmericans

Vientiane Trading Co., Inc.
1931 Rockefeller Dr.
Ceres, CA 95307

John Vanhmachack’s parents started Vientiane Trading Co. in 1997 and they remain a family owned an operated distributorship specializing canned goods, drinks, packaged noodles and a whole range of other products products from Asia, and Southeast Asia in particular. Their customers include Lao, Hmong, and Cambodian business owners throughout the Western United States.

“I remember one day my parents bringing to me this little warehouse.” He was about 11 when his parents decided to open the business and since then he has had hands on training. He admits it was tough working work with his parents, but with perserverance the family moved to a larger location, bought more trucks and hired more employees. They have stayed competitive by continuing to put more of their products out in the market and have sucessfully promoted the business by using their own trucks as advertisement as well as advertising on local radio stations in Fresno and Sacramento.

When asked what sort of recommendations he has for young people who may be interested in getting into a similar industry, he warns: “Be prepared to work long hours. Like what my Dad says ‘I work 24 hours 8 days a week.'” John was born in the U.S., but his parents immigrated here in 1982. His father is from Naxxaythong and his mother is from Paxxan. The family recently traveld to Laos in December 2008, but do not have plans to do formal business in Laos (yet).

Their range of products include the logo brands Maena, Heart and The Finest. Look out for them at your local store!