Meet John Kim | Project Manager, Business Owner, CEO, Board Chairman, Webmaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what matters most to you?
Integrity.

Integrity takes form in many shapes. It is incredibly difficult to go through life wondering if a person’s “yes” means “yes” and “no” means “no”. The need to preface a statement with “Honestly…” or “I promise…” is rather frustrating every time I hear it. I make every effort to be true to my word and I expect the same from others. I have been called “predictable” but I prefer to be referred to as “reliable” or “dependable”. The nuances between these words are miles apart.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My day job is being a Project Manager for a commercial construction company. Examples of past projects include, schools, medical facilities, financial institutions, parks, etc.

My wife and I also own a horticultural tool import/distribution business that specializes in bonsai equipment. We took over this company a little over a hear ago but it has been around for 40 years and is the most recognized brand in the United States within the hobby of bonsai.

All of my other time awake is spent running various social clubs and nonprofits. These interests include reptiles, carnivorous plants, aquariums, orchids, etc. I am also a Master Gardener in Orange County. In addition to various leadership roles in the aforementioned organizations, I am a “regular” member of at least 20 clubs across a plethora of interests.

I get asked all the time, “how do you do everything…” and my response is usually, “very little sleep.”
But, in all seriousness, I live by a philosophy I refer to as “vacation everyday.” I had noticed that even the laziest of people that I know, when they’re on vacation, they maximize their time and efforts in everything they do. They feel the value of the limited time they have to be in a unique place for a limited time and that motivates them to pack in as much as they can, often with a lot of efficiencies built in. They will plan ahead, wake up earlier than usual, travel greater distances, try new things, and be a little more generous than they normally would. My personal opinion is that my time at home is no less valuable than time spent in a foreign place. The minutes/hours are the same. I treat every day of my life as if I was on vacation. Plan ahead, make the most of every minute, enjoy the company you’re with, and be generous.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens
The Sherman Library & Gardens

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife, Michelle, is my best friend, partner in crime, boss, and the reason I get up every morning.

Website: joshuaroth.com; sccpe.org; tortoise.org; lbaos.org

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoCalCP; https://www.facebook.com/joshuarothlimited

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